Lake Erie's Kelleys Island

By
Sandy Mitchell
Terry Michelle Goodman
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell is the author of multiple books about Cleveland, Ohio, including "Cleveland's Slavic Village" and "Cleveland's Little Italy." She has lived in the area since 1980.
TripSavvy's editorial guidelines
Updated on 10/02/19
Fact checked by
Erin Medlicott
Fact checked by Erin Medlicott
New York University
Rutgers University
Erin Medlicott is a fact checker and researcher with a background in lifestyle and finance. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. She earned a
TripSavvy's fact-checking
Scenic view at the Lake Shore, Kelleys Island, Ohio, USA

Douglas Sacha/Getty Images

Kelleys Island, the largest of the Lake Erie islands, is located just off the north central Ohio coastline, accessible by frequent ferries and small airplanes.

The island is a summertime favorite. Less crowded than its cousin, Middle Bass Island and Put-in-Bay, Kelleys is known for its restaurants, winery, Victorian Houses, and its Glacial Grooves, remnants from the Ice Age.

Kelleys Island
 Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau

History

Kelleys Island was once covered completely by glaciers. As these ice sheets receded, they carved the island's "Glacial Grooves." The island was also home to the Erie tribes and examples of their art are carved into boulders on Kelleys.

In the 19th century, Kelleys was filled with limestone quarries and became the leading producer of limestone and lime products in the world. The businessmen of the era built grand Victorian homes on the island, many of which still stay. Tourism began to develop on the island in the mid-1950s.

Kelleys Island
 Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau

Getting There

Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line operates year-round ferry service from Marblehead to Kelleys Island. Ferries depart Marblehead, weather permitting, each hour in the winter and each half hour between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

During the summer, the Goodtime I Lake cruise ship makes daily runs from Sandusky to Kelleys and Put-in-Bay.

There are also several marinas on the island for docking your own boat and a private airfield.

Kelleys Island
Photo by Ali Majdfar, All rights reserved / Getty Images

Attractions

Among the many things to do on Kelleys Island:

  • Explore the Glacial Grooves: the largest accessible such grooves in the world, these were carved in the native limestone by receding glaciers over 18,000 years ago.
  • Enjoy the Beach at Kelleys Island State Park: a long stretch of sandy beach
  • Take part in an active sport: Kelleys is known for its kayaking, scuba diving among the several area shipwrecks, hiking, and cycling.
  • Check out Caddy Shack Square: Home to a mini-golf course, ice cream parlor, bike rentals, and shopping.
Kelleys Island Wine Co.
 Kelleys Island Wine Co.

Restaurants

Part of the fun of visiting Kelleys Island is visiting the many fun eateries there. Among these are:

  • Island House: The island's fine dining restaurant, they feature the freshest ingredients, including Ohio grown produce and fish, when available.
  • Kelleys Island Wine Co.: More than a winery, they have a deli, bistro, wine bar, and picnic table to enjoy your purchases on the front lawn.

Hotels

Staying on Kelleys Island allows you to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere for more than just the day. Plan early, however, as accommodations sell out early.

  • Bed and Breakfasts: Kelleys has over a dozen charming bed and breakfast inns, many housed in restored Victorian homes and many with Lake views.
  • Cottages and Cabins: the most popular type of accommodation on Kelleys, private cabins sleep from two to over ten persons.
  • Condos: Unlike Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island has a number of condo development and many owners rent their units when they aren't able to use them.
Kelleys Island State Park
 Ohio State Parks 

Camping

Kelleys Island State Park offers 124 shaded campsites, which are available on a first-come, first serve basis; 43 are non-electric, 46 have electric hookups and 35 have water and electric hookups. The park also offers several pet campsites and two yurts. There are several shower houses. To reserve your campsite, visit the Kelleys Island State Park reservation site.