Fly in for Island Fun at South Bass Island. Home of Put-in-Bay and South Island State Park.

Did you know that there are islands in Ohio, and you can visit them in your airplane? Just north of Sandusky in Lake Eerie resides several islands, and one of them is South Bass Island, which is home to South Bass Island State Park and the historic Put-in-Bay that helped win the War of 1812. The island is home to an airport, campgrounds, hotels, and wineries. Let’s explore the amazing activities and sites on South Bass Island and why you should make it your next fly-in destination for family fun and relaxation.

Fly into Put-in-Bay Airport (3W2)

Getting to South Bass Island is easy. You can opt to take a ferry or fly in with your airplane and land at Put-in-Bay Airport (3W2), which is located on the southeast end of the island. The Put-in-Bay airport was famously featured in one of John F. Purner’s $100 Hamburger books.

Put-in-Bay Airport’s only runway is Runway 03/21. It is 2,870 feet long and 75 feet wide. Pilots can tie down their aircraft on the tarmac or rent a hangar. The CTAF is 122.8. It’s important to note that there are no lights on the runway, and the airport does not allow any departures after dusk. There’s also no fuel available. Pilots are encouraged to fill their airplane’s tanks at Port Clinton (PCW) and Sandusky (SKY).

South Bass Island State Park History

The islands on Lake Eerie have a long and storied history. Initially, the Ottawa and Huron Native American tribes lived on the islands. Still, after the Revolutionary War ended in 1783, the islands, including South Bass Island, were given to the former colonies. However, there were still ongoing conflicts with the Indians and the British until the end of the War of 1812.

At that time, a young naval officer named Oliver Hazard Perry took the initiative and started the Lake Eerie fleet. Its purpose was to reestablish American dominance in the Great Lake. It was slow going, but in 1813, Perry finally sailed his ship into the Put-in-Bay, which was naturally well-protected. It gave Perry time to prepare for battle, and in 1813, he defeated Robert Barclay. This singular battle is often touted as being the one that led to America’s war victory.

By the 1870s, Put-in-Bay was becoming a popular tourist destination, and South Bass Island State Park was just a few years away from taking shape. In fact, the state park has J.K. Tillotson to thank for its existence. Mr. Tillotson began constructing an elaborate summer resort in 1889 in order to take advantage of the island’s allure and growing tourism industry. Unfortunately, his dream didn’t last long. The resort’s hotel succumbed to a fire in 1919. However, in 1938, Ohio purchased the property, and the South Bass Island State Park area was officially added to the Ohio Park System in the early 1950s.

South Bass Island State Park Adventures

Bass Island State Park offers visitors plenty of outdoor recreational activities. Some favorites include boating, camping, fishing, and swimming.

• Boating – Guests can rent personal watercraft, power boats, and kayaks at the state park.
• Camping – If you plan to camp, you should make a reservation to ensure you have one of the available electric or full-hookup sites.
• Fishing – Guests can fish off of the pier next to the state park’s entrance, providing they have an Ohio fishing license.
• Swimming – Swimming is only allowed in designated areas.

Put-in-Bay Things To Do and See

Once you’re finished enjoying all of the activities at the state park, remember to visit Put-in-Bay. It’s been a tourist destination for more than 150 years.

The Put-in-Bay Sign

During your trip, don’t forget to snap a pic of the Put-in-Bay sign. The new sign was put into place in 2022, and it has quickly become an island landmark. Snapping a picture of this sign will help you remember all the good times you had on the island.

Tour the Benson Ford Ship House

While you’re on the island, take a tour of the Benson Ford Ship House. The ship-shaped house sits atop the cliffs, facing Lake Erie, and offering some stunning views. The unique, ship house is well-known in and out of Ohio due to it being featured in several magazines and TV shows, including Extreme Homes, The National Enquirer, and Ohio Magazine.

The uniquely shaped home started in 1924 as a cargo ship for the Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford famously named it after his grandson, Benson Ford. The ship hauled all manner of materials, including coal, iron, and logs, throughout the Great Lakes until it was unceremoniously decommissioned in 1981.

The defunct cargo ship was eventually sold to Frank J. Sullivan, who decided to have it transported to South Bass Island and turned it into a summer home. Today, guests can tour the 7,000-square-foot custom ship home and enjoy the amazing views from its decks.

Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center

Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center is located one mile from downtown on Catawba Avenue. It’s an all-ages venue that offers tours of the amazing limestone cave that was first discovered by Oliver Hazard Perry. The cave stays a remarkable 50 degrees all year. Guests are encouraged to wear a light jacket due to the chilly temps and rubber-soled shoes to prevent slipping and falling during the 20-minute tours.

After the cave tour, visitors can enjoy the other nearby attractions, including the Butterfly House, gemstone mining, a rock wall, and a giant maze. There’s even an antique car museum.

Travel in Style with a Golf Cart Rental

Visitors to the island can opt to rent golf carts from Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Depot. The depot offers golf carts for individuals, couples, and groups, and if you make your reservation online, you can experience the golf cart depot’s easy pick-up and go.

Lodging in Put-in-Bay

If camping at the state park isn’t your thing, don’t worry. The island has plenty of lodging options available. For example, Put-in-Bay Island Club Rentals offers guests the ability to rent specialty properties, waterfront condos, and private homes that can sleep 8 to 12 people. The rental company provides its own taxi service, and they offer golf cart rentals.

If you’d prefer a resort, you might check out the Commodore Resort. It’s billed as being centrally located. Guests can stay at the Victory Station Hotel, which offers guests modern amenities in a historically decorated hotel. The resort offers golf cart rentals and access to three nearby bars and pubs.

Put-in-Bay Wineries to Visit

Consider visiting the Put-in-Bay Winery and Catering and the Heineman Winery. The Put-in-Bay Winery and Catering is located on the historic Dollar House Estate. It offers delicious wines, wine tasting, and event catering. Stop by and sample their excellent selection of white, pink, and red wines.

The Heineman Winery is unique on the island because its delicious wines are crafted from the grapes it grows right on the property. This establishment was founded in 1888, and it was the only winery on the island to survive prohibition. However, its prohibition survival can be attributed to Norman Heineman’s ingenuity. He was willing to do whatever it took to keep his business in the green through prohibition. His side businesses included selling tickets to Perry’s Cave, running a taxi service, and making unfermented wine juice. Today, guests can enjoy a range of flavorful wines, from Merlot to Watersnake Noiret and Island Chabis.

South Bass Island is a wonderful place to visit. Consider flying in for a weekend or a week and enjoying the great outdoors at the state park, touring the island in a golf cart, and enjoying some island wine. If you’d like to own a piece of aviation property near Sandusky or in Ohio, consider checking out Aviation Property Network’s aviation real estate listings.