Tucked away in the South Bass Island, Ohio, Put-in-Bay is a haven for vacationers. Popular as a stomping ground among Ohio residents, the resort village attracts many tourists. While the numerous hotels and resorts are the village’s prime attractions, the rich history of the region adds to its allure. Here tourists can experience a mélange of activities such as exploring the Crystal Cave, dining at the Boardwalk, visiting the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center and spending a memorable day at the Perry's Cave Family Fun Center. Put-in-Bay is a unique destination that is ideal for both a wild bachelorette and a family retreat.
Located just off the coast of Marblehead, Johnson Island served as a site for a prisoner-of-war camp during the American Civil War. Having housed Confederate officers and other prisoners, it is spread over a colossal 300 acres (120 hectares) along Lake Erie's coast in Sandusky Bay. The prison site was established in 1862 and was sprawled over 16.5 acres (6.7 hectares). The two-story barracks, where prisoners were held captive, are encompassed by a 15-foot (4.6-meter) tall wooden enclosure. The end of the war resulted in the abandonment of the prison, and in the year 1990, the site was declared a National Historic Landmark.
Tour the local history museum located in the heart of the town and step back in time. Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum is a wonderful museum that retells historic events through its exhibits. The museum houses permanent exhibits that showcase the rich heritage of the region. It also features a series of rotational exhibits on the island and winemaking. They have incredible collections of artifacts, records, photographs of various events from the past. The museum also houses a gift shop where one can find antique items and artifacts related to the island.
Listed on the National Register of Historic District, South Bass Island Lighthouse sits on the southern tip of Put-in-Bay, along Lake Erie. The iconic landmark is a historic structure built in 1893. It is a towering structure of 60 feet (18 meters) tall, used to navigate ships and consignments. Today this beautiful lighthouse owned by the state university is open for tour. Visitors can climb atop the observation deck and get the panoramic vistas of Put-in-Bay and the surrounds.
The winemaker Gustav Heineman had employed a few workers to dig a well in 1887. The workers discovered this cavern that was covered in beautiful blueish crystals. Later research found that the cave was a cavity in a sedimentary rock structure called geode. As such, the Crystal Cave in Ohio is the largest known geode in the world. Still owned and operated by Heineman's Winery, the caves are open to public tours between May and September as a part of the Heineman Winery Tour. Pretty as a picture, these caves make for a good visit with or without some wine from Heineman.
Jay Cooke House, popularly known as the Cooke Castle, was said to be the summer home of Jay Cooke. The beautiful Italianate structure is surrounded by grass beds, inside the steps lead one to the entrance, and the balcony features bays and looks stunning. The tower beside the house adds to the beauty of the home. Located on the island of Gibraltar, this castle-like structure is amazing.
Sandusky Bay Pavilion is a celebrated place for music shows and performing arts events. The venue lies under the administration of the City of Sandusky and provides for good entertainment for people to relish and un-tighten here. Sandusky Bay Pavilion comprises large grounds that hold festivals, fairs and flea markets, looking over the lovely Lake Eerie and the nearby attractions. The Pavilion has requisite arrangements for disabled, so that all can enjoy the fun without any inhibitions.
The St Mary's Catholic Church is a historic church located in Sandusky, Ohio. The church was built in 1873 and has visible Gothic style influences. The brick and stone structure of the church also features a steeple and a turret, as well as multiple windows in different shapes. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Located just off the coast of Marblehead, Johnson Island served as a site for a prisoner-of-war camp during the American Civil War. Having housed Confederate officers and other prisoners, it is spread over a colossal 300 acres (120 hectares) along Lake Erie's coast in Sandusky Bay. The prison site was established in 1862 and was sprawled over 16.5 acres (6.7 hectares). The two-story barracks, where prisoners were held captive, are encompassed by a 15-foot (4.6-meter) tall wooden enclosure. The end of the war resulted in the abandonment of the prison, and in the year 1990, the site was declared a National Historic Landmark.
Explore the Lakeside community that offers a relaxed and serene atmosphere to its visitors. This historical community comprises multitude of recreational activities that are fun; cultural events are too held here. For more details, check website.
Eleutheros Cooke House is a three storied building which housed the Cooke family. Made of limestone, you can see prominent Greek Revival style architecture in its construction. It currently functions as a historic house museum and is managed by the Ohio Historical Society. The building was registered under the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.