Should you take your car to Put-in-Bay?
However, we suggest leaving your car on the mainland unless you must take a car over. Parking on Put-in-Bay is very limited for cars and other larger vehicles. If you are worried about parking on the mainland you are wasting your own time because the Miller Ferry company offers FREE PARKING!
| Adult | $8.50 |
|---|---|
| Child (under 6yrs.) | Free |
| Bicycle | $2.50 |
| Vehicle – Guidelines | $20.00 |
| Motorcycle – Guidelines | $16.00 |
Situated in the middle of Lake Erie, this quaint village boasts great restaurants, hotels, wineries, and festivals. It's a beautiful setting in which to get active on the water or relax with breathtaking lake views. It is not possible to drive directly to Put-in-Bay, which is only accessible by boat.
There are many things to do for kids during the week and great entertainment on weekends. Great food, fun activities, and unique lodging choices make the island a great choice for a local staycation. Discover your ideal home away from home on Put-in-Bay Ohio, the gem of the Lake Erie Islands.
There is a defined tourist season that usually runs from April 1st through October 31st. The most popular times to visit Put-in-Bay are June through August when many families allot their vacation time. But it is best to pre-plan your trip months in advance and secure your Put-in-Bay lodging before it all fills up.
The Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay is the primary method of transporting freight to and from the island and the only way to bring a car to Put-in-Bay. Bringing a car is NOT RECOMMENDED as parking is extremely limited or non-existent in town and you would end up just taking your car to the ferry parking lot at Put-in-Bay.
The ride to Put-in-Bay takes 18 minutes. Meanwhile, the ride to Middle Bass Island is roughly 40 minutes long. Check the Miller Ferry schedule on their website when coordinating your trip to the Lake Erie Islands.
No, open containers of alcohol on the streets are prohibited on the island. Same rules and laws apply on the island as do on the mainland. Put-in-Bay is not different from any other city in Ohio in terms of laws. This also applies to Put-in-Bay golf carts.
There is no Uber, Lyft or other rideshare service available at Put-in-Bay. Put-in-Bay taxis are the only option for on-demand transportation at Put-in-Bay.
Each hotel at Put-in-Bay offers a unique experience. The best hotels at Put-in-Bay are located in town, where you can walk to everything. The Put-in-Bay Resort is the island's largest, newest and most popular. They are well known for their swim-up bar, hot tub, and golf cart rentals.
Can you bring alcohol to Put-in-Bay?
Can you bring alcohol to Put in Bay? Alcohol can be brought to the island on both the Miller Ferry and Jet Express Ferry Boats to the Lake Erie Islands. However, passengers are prohibited from consuming this alcohol while aboard.
Drinking Water – Our water comes from the Village of Put-in-Bay city water system and is perfectly fine to drink. The fresh water supply on South Bass is not plentiful, so please do your best to conserve it.
Put-in-Bay was becoming known for its delicious grapes and excellent wines. It was also a place where the vacationist, via the steamboat, could “get away from it all” for a few hours. The population grew as farmers came to the island to plant vineyards and as others became involved in the resort business.
For comparison, the hottest month in Put in Bay, July, has days with highs of 82°F (28°C) and lows of 69°F (20°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 32°F (0°C) and lows of 22°F (-6°C).
The quickest way to get from Downtown Cleveland to Put-in-Bay is to drive and car ferry which costs $30 - $40 and takes 1h 46m.
How many bars are there on Put-in-Bay? There are over 25 bars on the island! This includes the two wineries, the iconic Joe's Bar, Mr. Ed's, Frosty Bar, and more!
If you are a US citizen, a passport is not needed since Put-in-Bay is in the United States of America. However, all of the Put-in-Bay bars require an approved form of government ID in order to enter (drivers licenses and military IDs are acceptable).
REVERSE bay parking can be difficult for learners and experienced drivers alike. However, all drivers will have to learn this skill at some point so here is a step-by-step guide on how to be confident when reverse bay parking.
From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., it is prohibited for persons to stay inside automobiles, and offenders may be fined $1,000 or imprisoned for six months. This is why it is very important to check for signs in the surrounding area that you plan on sleeping in your car and doing the research ahead of time if you can.
If you miss your boat you do not have to buy another ticket, you can simply bring your old ticket to the ticket booth and ask them to change your ticket to a new time. In other words, there is no need to panic if you miss your ferry. For future reference, be sure to check their schedule on the Jet Express website.
How often does the ferry run to Put-in-Bay?
Throughout the season, there are many great Put-In-Bay Events and Festivals. Fortunately, the Miller Ferry is ready to be your link to the Lake Erie Islands. At peak times the ferry boat is running every half hour. So, guests have ample opportunity to come and go as they please.
The Jet Express offers a ferry service that departs from Sandusky and arrives at Put-in-Bay. Round trip tickets are $40 for adults, $15 for youth, $6 for children. Anyone aged 5 & under ride for free and there is an additional $10 fare if you wish to bring your bicycle.
The most popular island destination in Lake Erie, Put-in-Bay offers a wide variety of bars & nightlife. There are also many dining and restaurant choices, such as Casual Dining.
An open container charge is a minor misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $150 fine. However, it's important to note that a charge of alleged beer or intoxicating liquor consumption may lead to larger open container fines as well as the potential for imprisonment.
All golf carts on Put-in-Bay are considered to be licensed motor vehicles. It is very important that riders and passengers obey all traffic laws. The Put-in-Bay Police Department strictly prohibits drinking and driving. Every year, the Put-in-Bay Police Department issues dozens of DUIs to golf cart drivers.
Absolutely! Put-in-Bay is a great vacation spot for all ages. There are so many great activities that families can enjoy together such as the Aquatic Visitors Center, The Butterfly House, Perry's Victory Monument, The Put-in-Bay Tour Train, and so much more! There are so many kid-friendly activities to choose from.
First things first, Put-in-Bay is a village located on South Bass Island who's population is just under 150 people. That is one of the first Things You May Not Know About Put-in-Bay. The majority of those 150 people are full-time residents who remain on the island year-round. Yes, that includes the winter!
Located only 3 miles from mainland Ohio, South Bass Island—also called Put-in-Bay Island—is easily reached by aircraft, charter boat, and the ever-popular South Bass Island Ferry, departing from northern Catawba.
What's the going rate for drinks at the bars and pool bars on Put In Bay? Figure on about $6 - $8 for a tall boy beer can. Some bars may have bucket specials (literal buckets filled with beer at the Round House) or specialty drinks - but that's a pretty good average.
Furthermore, smoking is prohibited in Put-in-Bay bars. If you find yourself downtown and want to smoke, we recommend taking a short walk to Derivera Park. This outdoor area provides a designated space where smoking is permitted.
What time does the last ferry leave to Put-in-Bay?
Day trippers to Put-in-Bay often want to enjoy its famous nightlife. The Jet Express is the only ferry that offers late-night service. The last ferry leaves at 12 am. Daytime service resumes at various times depending on the point of departure.
South Bass Island itself is 3.5 miles long by 1.5 miles (5.6 km by 2.4 km) wide and is shaped like a pudding bag, the name of which is commonly believed to have been corrupted to the village's place-name, Put-in-Bay. The island is known for its caves, wineries, and fish hatcheries.
The Bay Area's drinking water generally has low levels of PFAS because large water systems in the region get most of their drinking water from pristine sources in the Sierra or local reservoirs in regional parks, according to researchers who study toxic chemicals in drinking water.
Our water system is fortunate to have some of the best water in the U.S. Our major water source is the well-protected Tuolumne Watershed, where spring snowmelt flows down the Tuolumne River to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
He can also probe the depths of the caves, sip locally produced wine or grape juice, bicycle around the island, or enjoy a Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Rental to tour the island. You can see the Detriot Skyline, Canada, and Toledo on a clear day.
The island is now owned by the State of Ohio, with plans for Ohio's newest state park. Along the lovely shores of South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay), five luxury hotels were built by 1888. One of the hotels, The Hotel Victory is referred to as a symbol of the peak of the lavish 1890's.
Learn About Put-in-Bay History
The theory conveys that the unique name most likely originated from the sailors who would seek refuge on the bay, as it provides safe dockage. It is said when it was too rough to sail-they would “put in the bay”. Put-in-Bay offered help to many newcomers.
After many years of a fun-filled holiday enjoyed by thousands, the Put-in-Bay Christmas In July celebration has been canceled due to unruly crowds. Over the last few years have resulted in busloads coming from Detriot and overwhelming law enforcement and community assets.
The bay counties surrounding SF get very warm in summer, often really hot, and see sunny skies every day, while San Francisco sits in its cool, foggy spot all summer. But even within San Francisco there are noticeable differences in temperature and sun.
The warm season lasts for 4.0 months, from May 23 to September 21, with an average daily high temperature above 75°F. The hottest month of the year in Columbus is July, with an average high of 84°F and low of 66°F.
Where does Miller Ferry drop off in Put-in-Bay?
Where does the Miller Ferry drop off? Miller Ferry drops off at the Put-in-Bay Lime Kiln Dock, which is two miles from downtown. If you travel without a vehicle you can rent a golf cart, take the bus, take a taxi, rent a bicycle or walk.
The Jet Express offers passenger-only service between Sandusky, Ohio, Kelleys Island, Put-In-Bay, and Cedar Point amusem*nt park. The service runs daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with weekend service in September.
Put-in-Bay Ferry Boat Line Transportation
Along the way, take in views of other Lake Erie Islands. The Jet transports passengers only, and the Miller allows both vehicles AND passengers. Getting here on the boat ride is just part of the fun! We also have fun taxi rides and leisurely golf cart rentals.
Can I walk from bar to bar with a drink in Put-in-Bay? NO! As anywhere in Ohio, we have an open container law. No alcoholic beverages may leave a liquor permit establishment.
There are a few options to consider when reserving a Put-in-Bay campground. You can reserve a “tent only” site, an electric campsite, or a non-electric campsite. These three options are all around $30 per night plus a park fee of $6.50.
The unofficial report for number of golf carts on the island is over 800, with most of them being rentals. There are multiple sizes to choose from depending on your personal or group transportation needs. Island Club Golf Carts offer guests staying at the Put-in-Bay Condos and...
The Jet Express offers a ferry service that departs from Sandusky and arrives at Put-in-Bay. Round trip tickets are $40 for adults, $15 for youth, $6 for children. Anyone aged 5 & under ride for free and there is an additional $10 fare if you wish to bring your bicycle.
The average price of a 7-day trip to Put-in-Bay is $1,952 for a solo traveler, $3,506 for a couple, and $6,572 for a family of 4. Put-in-Bay hotels range from $71 to $324 per night with an average of $112, while most vacation rentals will cost $300 to $600 per night for the entire home.
Put-in-Bay, Ohio, located on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, boasts incredible waterfront dining, family-friendly attractions, and can't-miss events. While you can fly or take your own watercraft to Put-in-Bay, the island is most easily accessible by ferry boat.
Put-in-Bay is known for its nightlife, historical sites, and outdoor activities like fishing and boating. Kelleys Island, on the other hand, is more focused on nature and outdoor recreation, with attractions like hiking trails, beaches, and bird-watching sites.
Is there a bathroom on the Jet Express?
Restrooms are also available on all of our boats. Is the Jet Express handicap accessible? Yes, the Jet Express is completely handicap accessible. Please let us know if any special assistance is needed when planning your trip.
Can you bring your own golf cart to Put-in-Bay? Yes, guests who already own their own golf cart can bring it over to Put-in-bay with the Miller Ferry. Golf carts on Put-in-Bay are considered licensed motor vehicles and must have the proper registration with the State of Ohio.
Both ferry docks are serviced by Put-in-Bay Taxis that will help get you from the dock to your house, hotel, condo, or resort quickly and safely. Taxi rides on the island are generally $3 per person to go from dock to lodging, and the same when it is time to return to the ferry at the end of your vacation.
Attractions At Put-in-Bay Ohio
For history buffs, the island is loaded with historical sites, museums & the famous Perry's International Peace Memorial. The 352-foot tall Doric column is the 3rd tallest in the world!
The Miller Ferry runs every day, every half hour, rain or shine, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Their schedule is regulated by PUCO so you can be sure of the schedule times unless there is a serious weather event.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Plan your journey to the port: Passengers must check in at least 60 minutes before departure . If you are checking in with a pet, you must arrive at least 90 minutes before departure.
