The Ultimate Guide to Kelleys Island, Ohio: Top Things to Do, Eat & Explore
Did you know Ohio has islands?! Lake Erie is actually home to several islands, including Kelleys Island. Spanning just over four square miles and home to approximately 325 year-round residents, Kelleys Island is the perfect destination for a summer getaway.
Since the island is just a few miles from mainland Ohio, you can visit for a day or spend an entire week. And there’s plenty of activities to entertain the entire family!
This post provides a full guide to Kelleys Island, including how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do.
And just a heads up, I visited Kelleys Island for the first time during a trip hosted by Shores and Islands Ohio. The team at Shores and Islands planned a fantastic itinerary. As always, opinions and recommendations are my own.
When you make purchases through the links in my post, I may earn commissions at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As always, I only provide links to products and services I recommend. Read my full disclosure here.
Things to Know About Kelleys Island:
Where Is Kelleys Island, Ohio?
Kelleys Island is located in Lake Erie, just north of Sandusky, Ohio. The island is accessible via ferry, private boat, or jet, and is popular for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, hiking, biking, camping, and kayaking. Of course, wine tasting is also an island favorite.
How to Get to Kelleys Island
Part of Kelleys Island’s magic is that it’s only accessible via ferry, private boat, or chartered jet. You’ll need to confirm your transportation itinerary prior to visiting the island.
Ferry
The Jet Express is a passenger-only ferry that operates between Sandusky, Kelleys Island, Put-In-Bay, and Cedar Point. The ferry runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, with weekend service offered in September.
Ferry tickets range from $4 to $25 depending on ferry origination and passenger age.
The Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line is a car ferry that runs just over 3 miles from Marblehead to Kelleys Island. The ferry ride is about 30 minutes.
Round-Trip Rides are $40 per automobile plus $24 per adult, $20 per senior, and $16 per youth ages 5-11.
Private Boat
Those with their own boat can dock at one of three marinas on Kelleys Island – Portside Marina, Seaway Marina, and Crafts Lakeview Lane. I recommend calling in advance of your visit to confirm if a reservation is required.
Jet
Griffing Flying Service offers daily private air flight charter service to Kelleys Island and the other Lake Erie Islands. Flights to Kelleys Island are $50 one-way, per passenger (age 10 and up). Pets are also welcome aboard for an additional fee.
Getting Around Kelleys Island
The most popular way to get around Kelleys Island, and my personal favorite way, is via golf cart. The island is very golf cart-friendly, allowing you to take in the natural setting while exploring the island.
You can also bring your vehicle on the island if you take the Kelleys Island Ferry and drive to your destinations.
Another popular mode of transportation are bicycles, although I wouldn’t recommend them if it’s your first visit and you want to cover as much of the island as possible.
Where to rent golf carts on Kelleys Island
Several island businesses rent golf carts, however, where you rent will depend on whether you’re looking for an overnight or hourly rental, willing to walk to the location, cart size, etc.
– Seaway Marina
– Missy Magoo’s Candy & Gift Shop
– Cart & Bikes at Caddy Shack Rentals
– R Karts Rentals
– Kelleys Island General Store
– Sandusky Bay Golf Cart Rentals
Where to Stay on Kelleys Island:
While you won’t find any of the major hotel chains on Kelleys Island, you will find plenty of lodging options. The island has one larger hotel option, Kelleys Island Venture Resort, along with numerous cottages, condos, and bed & breakfasts.
Here’s a map with several lodging options to help you with your search:
Top Things to Do on Kelleys Island:
Explore Kelleys Island State Park
920 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Located on the island’s northern shore, Kelleys Island State Park provides a beautiful and peaceful natural escape and is a major highlight for visitors.
The state park offers over 9 miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails, a 150-foot public swimming beach, and electric and non-electric camping sites. It’s the perfect spot to spend a morning birdwatching or an entire week camping with loved ones.
Many of the campsites at Kelleys Island State Park provide views of Lake Erie and are walkable to the beach. In addition to full hook-up, electric, and non-electric campsites, the park also rents two furnished yurts and two Sherman cabins.
Visit the Glacial Grooves
739 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Perhaps the most popular natural destination on Kelleys Island, Glacial Grooves Geologic Preserve sits across from Kelleys Island State Park and boasts giant grooves in limestone bedrock – the largest accessible in the world.
Created by the same glacier that created the Great Lakes and Lake Erie, the Glacial Grooves provide information about the movement of the glacier. At 400-feet-long, 35-feet-wide, and up to 10-feet-deep, the grooves’ sheer size will definitely impress.
The grooves formed over 400 million years ago during the Devonian Period and remain uncovered and open to the public today. There is no charge to visit the grooves.
Visit Charles Herndon Galleries & Sculpture Garden
114 Laylin Ln, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Located a bit off the main drag, Charles Herndon Galleries & Sculpture Garden is an incredible place to visit during your time on Kelleys Island. Charles Herndon, the artist, is inspired by the environment around him on the island and creates really unique sculptures from beautiful stone.
I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Herndon during my visit to the galleries and he spoke to my group about his creation process – it’s really quite something! He also shared how attached artists can get to their work that it can be sad to see them go when the piece sells. That was something I hadn’t considered before.
The sculpture garden and galleries are free to walk through, and you may even get to enjoy glass blowing demonstrations on certain summer days.
Browse Downtown Kelleys Island Shops
Browsing the local shops in Downtown Kelleys Island is one of the best ways to spend a few hours. The island is home to several gems, ranging from art galleries and gift shops to souvenir spots and candy stores.
Go Wine Tasting
Most people are surprised to learn about the popularity of winemaking on Kelleys Island. Lake Erie helps regulate the temperature on the island, which makes it the ideal location for growing grapes and creates a longer growing season.
While the island used to have a very large winemaking industry prior to Prohibition, today Kelleys Island is home to three wineries, all worth a visit.
– Kelleys Island Wine Co: Best for wine variety, a full meal, and family-friendly fun.
– Monarch Winery: Best for fruit wines and wine slushies, along with an awesome gift shop and screened-in patio.
– Crooked Tree Vineyard: Best for flavorful, full-bodied reds.
Best Places to Eat on Kelleys Island:
The Village Pump
103 W. Lakeshore Dr., Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Famous for their Lake Erie Perch and Brandy Alexander, The Village Pump is a top dining spot on Kelleys Island. This popular restaurant for locals and visitors has been in operation since 1983 and was also the first high-speed internet cafe on Kelleys Island.
The Village Pump offers full bar and dining service from March through December and is within walking distance of the ferry.
Kelley’s Island Wine Co.
418 Woodford Rd., Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Kelley’s Island Wine Co. is the spot for amazing wines, delicious food, and overall family-friendly vibes. The restaurant and winery is situated in a quiet and peaceful location on the island, complete with a playground, chickens, and goats in the yard.
The food at Kelley’s Island Wine Co. includes a wide offering of menu items like pizzas, sandwiches, and soups. Of course, you can also indulge in wine by the glass or flight.
Caddy Shack
115 Division St., Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Caddy Shack is a great family-friendly spot with outdoor seating options, known for pizzas, pitas, salads, and more. Try their famous “Never Fried” Grilled chicken wings – a fan favorite!
Located in the center of downtown Kelleys Island, Caddy Shack is the perfect spot for a meal and drink before browsing the island shops or enjoying a walk along the water.
Dockers Waterfront Bar & Restaurant
114 W Lakeshore Dr., Kelleys Island, OH 43438
For amazing Lake Erie views and delicious seafood dishes, head to Dockers Waterfront Bar & Restaurant. The restaurant is located at Portside Marina and specialties include the lobster martini, crab cakes, and shrimp and scallop skewers. Expect live music on the weekends from local talent.
As an added bonus, you can also rent golf carts from Portside Marina (overnight minimum). Plan your cart pick-up/drop-up around mealtime. Golf cart reservations can be made online.
Tips for Planning Your Trip:
Best Time to Visit Kelleys Island
The best time to visit Kelleys Island is Memorial Day through Labor Day when the ferry times are plentiful and the weather is warm. Although the island is open year-round, many shops and rental options are seasonal, and the ferry closes for a short period during the winter when the lake freezes.
What to Pack for a Day Trip
While you don’t need to bring much for a day trip to Kelleys Island, there are a few things I highly recommend to make your trip more enjoyable:
– Sunscreen – A given!
– Camera – I use my iPhone for most photos, but this is my go-to camera for the big shots.
– Sweatshirt – The lake breeze can make it significantly cooler than the air temperature.
– Bug Spray – A must with all the beautiful wooded areas.
– Sunglasses – My favorite affordable option.
– Water bottle – I love the handle on this one.
Cell Service and WIFI Availability
Cell service on the island is limited. Depending on your provider, certain parts of the island may register as Canada towers and charge international fees. Since I pay for international service per day used, I played it safe and kept my phone on airplane mode while on the island.
WIFI is available at certain locations on the island and at many lodging accommodations.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re searching for outdoor adventure, a weekend of relaxing, or a day of shopping, Kelleys Island has you covered. I hope you have the opportunity to explore this magical destination. As always, drop any questions in the comments.
