August may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the fun is over at Put-in-Bay. In fact, late summer and early fall are some of the best times to plan your trip. The island has fewer crowds, the weather is still beautiful, and there are plenty of chances to make lasting memories with family and friends.
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We’ve already been once this year (last week, in fact, read our review), but we couldn’t resist going back again. And you know what? It was just as magical the second time around.
Ferry Ride to Fun: Your Gateway to the Island
Our adventure started with scenic Lake Erie views aboard Miller Ferry.
The ferry takes just about 18 minutes, but it’s part of the experience — feeling the breeze, watching the shoreline disappear, and getting excited for the day ahead.We usually stand below on the deck so we can feel the spray of the water but there is plenty of seating up on the upper deck with amazing views as well.
The Miller Ferry is the most convenient and affordable way to get to the island, with frequent departures and easy parking.
👉 Plan your trip here: Miller Ferry – Put-in-Bay
Golf Cart Adventures: The Best Way to Explore Put-in-Bay
Once we arrived, we picked up our golf cart from E’s Golf Cart Rentals located just steps from where Miller Ferry drops you off. Honestly, renting a golf cart is essential for enjoying Put-in-Bay.
The island is small, but walking everywhere would take up too much of your day. A golf cart lets you zip around to attractions, grab lunch, or just cruise for the views. It’s one of our favorite activities at Put-in-Bay.
This time, we had my son’s girlfriend with us on her very first trip to the island. It was so fun seeing Put-in-Bay through her eyes — everything felt fresh and exciting again.
It’s also a time for me to get one-on-one time with my niece and nephews. Some of my kids’ favorite memories of family like their aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins are when we were at Put-in-Bay having fun together.
From Perry’s Monument towering in the distance to the charming shops and lakeside views, driving around the island is always so much fun. Every trip to the island feels a little different depending on who you’re with and so much fun.
👉 Book your cart here: E’s Golf Cart Rentals – Put-in-Bay
Island Fun with Friends and Family
On this trip, my sister and her kids joined us. Traveling as a group is always a blast — everyone gets to do a little bit of what they enjoy most, whether it’s sightseeing, riding the carousel, cave touring, shopping, or just relaxing. We weren’t able to make it a full family trip this time, as my parents couldn’t come and my brother’s family had to miss out. Sometimes schedules don’t line up perfectly, but my advice is: just go anyway. You’ll be glad you did, and you’ll have stories to share when the whole crew gets together next time.
One of the highlights of this visit was going kayaking with Kayak the Bay.
Gliding across the water gave us a whole new perspective of the island. From the calm shoreline to the open lake, it was peaceful, adventurous, and a great way to soak in the natural beauty of Put-in-Bay.
This is an activity I’d recommend for anyone looking to add something active and memorable to their day. It’s great for kids too, as you can see in this review of Kayak the Bay with my kids when they were 7 and 9.
👉 Book your kayak rental here: Kayak the Bay
On this trip we discovered something completely new to us — the Massie Cliffside Preserve.
In all our 15 years of visiting Put-in-Bay annually, we had never even noticed the sign for this trail until now. It just goes to show that no matter how many times you visit, there is always something fresh to explore on the island.
The short walk rewarded us with peaceful cliffside views of Lake Erie, quiet trails, and a sense of discovery that made this visit feel extra special.
One of the highlights of our day was visiting Perry’s Cave, which turned out to be the very first time my son’s girlfriend had ever been inside a cave, what a treat to explore Perry’s Cave as a first!
This large limestone cave sits 52 feet below the surface and stretches over 200 feet long, complete with stalactites, stalagmites, and even an underground lake. The cool air and fascinating rock formations made it a real treat to explore.
What made the experience even better was our tour guide, who kept us laughing the entire time with jokes and fun stories while still sharing the cave’s unique history. It was a perfect mix of adventure and entertainment — the kind of memory you don’t forget.
Find full reviews from previous visits here.
No trip to Put-in-Bay is complete without stopping at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Rising 352 feet above Lake Erie, it’s the world’s tallest Doric column and a striking tribute to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s victory in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. From the observation deck, you can see breathtaking views of the Lake Erie Islands, Canada, and Ohio’s shoreline on a clear day.
It’s both educational and awe-inspiring, offering a chance to reflect on history while soaking in some of the best scenery in the region. This was a favorite stop for our group, and one we always recommend to first-time visitors.
Find full details of Perry’s monument reviews here.
Food & Dining: Island Eats You’ll Crave Again
Of course, no day at Put-in-Bay is complete without delicious food. We love sitting down together for lunch or dinner — whether it’s casual eats by the water or a local favorite.
Sharing a meal with family and friends makes the day that much more memorable. Our Put-in-Bay go-to restaurants are The Boardwalk for their lobster rolls and lobster bisque (as well as family favorites like burgers, salads, and chicken). Another favorite is The Keys for their family-friendly menu and a Caribbean vibe.
Why Late Summer and Fall Are Ideal
Even if you’ve already gone this year, late August and fall are a fantastic time to visit:
Cooler weather, perfect for walking or carting around.
Lighter crowds compared to peak summer.
Unique fall island vibes with changing leaves and crisp lake air.
So if you’ve been thinking about it, stop waiting — plan that last-minute getaway to Put-in-Bay now. Start with your Miller Ferry tickets and E’s Golf Cart rentals, everything else will fall into place.
