Lake Erie Attractions – A place to go for Adventures, Events, Beaches, Hotels, Marinas, Restaurants, Site-seeing, Fishing and more. Go for a day or two amoungst the islands, to the beaches, to the amusement parks. Lake Erie is the best of the great lakes for pleasure and fishing. The United States and Canada border on this fine lake so have your passport ready!
What are the best beaches on Lake Erie? Long Point, and Presque isle beaches are fantastic. Long Point has a 40 km (25 mile beach) of pure white sand. No stones to hurt your feet.
Major Islands (US)
These are the primary islands located in Lake Erie, mainly between Sandusky Bay and Port Clinton:
Ryerson’s Island (One of the most well-known in the group, named after the Ryerson family)
Second Island (Adjacent to the mainland, popular with local boaters)
Snow Island (Near the northern shore of the bay) These three islands are part of the Long Point National Wildlife Area and sit within the Long Point Biosphere Reserve. Additional Features
Pottahawk Point (Sandy terminus of point-adjacent shoals/islands, major summer boating destination near the main Long Point sand spit).
Lake Erie Light houses. Have you seen them all?
Presque Isle Lighthouse (Erie, PA): Built in 1872 on the shores of Presque Isle State Park, it offers daily climbs, a gift shop, and scenic beach access.
Port Burwell Lighthouse (Ontario, Canada): Located just south of Norwich along the north shore of Lake Erie, this historic 1840 wooden tower is a prominent Canadian landmark.
Point Abino Lighthouse (Fort Erie, Ontario): Known for its unique classical revival architecture, this lighthouse offers seasonal site visits and guided tours during the summer.
Erie Land Lighthouse (Erie, PA): The first lighthouse on the Great Lakes built to guide ships into Presque Isle Bay, offering seasonal climbs and expansive views.
Vermilion Lighthouse (Vermilion, OH): An impressive replica located at the mouth of the Vermilion River, featuring the Inland Seas Maritime Museum.
Long Point Lighthouse (Long Pt, Ontario) – Likely the most Iconic lighthouse of all, surrounded by hundreds of shipwreeks. be careful of the sandbars as you approach!
Lake Erie Attractions
I like to think there are worlds within Lake Erie from the Boyou of the Long Point inner bay and the old cut to the amusement parks, the islands and to the lighthouses.
Lake Erie provides visitors with a wide variety of sightseeing opportunities. From national parks and pristine sandy beaches to world-class amusement parks and historic lighthouses, the region offers something for everyone. Whether you want adventurous outdoor experiences or a relaxed coastal atmosphere, the lake’s shores are filled with unique attractions.
In the United States, Ohio and Pennsylvania offer distinct attractions. Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio is famous as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. This 364-acre amusement park sits directly on the Lake Erie shoreline and features eighteen world-class roller coasters.
For natural escapes, the Lake Erie Islands are easily accessible by ferry. Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island offers vibrant nightlife and historic caves, while Kelleys Island provides a more laid-back experience ideal for biking and hiking.
The Marblehead Lighthouse in Ohio has been operating continuously since 1822, making it the oldest functioning lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Visitors can climb the tower for stunning panoramic views of the lake.
Pennsylvania offers Presque Isle State Park in Erie. This massive sandy peninsula extends into the lake with eleven different beaches, extensive biking trails, and spectacular sunset views over the water.
In Ontario, Canada, there are several notable destinations. Point Pelee National Park sits in Leamington and represents Canada’s southernmost mainland point. This location is internationally celebrated for supporting bird and butterfly migrations. Visitors can explore the marshlands and rent canoes from the Pelee Wings Nature Store.
Other attractions include Long Point (25 mile beach) and Turkey Point, both known for their towering sand dunes, protected ecological reserves, and excellent beach conditions. Adventurous travelers can book ziplining activities and canopy tours. Long point is a sand spit with a 25 mile beach (40 km). It is the largest freshwater beach in the world.
Charming port towns offer another appealing option. Towns like Port Stanley and Port Dover feature historic waterfronts with boutique shopping opportunities, fine dining featuring perch and pickerel, and public beaches for swimming and relaxation.
Cedar Point Marina
Lake Erie Attractions
Marinas
Lake Erie Island Marinas
Put-in-Bay offers several excellent marina options for boaters. The Put-in-Bay Public Docks are located downtown and provides transient dockage. They are very popular and highly active, with docking assignments made by the dock master. Miller Marina is situated a block west of downtown Put-in-Bay. This marina provides public transient dockage in a more serene, family-friendly setting, making it ideal for visitors seeking a quieter experience. Park Place Boat Club is located near the village offerings and Perrys Monument. This professionally operated marina accommodates both members and some transient boaters.
On Kelleys Island, Portside Marina is situated directly on the waterfront. This facility offers hourly and overnight docking, along with a small marine store, plus golf cart and bike rentals. Seaway Marina features a well-stocked convenience store and a clean laundromat, with easy access to various Kelleys Island attractions. These amenities make it convenient for visitors who need to restock or do laundry during their stay.
Middle Bass Island marina options are not to be missed. The Middle Bass Island State Park Marina is a 190-slip, full-service state park marina. It features an on-site harbormaster, showers, and proximity to the historic Lonz Winery. The Middle Bass Island Yacht Club offers excellent docks, great views, and a friendly community atmosphere. Both marinas provide reliable docking with excellent service for visitors to the island.
2. Other Lake Erie Marinas
The Oasis Marina in Clevland offers exceptional boat dockage and slips for vessels of all sizes. The facility features clean restrooms, showers, and maintenance areas to support your boating needs. Well-maintained grounds include walking paths, picnic areas, and scenic viewpoints that frame beautiful LakeErie panoramas.
Great Lakes Science Center – Interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland Botanical Garden – Seasonal blooms and peaceful walking trails
East Cleveland District – Historic homes and local dining
Cleveland Metroparks – Outdoor recreation and nature exploration
Local Shopping Districts – Antique shops, boutiques, and specialty stores What to Expect: The marina is popular among boating enthusiasts, families, and tourists exploring the Lake Erie area. It serves as a gathering place with regular events and maritime celebrations. The location provides excellent opportunities for fishing, sightseeing, and enjoying the lake’s natural beauty. The waterfront setting creates a peaceful environment perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration or before heading to nearby attractions. The marina’s convenient location makes it an excellent base for exploring this region’s culture, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities.
Oasis Marinas at North Coast Harbor
Lake Erie Attractions
Safe Harbor Lakefront, situated in Port Clinton, Ohio, offers a swimming pool and hot tubs. The facility provides laundry services, boat accommodations from 30 to 125 feet, and direct access perks to Cedar Point amusement park.
Cedar Point Marina, located in Sandusky, Ohio, maintains over 100 transient slips and connects to private swimming pools, hot tubs, laundry facilities, and provides direct access perks to the Cedar Point amusement park.
Safe Harbor Sandusky, situated in Sandusky, Ohio, offers full-service mechanics, fuel docks, pump-out stations, transient and seasonal slips, a ship store, and picnic grounds for visitors.
Battery Park Marina, located in Sandusky, Ohio, provides long-term seasonal docking, modern restrooms, showers, Wi-Fi, walking paths to downtown Sandusky dining, and immediate proximity to the city’s restaurants.
Huron Boat Basin, situated in Huron, Ohio, features an amphitheatre adjacent to docks, daily and overnight transient slips, electricity, water, clean public showers, and close proximity to beaches.
Huron Lagoons Marina, located in Huron, Ohio, offers long-term dockage, full service department, travel lift, boat winterization and storage, fuel dock, and on-site restaurant services.
Holiday Harbor Marina, situated in Huron, Ohio, provides sheltered riverfront slips, a fuel station, pump-out service, picnic pavilions, playground, and a mechanical repair shop.
Vermilion Water Works Docks, located in Vermilion, Ohio, offers municipal transient slips, electricity, deep-water access, historic architecture viewing opportunities, and quick walking access to downtown boutiques.
Copper Kettle Marina, situated in Lorain, Ohio, features seasonal slips, deep-water access, fuel dock, maintenance shops, and is close to the Cuyahoga River waterfront.
Sandusky Lakefront Marina, located in Sandusky, Ohio, provides seasonal docking opportunities, fuel dock, pump-out station, picnic areas, and immediate proximity to downtown attractions and dining options.
Huron Water Park Marina, situated in Huron, Ohio, features swimming facilities, picnic grounds, fuel dock, pump-out station, and walking access to beachside amenities.
Presque Isle Marina, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, operates within the state park, offers 473 slips up to 42 feet, four public launch ramps, fuel dock, pump-out station, snacks, and picnic facilities.
Wolverine Park Marina, situated in Erie, Pennsylvania, provides dedicated transient dockage, secure gated grounds, boat storage services, and highly accessible positioning in the city center.
Sun Life Marinas – Bay Harbor, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, features wet slips with shore power and freshwater, travel lift, fuel dock, bike and walking trail access, and proximity to Presque Isle State Park.
Erie Basin Marina, situated in Erie, Pennsylvania, offers state-of-the-art wet slip rentals, high-capacity travel lift for maintenance, gated parking, and walking distance to bayfront dining.
North East Marina, located in North East, Pennsylvania, features public boat launch ramps, courtesy docks, fully stocked bait and tackle shop, fish cleaning station, and on-site waterfront restaurant.
Walnut Creek Marina, situated in Fairview, Pennsylvania, offers heavy-use sportfishing basin, multi-slip transient docks, fish cleaning pavilion, weighing station, and massive vehicle-trailer parking lot.
Captain John E. Lampe Marina, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, provides 24-hour public access, multi-lane concrete launch ramps, fuel dock sun up to sundown, and heavily protected breakwall structure.
Sturgeon Point Marina – New York Shore (Eastern Basin), situated in Derby, New York, offers a town-operated inland harbor, four concrete launch ramps, water slips, dry dock storage, on-site beach access, and ice cream/food stand.
Erie Basin Marina – Buffalo, New York, located in Buffalo, New York, features over 1,000 slips with power and water hookups, public observation tower, manicured test gardens, walking paths, and jet-ski rentals.
Harbour Place Marina, situated in Buffalo, New York, provides deep-water slips, indoor and outdoor winter storage, mechanical repair shop, travel lift, and secure perimeter fencing.
Sun Life Marinas at Buffalo Harbour, operates within State Park offering hiking trails and picnic facilities. Over 1,000 slips provide shore power and freshwater at most locations. Accessible fuel dock and park-and-launch facilities support recreation. On-site Charlie’s Boat Yard restaurant delivers quality lakeside cuisine. One of Lake Erie’s premier waterfront destinations with strong community atmosphere and premium service standards for diverse vessel sizes.
First Buffalo River Marina at 32 Fuhrmann Boulevard specializes in wet slip rentals with round-the-clock 24/7 park-and-launch services. Full-service winterization and outdoor boat storage available. On-site convenience store supplies boating equipment. Near historic Buffalo River History Light, offering downtown skyline views from slips. Professional service suits visitors seeking authentic Buffalo riverside experiences with flexible usage patterns.
Leamington Marina, located in Leamington, Canada, offers 292 modern floating slips, deep-water access for 75-foot+ vessels, Wi-Fi, municipal water, electricity, and pristine parklands.
MacDonald Turkey Point Marina, situated in Turkey Point, Canada, provides 750 seasonal slips, 20 enclosed boathouses, gas dock, full maintenance and detailing shop, and adjacent 79-site mobile trailer park.
Erieau Marina, located in Erieau, Canada, features swimming pool, three launch ramps, deep draft accommodation up to 100 feet, clean laundry and showers, and access to Lake Erie and Rondeau Bay.
Erie-O Motel and Marina, situated in Erieau, Canada, offers 15 boat slips on Rondeau Bay, private boat ramp, dedicated fish cleaning hut, extra washrooms/showers, and hydro hookups.
Port Dover Harbour Municipal Marina, located in Port Dover, Canada, provides over 450 serviced and non-serviced slips, fuel dock, pump-out station, laundry, gated grounds, and on-site marine mechanics.
Port Rowan Marina, situated in Port Rowan, Canada, features quiet inner-bay slips, public boat ramp, close walking access to local bait shops, retail storefronts, and dining.
Marina Shores Ltd, located in Port Rowan, Canada, offers 600 boat slips up to 34 feet, marine retail accessory store, complete motor service shop, tackle shop, fuel, and pump-out.
North Erie Marina, situated in Port Bruce, Canada, features high-volume daily launch ramp, premium ethanol-free fuel, hydro and water slips, and recreation hall with full kitchen and showers.
Old Cut Marina Ltd., located in Long Point, Canada, provides sheltered inner channel slips, ethanol-free regular fuel station, convenience store, live bait, Chip Ship and local fishing information.
Collins Harbour Marina Resort, situated in Norfolk, Canada, offers seasonal slips, deep-water access channels, on-site patio restaurant, luxury trailer and cottage rentals, and secure electronic gates.
Port Burwell Marina, located in Port Burwell, Canada, features River-mouth basin docks, boat launching, deep-water access to central basin fishing, fish cleaning stations, and car parking.
Port Glasgow Yacht Club & Marina, situated in Rodney, Canada, provides active clubhouse with transient docks, public boat launch, fuel kiosk, scenic lookout decks, and public beach access.
Fin & Feather Resort, located in St. Williams, Canada, offers 1.7 kilometers of sheltered waterfront, quiet inner-bay slips, full RV resort camping, and heavily protected basin from open lake waves.
Port Stanley Kettle Creek Marina, situated in Port Stanley, Canada, features Riverside floating slips, electric and water hookups, easy access to Lake Erie open waters, and immediate walking distance to theatre and dining.
Stan’s Marina, located in Port Stanley, Canada, provides family-operated seasonal slip facility, boat mechanical service, launch ramp, and winter boat wrapping and storage.
Belle River Marina, situated in Belle River, Canada, offers large multi-slip municipal harbor, concrete launch ramps, fuel dock, pump-out, and park pathways linked to Lake Erie transit paths.
Scudder Marina, located on Pelee Island, Canada, features Remote island harbor transient slips, electricity, fresh municipal water, shower facilities, customs check-in point, and bike rentals.
Safe Harbor Toledo Beach, located in La Salle, Michigan, features massive full-service yard, heated winter storage, floating docks, swimming pool, restaurant, canvas shop, and full mechanical staff.
Brest Bay Marina, situated in Newport, Michigan, offers direct access to western basin walleye grounds, secure boat launch ramps, seasonal dockage, and basic drive-up amenities.
River Raisin Marina and Campground, located in Monroe, Michigan, provides combined marina slips and RV campground, water and electric hookups, boat launch, and shared bathhouses.
Marina Shores, situated in La Salle, Michigan, offers deep-water slips, swimming pool, restaurant, canvas shop, and full mechanical staff for winter boat preparations.
Toledo Area Marina, located in Toledo, Michigan, features full-service yard, heated winter storage, swimming pool, restaurant, and on-site maintenance departments.
Great Lakes State Marina System, situated across multiple Michigan and Ohio locations, provides government-operated facilities with seasonal slips, fuel, and access to public boat launches.
Public Access Marina Network, covering multiple regions including Ontario and the Great Lakes states, offers municipal facilities with transient slips, launch ramps, and public amenities including fuel, pump-out, and visitor services.
Old Cut Boat HousesOld Cut
Restaurants
Dock’s Beach House Restaurant is found at 252 W Lakeshore Dr in Port Clinton, Ohio. This laid-back beachside eatery and tiki bar features a sandy area and is highly rated for its fresh perch, walleye, and cocktails. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for enjoying a casual meal while enjoying the beachfront setting.
Whiskey Island Still & Eatery is located at 2800 Whiskey Island Dr in Cleveland, Ohio. This upbeat destination features extensive boat docks and has become a popular spot for live music and pub food. Boaters can easily access the restaurant and enjoy a wide variety of food options while listening to live entertainment.
Woody’s Backwater BARge & Grill is moored at 110 E Dobbins Landing in Erie, Pennsylvania. This uniquely floating restaurant allows boaters to pull right up to the dock for access to the restaurant. It offers casual comfort food and live entertainment in a one-of-a-kind setting that combines dining with a boating experience.
Canadian Shoreline Whiskey & Walleye is located in Port Colborne, Ontario at 3 Marina Drive in the Sugarloaf Harbour Marina. This spot features great views and serves delicious seafood right on the canal, making it a perfect destination for boaters looking to relax with a great meal while enjoying the water views.
The Tipsy Pirate is situated at Macdonald Turkey Point Marina in Turkey Point, Ontario. This establishment is unique as it is the only north shore restaurant where you can sit on the patio right next to your boat. The restaurant also offers complimentary daily dockage, which is a major benefit for visiting boaters who want easy access from their vessels.
The Boathouse Restaurant is located right by the water at 10 Sea Queen Rd near Long Point in Port Rowan, Ontario. This venue provides a waterfront dining experience serving great casual eats and patio drinks. It offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal while taking in the scenic water views.
The Chip Ship at Long Point is a floating restaurant located near Long Point, Ontario. This distinctive venue offers fresh seafood dishes combined with beautiful lake views, making it a standout option for diners who want a truly unique waterfront dining experience right in the heart of the area.
Cedar Point Hotel Breakers LobbyLake Erie Waves
Fishing
LAKE ERIE FISH SPECIES GUIDE OVERVIEW Lake Erie hosts approximately 107 species of fish, making it the most biologically diverse of the Great Lakes. The shallow, nutrient-rich waters support a wide variety of fish from massive predatory game fish to small panfish and invasive species.
PRIME SPORT AND GAME FISH WALLEYE The “Walleye Capital of the World”. The lake supports a massive walleye population.
YELLOW PERCH – A highly sought-after panfish. Famous for its excellent eating quality.
SMALLMOUTH BASS – Known for ferocious, exciting fights. Lake Erie is widely considered a premier destination for “big bass”.
Excellent sport fish TROUT Steelhead (Rainbow Trout) also having Lake Trout and Brown Trout. All three are prominent species, especially found in the deeper, cooler eastern basin
SALMON – Occasionally caught in the eastern basin Chinook (King) Salmon and Coho Salmon.
COMMON PANFISH AND BOTTOM DWELLERS
CHANNEL CATFISH – Slender, scale-less fish with forked tails. Thrives in warm, shallow bays. Common in the western basin.
WHITE BASS & ROCK BASS – Common catches in the shallower western waters.
FRESHWATER DRUM (SHEEPSHEAD) – A bottom-feeder species, Known for odd grunting noises it makes. Found throughout the lake
PRIMITIVE, ROUGH, AND INVASIVE SPECIES
LAKE STURGEON – The largest and oldest fish in the lake. Occasionally exceeds six feet in length. Important ecological indicator species
COMMON CARP – Large, omnivorous bottom feeder, Tolerant of many water conditions. Often found in shallow waters
INVASIVE SPECIES
White Perch, Round Goby, Sea Lamprey (parasitic)
These species are present in the lake’s ecosystem and pose significant ecological challenges.
CONCLUSION – With approximately 107 species in its waters, Lake Erie offers incredible diversity. From the legendary walleye in the western basin to salmon and trout species in the eastern basin, every angler can find their favorite target. However, the presence of invasive species remains a concern that requires ongoing management efforts.
Thousands of Walleye Under the Boat | Walleye Frenzy
Lake Erie Attractions
Discover the Great Lakes Pickerel Fishery | Commercial Fishing on Lake Erie
