And for many people during the sweltering days of summer, there is only one place to go: lakeside. Join the island hoppers and discover one of Ohio’s most popular spots for a weekend getaway, the Lake Erie Shores and Islands:
Several state parks are located along the peninsula that stretches into Lake Erie, including Catawba Island State Park in Ottawa County. The 10-acre park on the western side of the peninsula offers fishing, picnicking areas and a launching point for boaters. The lakeside park is also a jumping-off point for swimmers and a great spot for bird-watching.
Information: 419-734-4424, parks.ohiodnr.gov/catawbaisland
On the eastern side of the peninsula is the sprawling East Harbor State Park in Ottawa County. The 1,831 acres are packed with outdoor recreation year-round for everyone in the family — including pets — from boating, camping and cabins to swimming and more. Located on wetlands, the park offers a window on wildlife with a scenic ecosystem harboring scaly reptiles, amphibians and an abundance of waterfowl viewable from a bird-watching platform.
Sports lovers can take pleasure in the volleyball, basketball and disc-golf courts, archery, horseshoes or hunting. Keep fit by hiking or biking the park’s miles of trails, or take a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk. Nearby is the historical Marblehead Lighthouse, a beacon that has directed boaters and sailors to a safe harbor since 1822.
Information: 419-734-4424 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/eastharbor
Known as Lake Erie's Emerald Isle, Kelleys Island State Park is a gemstone in Ohio's crown of nature destinations. The 677-acre park in Erie County is home to Glacial Grooves, claimed to be the world's largest accessible glacial striations, which serve as reminders of the Great Lakes' formation from massive ice sheets that caused deep depressions on the bedrock.
Located in Lake Erie’s Western Basin, it draws a diversity of fish as well as fauna. It embodies two nature preserves: North Shore Alvar and the North Pond. The alvar is a rare ecosystem founded on a limestone plain where prairie grasses and indigenous plants flourish. Hundreds of species of migratory songbirds and waterfowl are attracted to the water body. The island also offers boating, fishing, swimming and hiking activities.
Information: 419-746-2546 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/kelleysisland
Middle Bass Island State Park, near the Canadian border, was recently added to the state's park roster with the purchase of Lonz Winery, which is to be refurbished and reopened. Dubbed a boaters paradise, the park in Ottawa County has a 190-slip marina. It also offers a campsite and miniature golf.
Information: 419-285-0311 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/middlebassisland
Nestled on the cliffs of South Bass Island State Park in Ottawa County, campers can pitch a tent right along the scenic lakeshore or opt for a more cozy stay in one of four cabents — a cabin-tent combo that has an airy tent roof — or rustic cabin. Its sister park, Oak Point State Park, offers public boat docks and views of Put-in-Bay.
Information: 419-285-2112, 419-734-4422 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/southbassisland
Back where mainland and water meet is Maumee Bay State Park in Lucas County. The site spans 1,336 acres and boasts flourishing wetlands and inland lakes.
It’s brimming with diverse diversions: sailing, canoeing, fishing, swimming, bicycling, hiking and child-centered activities. Hunting is permitted in the adjacent Mallard Club Marsh. An 18-hole, Scottish links-style golf course is located in the southwestern corner of the park.
A variety of overnight accommodations are offered, including a lodge and cottages. The park has a nature center, and an amphitheater in which musicians, magicians and other artists perform. With two neighboring wildlife refuges, it is a great place to spy bald eagles and other waterfowl.
Information: 419-836-7758 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/maumeebay
Just an hour west of Toledo is Harrison Lake State Park in Fulton County. Situated among dense woodlands, it offers hiking trails with scenic views of the woods and lake.
Stay overnight in a cabin or at one of 173 campsites. Anglers can hook largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill and bullhead catfish. Bird-lovers can catch a glimpse of the great blue heron wading in the lake’s western end, and other water- and songbirds.
Information: 419-237-2593 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/harrisonlake
Nestled in the agricultural plains of northwestern Ohio is a serene retreat: Van Buren State Park in Hancock County. The park centers on its 45-acre lake, a source of game fish. Multiuse and bridle trails traverse the park, offering views of ravines, the lake and its scenic woodlands. Among the park's activity-focused areas is an 18-hole disc golf course, a butterfly gazebo and a nature center with animals and a bird-viewing window. The park is also a destination for hunting and camping. Pets are welcome.
Information: 419-832-7662 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/vanburen
See why Ohio is one of the country's top maple syrup producers at Malabar Farm State Park. Every spring during its Maple Syrup Festival, the park demonstrates Ohio's agricultural tradition of boiling sap down to its sugary contents. The sprawling farmstead in Richland County centers around the Western Reserve-style mansion where Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were married 70 years ago this month.
Information: 419-892-2784 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/malabarfarm
Lake Loramie State Park in Shelby County is a rural retreat composed of sandy beaches, baldcypress trees, islands, meadows and marsh plants. Water enthusiasts can rent canoes, kayaks and paddle boats. The park also has a nine-hole disc golf course and more than 100 electric campsites.
Information: 937-295-2011 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/lakeloramie
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