Situated 60 mi/100 km west of Cleveland, the Lake Erie Islands lie directly offshore from Sandusky. They attract thousands of anglers each year (fishing for walleye), but the islands also offer hiking, boating, bicycling, swimming and other leisure activities in the summer, and dogsled racing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in winter. Erie Islands Winterfest takes place in February.
There are five main islands: Kelleys, Catawba, North Bass, Middle Bass and South Bass. The most popular destinations are South Bass Island and Kelleys Island. South Bass's main center of activity is the town of Put-in-Bay, which is a lively party spot at night.
Kelleys Island is the site of Kelleys Island State Park, which has some unusual limestone grooves carved during the Ice Age. Fossils of prehistoric marine creatures are visible in the stone. Back on the mainland, be sure to see Marblehead Lighthouse near the town of Marblehead.
Though Catawba Island can be reached by road, the others will require you to take a ferry, plane or private boat. Ferries leave from Port Clinton, Catawba Island, Marblehead and Sandusky.
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