Okay, Lake Erie completely caught me off guard. From screaming my lungs out on Cedar Point’s roller coasters to living my best island life in Put in Bay (yes, Ohio has islands!), this Great Lake showed me a whole new side of the Midwest. Who knew you could find beaches this pretty without flying to Florida?
What I love most is how underrated it is. You’ve got crystal-clear spots for kayaking, beach towns with charm for days, and a whole summer scene that feels more coastal than Midwestern. It’s fun, laid-back, and full of hidden gems. Now, I’ll hand you off to my friend and local guide, David Wahr, who will show you what makes Lake Erie so special.
Lake Erie Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go
If you’ve never been to Lake Erie, I’ll be the first to say, it’s probably not what you’re expecting. As someone who lives nearby and visits often, I’ve learned a few key things that can make your trip way more fun (and a lot smoother to plan).
If you’re flying, your best bet is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). It’s about an hour’s drive from most of the main lake destinations. You can also fly into Detroit (DTW) or Toledo (TOL) if you’re road-tripping from the west side. Driving in? Lake Erie is super accessible from most major Midwest cities…under 4 hours from Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Columbus.
Where to Base Yourself: Lake Erie stretches across multiple states, but some of the best experiences are on the Ohio shoreline. I recommend staying in or near Sandusky if you’re planning to hit Cedar Point, or in Port Clinton or Catawba Island if you want easy access to the ferries for Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island. Huron, Vermilion, and Geneva-on-the-Lake are also great for beach days and small-town vibes.
Wondering about the best time to visit? Hands down, late May through early September is prime time. That’s when the lake is alive…ferries are running, beach bars are open, and the islands are buzzing. Early fall is also gorgeous and way less crowded (plus, wineries and sunsets are next-level). Just be aware that some island attractions shut down after September. For a classic Lake Erie getaway, give yourself 3–4 days. That’s enough to hit Cedar Point, spend a day island-hopping, and still have time for beach walks and sunset drinks. If you’re slowing down and soaking it in, a week flies by fast.
Guest Post by David P. Wahr from davidpwahr.com
Best Things to Do on Lake Erie at a Glance
Looking for the best things to do in Lake Erie? Drive along the scenic Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail, explore the charm of the Lake Erie Islands, and spot incredible wildlife at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. Discover the natural beauty of Kelleys Island, experience the thrills at Cedar Point Amusement Park, and enjoy the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and outdoor fun. Whether you’re into nature, history, or exciting attractions, these top destinations make Lake Erie a must-visit getaway.
- Best Scenic Drive: Take the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail for stunning views of the lake and charming small towns.
- Top Beach Spot: Relax at Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania, home to sandy beaches and nature trails.
- Best for Boating: Sail or boat around the Lake Erie Islands, especially Put-in-Bay for a fun day trip.
- Best for Fishing: Cast your line for walleye, perch, and bass, as Lake Erie is known for world-class fishing.
- Top Historic Site: Visit Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial on South Bass Island, honoring the War of 1812.
- Best Wildlife Experience: Explore the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, ideal for birdwatching, especially during migration season.
- Best Island Adventure: Take the ferry to Kelleys Island for kayaking, hiking, and exploring the island’s glacial grooves.
- Top Family Fun: Visit Cedar Point Amusement Park, the roller coaster capital of the world, located near Sandusky.
- Best Water Sport: Enjoy windsurfing or paddleboarding at Headlands Beach State Park, the largest natural beach in Ohio.
- Best for Wine Lovers: Tour the Lake Erie Wine Country along the coast, sampling local wines at picturesque vineyards.
Bird Watching
Less than fifty years ago, wildlife along Lake Erie was mostly endangered due to industrial pollutants. Today, Lake Erie’s shores thrive with all sorts of wildlife and especially birds. If you are a birder, you can likely add a few rare species to your life list along the flyways of Lake Erie, including Cape May warblers, ruby-crowned kinglets, gnatcatchers, warbling vireos, and more. The beginning of May is a great time to see them in the marshes and meadows around Lake Erie.
Top places for birding on Lake Erie (Lake Erie Birding Trail)
Stretching from the Detroit River down along the western shore of Lake Erie is the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Established in 2001 this refuge is the only established international wildlife refuge in North America with units both in Michigan and Ontario. Currently, the refuge has several units with trails, boardwalks, visitor centers and overlooks. It encompasses 6,000 acres and includes the last undeveloped mile of shoreline on the U.S. mainland of the Detroit River.
Other great places for birding include Michigan’s Sterling State Park in Monroe, Michigan. This is Michigan’s only state park on Lake Erie and in addition to trails and birding there is a boat launch, campground, playgrounds, and a sandy beach. On a clear day you can see all the way from Ontario, Canada to Ohio.
Speaking of Ohio, just east of Toledo is the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and the Black Swamp Bird Observatory in the Magee Swamp. Both sites are acclaimed for their world-class birding opportunities and Northwest Ohio is considered the Warbler Capital of the world!
Do you want to get out and see wildlife and other sights of Lake Erie and the Detroit River? I suggest one of the Summer Discovery Cruises offered by Michigan Sea Grant. Not only can you learn more about the ecology, history, and culture of the area on one of these cruises, but you’ll also experience being part of one of the busiest seaways in North America.
Learn about the history of the Great Lakes through unique artifacts
If you want to see a Great Lakes freighter up close, visit Toledo’s National Museum of the Great Lakes. Here you’ll learn all about the history and geography of the Great Lakes and be able to go on board the 617-foot iron ore freighter Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the historic Museum Tug Ohio.
One of the best things to do at Lake Erie: Visit War of 1812 Battle Sites
Did you know that many of the most significant battles during the War of 1812 occurred around Lake Erie? Before “remember the Alamo,” Americans were shouting “remember the Raisin!” one of the bloodiest events of the War of 1812. The battle and massacre that occurred along the banks of the River Raisin, so named because of the wild grapes that the earliest French settlers found along its banks, in what is now Monroe, Michigan.
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The River Raisin National Battlefield commemorates and explains this battle and the culture of both the Native Americans and the French Settlers who lived along the banks of the Raisin and the shores of Lake Erie. This park was established as a National Battlefield in 2009 and is still being developed. In its current form, you can see everything in an hour or two, including the battlefield itself.
Learn about General Custer and his legacy
Monroe is also the childhood home of one of America’s most famous, or perhaps infamous, military leaders – General George Armstrong Custer. There is a statue of him downtown across from one of the oldest Catholic churches in Michigan, St. Mary’s. There is an excellent exhibit on his life at the Monroe County Historical Museum. The Museum also has exhibits further upstream on the Raisin at the Territorial Park along North Custer Road. Here you can see the historic Paper Mill School and the Navarre-Anderson Trading Post Complex.
Many of Custer’s relatives are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery not far from downtown. Established in 1810, the cemetery is one of the oldest in Michigan. It is filled with interesting and unique tombstones and memorials to the area’s earliest residents.
Tour other historic sites by Lake Erie
Other historic sites in the region include Fort Meigs in Maumee, Ohio (just south of Toledo), which features a nearly fully restored fort, museum, and commanding views of the Maumee River. Nearby, across the river, is the Fallen Timbers Battlefield. Sometimes called “the last battle of the American Revolution” the battlefield park has memorials to General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, Native Americans and other participants in this 1794 battle.
Further east along either the Ohio Turnpike or US Route 2 you come to Port Clinton which has ferry access to the Lake Erie Islands. These islands are popular summer resort areas with plenty to see and do.
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Monument on Put-in-Bay, arguably the most popular of the Lake Erie islands, is a must-see. This 312 foot tall monument marks Oliver Hazard Perry’s decisive victory during the War of 1812. From the top, weather permitting, you will find a commanding view of the western basin of Lake Erie.
Other cool things to do by Lake Erie that are off the beaten path
In addition, Put-in-Bay is home to Perry’s Cave and the world’s largest geode in Crystal Cave. You’ll also find a winery and many restaurants and bars. If you only have an afternoon on the island, consider renting a golf cart so you can get to most of these sights before sundown.
For true Admiral Perry buffs, you will want to make the trip out to Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania where there is a smaller monument (101 feet), lighthouse and other points of interest. It’s also the site that Perry used to construct 6 of the 9 ships of his fleet.
There are many other sights to see and things to do along America’s North Coast on Lake Erie, including a variety of lighthouses, unique bridges, and the “World’s Largest Easter Basket” in Newark, OH. Though in reality it may not be the “World’s Largest” it certainly is the biggest Easter Basket along Lake Erie!
Whether you have an afternoon or a few days, you can find plenty of things to do on Lake Erie!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dave Wahr is a higher ed auxiliary services professional by day and a writer, thespian, and fitness wannabe by night. He also enjoys travel and believes that you can’t truly understand the world unless you go out and see it. You can follow his blog, Dave’s World at www.davidpwahr.com and on Instagram @davewahr.
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