Put-in-Bay info helps you prepare for your summer bay vacation. We offer advice on the best hotels & Put-in-Bay resorts, vacation rental homes, restaurants & dining, and island attractions (including Things To Do & Shopping). Put-in-Bay is a quiet fishing village with a great entertainment scene located on South Bass Island in Ottawa County, Ohio, United States.
South Bass is just one of many Lake Erie Islands located in the western basin of Lake Erie. The Village of Put-in-Bay is by far the most popular island destination getaway for tourists. People, young and old, come from near and far to explore Put-in-Bay island. We are located halfway between Toledo and Cleveland.
Why Is It Called Put-in-Bay?
Most people agree that the name “Put-in-Bay” originated from the early nautical maps of South Bass Island. They showed the main harbor being named Pudding Bay because it was shaped like a pudding sack used by sailors. A pudding sack is exactly what it sounds like… a sack used to make puddings! Now THAT is some serious Put-in-Bay Info!
What is the Island Population?
The official year-round population of Put-in-Bay Ohio was 128 as of the 2010 census. The graduating class of Put-in-Bay School averages 4 students. However, once the weather gets nice, the summer population swells into the thousands, with weekends seeing even more guests at the popular Put-in-Bay lodgings and Put-in-Bay hotels. The Put in Bay ferries run extra boats to accommodate the huge influx of visitors who come for the bars, entertainment, and historical tourism. Put in Bay Golf Cart rentals and Island Taxis also abound.
What is the Best Put-in-Bay Event?
Although events happen almost every weekend in Put-in-Bay, everyone has their own personal favorites. Some like historical events, others like active sports events, and yet others enjoy musical fun. However, there is one event that everyone agrees is a guest favorite… The official and original Put-in-Bay Spring Fling, held the first weekend of May every year at The Island Club. For almost 25 years, this event has brought thousands of people together for free food, free beer, free entertainment, and much much more. It is a can’t miss event for at least once in your life! There is a sister party called the Fall Ball in October for those who prefer to visit Put-in-Bay later in the year.
Brief History of Put-in-Bay Info
Put-in-Bay played a major role in the War of 1812 between the US and England. The waters around Put-in-Bay were the location of United States Navy commander Oliver Hazard Perry. He sailed from the port of Put-in-Bay with 10 vessels on September 10, 1813, to engage a British naval squadron of 6 vessels commanded by Captain Robert Heriot Barclay just north of South Bass Island in the “Battle of Lake Erie”.
Put-in-Bay Information tells us that after defeating the British, Perry ripped off the back of an envelope and wrote. “Dear Gen’l: — We have met the enemy and they are ours; two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop. Yours with great respect and esteem, O.H. Perry.” Perry’s victory in the War of 1812 in the “Battle of Lake Erie” helped to secure the Northwest for the United States. Perry was also thrust into the spotlight of the American people and he was seen as a national hero. This all lead to his promotion to captain following his victory.
Many years after the war, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial was constructed to celebrate the lasting peace between the United States, Canada, and Britain. It was built between 1912 to 1915 “to inculcate the lessons of international peace by arbitration and disarmament.” Guests staying at the Put-in-Bay Waterfront Condos have a nice lakeside view of the monument from their private decks of the bay condos.
Is It a Tourism Destination?
Put-in-Bay is the most popular summer resort and vacation destination in Lake Erie. With plenty of events, bars, nightlife, restaurants, and shops, there is plenty to do on Put-in-Bay for the whole family! Two ferry services connect the island with the mainland. In addition, boats also run between Kelleys Island, Port Clinton, Middle Bass Island, Lorain, and Sandusky, Ohio at Cedar Point. Hundreds of thousands of tourists make their way to the island every year and our Put-in-Bay Info helps out greatly!
Our main tourist season starts in early April when our fishermen friends arrive from as far away as North Dakota to fish for some fresh Walleye. This is also when the Put-in-Bay Taxis and the island ferries start running. Finally, the season ends on Halloween weekend with Ohio’s biggest Halloween Costume Contest at Mr. Ed’s. With so many Put-in-Bay attractions and other special events occurring every weekend, we’ve provided a Put-in-Bay event schedule and calendar available here on our website.
