Antique Car Museum & Car Parade
A Vintage Vibe at Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center
Step back in time and explore a slice of classic Americana at one of Put-in-Bay’s most surprising and delightful attractions. The Antique Car Museum, located at Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center. Beyond the island’s natural beauty and fun-in-the-sun atmosphere lies a genuine love for all things vintage, and this museum puts it on full display.
🏁 The Antique Car Museum
Free Admission, Timeless Charm
While many attractions on the island charge admission, the Antique Car Museum opens its doors free of charge—and what’s inside is worth far more than the price of a ticket. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone who appreciates something out of the ordinary, this small but mighty museum delivers.
Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated collection of antique cars, all lovingly preserved and presented. From gleaming Ford Model T’s to vintage touring cars and early 20th-century signage, the museum immerses visitors in the golden age of the American automobile. Gas station memorabilia, antique snowmobiles, and even the oldest car on the island round out the exhibits.
“Skip Duggan, the man behind this nostalgic treasure, had a passion for classic cars that was infectious. He didn’t just collect cars—he created an entire community tradition around them.”
The museum’s friendly atmosphere and vintage aesthetic make it a perfect pit stop, whether you’re killing time between attractions or seeking out something truly unique to Put-in-Bay.
The Sunday Car Parade
A Rolling Tribute to Island Tradition
So why does this little island in Lake Erie have an antique car museum in the first place? It all ties back to one of Put-in-Bay’s most endearing claims to fame: it has more classic cars per capita than anywhere else in the United States. And every Sunday, that love affair with vintage automobiles spills out onto the streets.
The Put-in-Bay Sunday Car Parade is a weekly event that’s been delighting islanders and visitors alike since the 1990s. The tradition began with Charles “Skip” Duggan, whose love of antique cars inspired not just the museum, but an entire movement. Each Sunday around 2:00 p.m., car owners line up at the old Twine Shanty on Langram Road, rev their engines, and set off in a joyful procession that loops through the island.
“It’s like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting, only with better engines and more candy.”
Kids and families line the sidewalks of downtown Put-in-Bay, waving and cheering as the cars pass by. Drivers throw out handfuls of candy, adding a festive, parade-like atmosphere. Locals and tourists alike gather to marvel at the lovingly restored cars—many of which have been handed down through generations or brought to the island as prized possessions.
After the parade, the celebration continues with informal after-parties hosted at local bars, restaurants, or by car owners themselves, making it as much a social gathering as a car show.
Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center
The Epicenter of Island Adventure
The Antique Car Museum is just one of the many highlights waiting for you at Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center, a one-stop destination for island entertainment that appeals to every age and interest. Whether you’re a family with kids, a group of adventurous friends, or a couple on a romantic getaway, Perry’s promises a full day of fun.
🌟 Perry’s Attractions:
– Perry’s Cave – Descend into this historic limestone cave and discover a rare underground freshwater lake. Legend has it, Commodore Perry himself found the cave during the War of 1812.
– Gemstone Mining – A hands-on, educational experience that lets kids (and grownups!) mine for real gemstones and fossils. Buy a bag of mining rough and pan like a real prospector.
– War of 18 Holes Mini Golf – A beautifully landscaped, educational mini-golf course that takes players through the key battles of the War of 1812.
– Rock Wall – Challenge your strength and agility on this towering climbing wall. Ring the bell at the top for bragging rights!
– Fort aMAZE’n – A wooden maze with a mission: race to the exit before your friends do. It’s fun, competitive, and a little bit sneaky.
– The Butterfly House – Step into a tropical paradise and walk among hundreds of exotic butterflies fluttering freely.
– DanDee’s Snack Shack – Refuel with fries, fried fish, mozzarella sticks, and ice cream. Affordable, tasty, and conveniently located on-site.
🕘 Open daily from May through October, with limited weekend hours in the off-season. Combo tickets are available and highly recommended for anyone planning to spend a full day exploring. Most attractions range from $8–$10, making this one of the best value destinations on the island.
“There’s no better place to mix history, nature, and just plain fun than Perry’s. It’s part educational experience, part thrill park, and 100% Put-in-Bay.”
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
If you’re looking for an island experience that blends classic Americana, educational enrichment, and all-ages fun, Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center is it. The Antique Car Museum adds a unique twist that you won’t find anywhere else, and the Sunday Car Parade is a tradition that brings the entire community together in celebration.
“Whether you’re admiring a polished chrome bumper, learning about Lake Erie’s underground water sources, or cheering on the classic car parade with your kids, Perry’s delivers the kind of fun that sticks with you for a lifetime.”
See you at the bay! 🙂