Congratulations to the South Bass Island State Park!

Congratulations to the South Bass Island State Park!

South Bass Island State Park Recognized At Park Managers Conference

We want to extend congratulations to the South Bass Island State Park and its park manager, Michael Pucak, for receiving the Service Excellence Award as the top state park in Ohio for customer service at the 2024 Park Managers Conference! They also received what’s known as a 4.5 award, which went to 14 of Ohio’s 76 state parks, whose post-stay visitor reviews over the past year averaged out to 4.5 or above.

We Love The South Bass Island State Park

These awards serve to reinforce what we already knew, that we’ve got quite a gem here at Put-in-Bay! The South Bass Island State Park is an incredible spot with a lot on offer for visitors to the island, and it’s pretty much a must-visit during your trip to Put-in-Bay!

Something For Everyone At The South Bass Island State Park


Located just two miles from downtown Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island State Park offers a perfect escape into nature with breathtaking lake views, exciting outdoor activities, and serene camping experiences. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time island explorer, here’s what you can expect from this award-winning state park:

  • Stunning Lake Erie Views

One of the biggest draws of South Bass Island State Park is its spectacular waterfront setting. With high limestone cliffs and panoramic views of Lake Erie, it’s a perfect spot for photography, picnicking, or simply unwinding while watching the sunset.

  • Camping & Cabins

For those who love the great outdoors, the park offers rustic camping sites and comfortable rental cabins. Whether you bring a tent, an RV, or manage to score one of the few cabins on site, you’ll be surrounded by nature’s beauty while staying just minutes from the island’s many attractions.

  • Fishing & Boating

Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines into Lake Erie, one of the premier fishing destinations in the Midwest. The park has a boat launch and dock facilities, making it easy for visitors to explore the waters or set out for a fishing adventure in pursuit of walleye, perch, and bass.

  • Swimming & Beach Access

South Bass Island State Park features a small pebble beach, perfect for cooling off during hot summer days. While the beach is more rugged than traditional sandy beaches, it’s a great place to swim, skip stones, or wade in the refreshing waters of Lake Erie.

  • The Put-in-Bay Sign

Probably the best photo op on the island, the Put-in-Bay sign is positioned with the beautiful waters of Lake Erie right behind, making for the perfect spot for a group picture. It’s Put-in-Bay’s newest landmark and already one of its most iconic.

  • Kayaking & Paddleboarding

For those looking for a more adventurous experience, kayaking and paddleboarding are fantastic ways to explore the island’s coastline. The calm waters along the shore make it ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

The Park Is An Important Part Of A Complete PIB Trip

There’s a few things you’ve simply got to do if you want to really say you went to Put-in-Bay! You’ve got to rent a golf cart and tour the island! You should get up close with Perry’s Monument, hopefully up top, but at least close on the ground so you can get a sense of how tall it really is! We definitely think you should stay overnight for at least a night. And definitely on that list is a visit to the South Bass Island State Park, if for no other reason than to check out that iconic Put-in-Bay sign. But there’s way more to do at the park than just that!

We’re Super Proud Of The South Bass Island State Park Team!

Once again, congratulations to South Bass Island State Park and park manager Michael Pucak for achieving the Service Excellence Award! This recognition is well-deserved and highlights the park’s commitment to providing a great experience for visitors. We look forward to seeing many more visitors enjoying the beauty and hospitality of our award-winning state park!