Traveling the world has been in my blood from a young age. I hear people refer to it as a travel bug you just never out grow or cure. Passing that onto my son has been so much fun because I experience new adventures but also experiences through his eyes. Together we can enjoy just about anything thrown our way on vacation! What if you are traveling to a new place you have never been? How do you find great things to see and do? I hope this is where I can be of assistance! We have compiled some great ways to experience Kelly’s Island in Ohio.
This post is in collaboration with LakeErie Shores&Islands. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
If you have done any amount of research you will find Kelley’s Island is the largest of the Ohio Islands. Staying somewhere central is pretty easy since a short drive can have you from one side of the island to the other in a mater of minutes. I would suggest staying at the Kelleys Island Resort located on Lakeshore Drive. Lovely landscape welcomes you as you pull in the parking area.
The Kelleys Island Resort has luxury linens, newly furnished rooms and great amenities like a heated pool! A wonderful place to take your family and enjoy the different Ohio islands. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast, camp ground or rent some vacation properties.
Kelleys Island houses 600 acres of State parks to hike, walk and explore while visiting. Take some time to really explore the different lake fronts. We found some nesting bald eagles while walking around!
We also collected some Sea Glass to save.
I would also recommend enjoying the glacier grooves that just so happen to be the largest exposed glaciers in the world! I wish I could really put into words how awesome this was to walk and study. The marine life was preserved in the grooves so if you really take your time and look you can spot fossils!
Ready to head off Kelleys Island? Only a few main ways to get on and off the island. The Kelleys Island Ferry was how we traveled onto the Island with our vehicle. The second one I saw was the Jet Express which allows you to roam from island to island which I would recommend highly! We truly enjoyed our trip to Put in Bay and I will be sharing all about that soon. The third is by airplane and I would only recommend this during perhaps an emergency situation or during the winter time.
Dining is very interesting on Kelleys Island. You can enjoy outdoor patios, campfire meals or sit in restaurants. They have several options and they are pretty much all nestled together around the small shopping area by the docks. They have two main “everything stores” centrally located by the police department. I would recommend bringing foods with you on the ferry due to the restricted selection they do have. The shops are fun to look through and you might just find some souvenirs! They also have some great Anchors and displays to take photos on or by!
Wanting to enjoy a Ohio Island this one is definitely worth a Visit!
Check them out online: SHORESandISLANDS.com
Twitter: @ShoresIslandsOH
I know so little about the Midwest even though I lived in the Chicago area for a few years. Had no idea of this place, or that were any islands like this in Ohio. On a side note, the first, third and fifth images are not appearing.
I too had no idea there were any islands in Ohio!Kelly's Island loss like a perfect summer escape.
This is seriously one of the most hidden gems in the midwest. I was here this past summer, and it was like I was in the Caribbean. I'm glad you had a great experience, this place is a destination all of its own.
What a terrific place for a family break. I know we'd love it here. Also – that last pic is great. So happy!
Sounds like an awesome hidden gem!! We enjoyed hiking in Ohio last year, I think it's a bit of a shame that people aren't super aware of that there are some amazing places hidden away in the mid-west.
Aaaaaw… this is the kidn of palce my family will love:) Thank you for sharing:)
My family loves to travel and this looks like a perfect place to spend some time together!
I don't think I've ever been to Kelly's island. It sounds like the place to go to if you want a relaxing vacation. It seems so quiet and peaceful there!
It's awesome that there's a nice resort to stay at with the family while visiting. I'd definitely have to do some hiking out there.
Wow, looks like you enjoyed it so much! I will bring my family there soon!
What a wonderful trip. We love Ohio, hope to be there soon.
Wow, nice trip! I am planning to be in Ohio, will bring my bf and my son too!
What an amazing place to visit.I like all the images as well as the Kelly's island
I love travelling too! Kelley's Island looks like a fascinating place to visit. I'd love to explore those beautiful State Parks.
Awesome! So nice trip, love these photos, Kelleys Island is pretty fantastic 🙂