Page 17 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – May 2022

Put-in-Bay
Middle Bass Island
Several private marinas are available for personal boats and reservations are recommended. Air service is available via Griffing Flying Service from Erie-Ottawa International Airport. Small, private planes can access the island via a small airstrip during daylight hours.
HAVE A GOOD TIME TOURING THE ISLANDS
Goodtime I Lake Erie Island Cruises offers an island- hopping tour, which stops at both Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay, departing from downtown Sandusky. This
is a great way to experience the islands with a quick visit to each. The narrated cruise features sightseeing along the mainland coast, including Cedar Point and the Marblehead Peninsula. Cruise time is one hour to Kelleys Island with an hour-and-a-half port visit. Board the boat again for another hour cruise to Put-in-Bay, where you’ll spend three-and-a-half hours enjoying
the island. Enjoy a leisurely two-hour boat ride back to port in Sandusky. The Goodtime I hosts a variety of other cruises as well, from family-friendly sunset cruises to adults-only party cruises and more.
ON THE MOVE TO MIDDLE BASS ISLAND
Passenger and auto service are available to Middle Bass Island from the mainland via the Miller Ferry’s Catawba port. The scenic, 40-minute ferry ride is available several times a day during the summer months. The ferry can transport cars, with vehicle reservations required.
You also can ferry to Middle Bass Island from Put-in-Bay/South Bass Island via the Sonny-S Boat
Line, which provides regularly scheduled ferry service between The Boardwalk dock and Middle Bass Island.
Middle Bass Island State Park operates a 184-slip marina, available May-October, for private boat guests.
Via air, Griffing Flying Service offers flights from Erie-Ottawa International Airport and private craft can land at Middle Bass Island Airport.
JOURNEYING TO NORTH BASS ISLAND
North Bass Island is a bit more remote, but if you are renting at North Bass Island State Park’s Lake House or partaking in available primitive camping, you’ll need to arrange a flight through Griffing Air Service, a private plane to North Bass Island Airport or take a private boat. North Bass Island Marina provides transient dockage for boaters. Guests of the Lake House will be provided a slip at the marina as well as an ATV for use during their stay.
Make your summer road trip an exciting one with a visit to Ohio’s islands. It’s always a good idea to call ahead or check the ferry’s website to verify service on the day of your intended travel. You also can call the Shores & Islands Ohio welcome centers at 800-255-3743 (Sandusky) or 800-441-1271 (Port Clinton) for the latest updates.
For travel planning assistance, call or visit your local AAA office, or visit AAA.com/Travel.
Images provided by Shores & Islands Ohio
MAY 2022 | 15
Jill Bauer is public relations manager for Shores & Islands Ohio.