There are some places you go just once, and then there are places you return to again and again because they’re simply that special. For me, Put-in-Bay is one of those places. Whether your kids are little, teenagers, or young adults, it’s the perfect destination to slow down, laugh together, and create memories that you’ll treasure forever.
This year, with both kids heading back to college, I wanted one more summer trip before the rush of classes, roommates, and campus life. My husband couldn’t make it due to work, but I wasn’t going to miss this chance. We invited my daughter’s boyfriend—who had never been to Put-in-Bay—and it was such a joy to watch him experience it for the first time.
Starting the Day with Miller Ferry
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For us, the day always begins and ends with Miller Ferry. It’s not just transportation—it’s part of the adventure. Parking in Port Clinton is so easy, with both free and paid options just steps from the dock. Ferries run often (every half hour or hour), so you never feel rushed.
You can bring bikes or even your car aboard, but we usually ride as foot passengers. We like to stand on the lower deck with the cars, where you’re close to the water and might even catch a splash or two. There is plenty of seated areas on the second level with amazing views too. It’s exciting, it’s quick—just 20 minutes—and before you know it, you’re stepping off into island life.
Check out all our Miller Ferry adventures here.
Getting Around with E’s Golf Carts
Once we arrive, our first stop is always E’s Golf Carts. Located right at the top of the hill and to the right, they make it so easy.
The staff is friendly, helpful, and quick, and they always get us in a cart in no time—even if there’s a line. Reservations online guarantee you’ll have one waiting, but honestly, they run so smoothly you’re never left standing around.
There’s nothing like riding around Put-in-Bay with the wind in your hair, pointing out the lake, cabins, and beautiful homes. A golf cart really is one of the best parts of a Put-in-Bay adventure—it turns getting around into a memory itself.
Check out all our experiences on E’s Golf Carts here.
Perry’s International Peace Monument
Our next stop was Perry’s International Peace Monument.
It’s always a must-do for us, but this time it was extra fun to share it with someone seeing it for the first time. The monument towers 352 feet above the island, and the view from the top is breathtaking. You can see for miles across Lake Erie—even spotting islands that belong to Canada! We snapped photos from every angle, capturing the kind of shots that remind you how beautiful this region really is.
Find out more specifically about the monument here.
Lunch with a View
We grabbed lunch at The Boardwalk, a family favorite. From fresh fish sandwiches to their famous lobster bisque, you can’t go wrong. My son had to head back for college right after lunch, so he caught the ferry home while the rest of us set off for more exploring.
An Afternoon of Exploring and Swimming
The three of us spent the afternoon sharing family stories and memories while showing off the island’s hidden gems. At the Put-in-Bay State Park, they swam in the lake—something we always love to do when the weather’s warm. There’s something about wading into the cool waters of Lake Erie that makes you feel like a kid again.
This is where the giant Put-in-Bay photo opp sign is too!
Exploring Heineman’s Winery and Crystal Cave
No trip is complete without a stop at Heineman’s Winery and Crystal Cave. This was my daughter’s boyfriend’s first geode cave experience, and what a place to start! The Crystal Cave is the world’s largest geode, lined with glittering celestine crystals. It’s both awe-inspiring and fun, and stepping into the cool cave feels like entering a secret world.
After our tour, we enjoyed a bottle of Heineman’s grape juice made right there from island grapes. Sweet, refreshing, and the perfect ending to a day packed with adventure.
Check out all our reviews on the Crystal Cave here.
Perry’s Cave Family Fun
Another fun stop for us is Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center. There’s so much to do all in one spot that we usually pick one or two favorites each year to enjoy. This time we visited the Butterfly House, a gorgeous walk-through garden filled with hundreds of colorful butterflies fluttering all around—such a magical and peaceful experience (and perfect for photos!).
Other activities at the Fun Center include mini golf, gemstone mining, a rock climbing wall, a maze, and even tours of Perry’s Cave itself. It’s the kind of place where families with kids of any age—or even groups of adults—can find something fun to do together.
Check out all of our Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center adventures of the years here.
Why Put-in-Bay Is the Perfect Family Escape
As the day wound down, I found myself holding onto every laugh, every snapshot, every inside joke. With kids going to college, these moments are rare and priceless.
That’s what I love most about Put-in-Bay—it pulls you away from phones and distractions and lets you be fully present. Whether your kids are small or grown, whether you’re traveling with family or friends, it’s a place that reminds you what really matters: connection. There is so much to do and see at Put-in-Bay that every trip is special. Don’t let people say it’s not for families, it 100% is. If you are worried about the drinking, I suggest going during the week or just avoid eating at restaurants with bars in the evening. We’ve never had a problem with this over the 15 years that we’ve visited Put-in-Bay.
Coordinate your departure with the sunset on Miller Ferry. You won’t regret it! It’s gorgeous to see the sunset on Lake Erie will on the ferry!
Don’t Wait—Go This Fall!
If you’ve got kids heading off to school, or if you’re just craving a break, I can’t recommend a quick trip to Put-in-Bay enough. September and October are beautiful times to visit. The crowds thin, the air is crisp, and the island is even more peaceful.
Don’t put it off—set a date, catch the Miller Ferry, and go make memories that will last a lifetime.
