Put-in-Bay Primer

A Quick Introduction to Lake Erie’s Put-in-Bay/South Bass Island

South Bass Island is one of a cluster of Ohio islands located in the western portion of Lake Erie. Other islands in this area include North Bass, Middle Bass, and Kelleys islands, although South Bass Island is arguably the most popular tourist destination due to it being home to the bustling summertime village of Put-in-Bay.

Put-in-Bay—or PIB, as you will often find it abbreviated—is the village located on South Bass Island as well as the name of the township, but you will hear people using the names interchangeably, and the local tourism bureaus generally don’t make a distinction. Most locals just say they are going to Put-in-Bay or PIB.

Put-in-Bay is technically “open” all year round, but tourists will find it much more difficult to get to the islands during the winter, and they probably won’t find much to occupy their time once they get there. Locals hunker down and hibernate for the most part during the winter. Plenty of attractions and amenities there are seasonal, and the only way to get on and off the island when the ferries stop running during the winter months is via air taxi. Over the winter, Put-in-Bay is home to less than a few hundred full-time residents, but during its tourist season—which runs April through October—the island is bustling with visitors. You will find South Bass the busiest during its unofficial tourist season, roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day. Yes, many of these visitors are 20-somethings and bachelor/bachelorette party guests, but the PIB clientele is also incredibly varied, as families, older adults, and people of many different interests can all find something to enjoy there.

Located three miles north of Catawba Island Township, South Bass Island can be reached via water three ways: Jet Express, Miller Ferry, or your own watercraft. There is also the option to arrive by air via an air taxi such as Island Air Taxi. Extensive schedule and pricing information can be found on each of the companies’ websites, so we will just give you the basics here.

The Great Lakes Loving crew have been guests of the Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay on multiple occasions and have always enjoyed our trip! The Miller Ferry is the only option for taking your car onto the island. Although cars are not necessary for getting around the island (golf carts are definitely the transportation of choice), the Miller Ferry is a great choice for those with children who may need to haul a lot of baby gear in their cars and park or for those enjoying a stay at the South Bass Island State Park, and hence need to pack their cars with camping gear. The Jet Express, on the other hand, is strictly a passenger ferry, and hence caters to those on foot. However, both the Jet Express and Miller Ferry are good choices for travelers on foot, and get you to the island in about the same amount of time, 18 minutes for the Miller Ferry and 25 minutes for the Jet Express.

The most important differences we have found in these two options are the pick-up and drop-off locations as well as the price. You catch the Jet Express in Port Clinton or Sandusky, whereas the Miller Ferry departs from Catawba Island. The Miller Ferry drops passengers off about two miles from the village of Put-in-Bay while the Jet Express drops off in downtown Put-in-Bay. This has never been an issue for us, as we have always rented a golf cart from E’s Golf Carts, which is just a short walk from the Miller Ferry dock, but it’s important to consider when deciding which option to take. (Disclaimer: The Miller Ferry has gifted us golf cart rental from E’s Golf Carts on a few occasions, and we have been so grateful for that!)

A trip on the Jet Express costs more than double the Miller Ferry at $35 roundtrip for an adult, compared to $16 roundtrip. Children’s tickets are also more expensive on the Jet Express, at $15 and $6 compared to $3 on the Miller Ferry. Some guests prefer the passenger-only accommodations of the Jet Express to the Miller Ferry, as it has more seating and no vehicles taking up the deck, although we have used both and never been disappointed.

You will want to rent a golf cart on South Bass Island, not only because it makes it easier to get around but also because it’s just more fun! There are multiple golf cart rental options that can be found on the various PIB-related websites here, here, and here. The Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce website seems to have the most extensive list of rentals. If you arrive via the Jet Express, several golf cart rentals are located right downtown. If you arrive via the Miller ferry, the closest are E’s Golf Carts and Island Bike and Cart Rental, which are both located a short walk from the Miller Ferry dock. Erie Island Carts is also located a further walk down the road.

We prefer electric golf carts to gas, as they tend to be quieter, but the gas carts allow you to drive at higher speeds. The state laws regarding golf carts are similar to those regulating other vehicles, so be sure everyone is buckled and that a legal, sober driver is operating the cart at all times. You will need your driver’s license and you will be asked to fill out a bit of paperwork before they give you the keys. If you have a child who will need a car seat, many rental companies offer them. We advise you to either bring your own or call ahead to reserve a seat. We also advise organizing your party so young children each ride next to an adult.

If you aren’t interested in driving a golf cart, you can also walk the downtown area quite easily, rent a bicycle, or take an island bus or train tour, in addition to driving. The ferries will also let you bring your personal bicycle with you for small a fee.

PIB offers numerous lodging options, including several hotels, house rentals, bed and breakfasts, and South Bass Island State Park campground. We prefer camping on at the state park. Several sites offer beautiful views of the lake. The several PIB-related websites operated by the Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and other organizations offer pretty extensive and updated listings. Please see the list of links below.

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