Put in Bay Miller Boat Line ferry service to Put-in-Bay (South Bass) and Middle Bass Islands on Lake Erie

TRAVEL TIPS
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Excellent sources for planning your visit include:

Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce: Visit www.put-in-bay.com for your free Island Visitor Guide plus Maps, Island Lodging, Events, Entertainment, Restaurants, Shopping & Sites to add to Your "Must See" List!

The Lake Erie Islands Regional Welcome Center ~ Rt.53, Port Clinton, is filled with Things to Do, Maps, Finding a Place to Stay (including spur-of-the-moment Getaways!), Discount Coupons, Events, Restaurants & Entertainment. 800-441-1271. Visit
Lake Erie Shores and Islands.

During office hours, you can speak with someone in the Miller Boat Line Office for other suggestions at 800-500-2421. Free Put-in-Bay Maps are available at Waterline Shop, Dockside Gifts and Ticket Booths. Please explore the rest of this site for Travel information.

Although the Islands are year round, thriving communities, most Visitor Sites open throughout late April and May and close in September thru early November. Check before you go during the Spring or Fall. Relaxed, quiet, beautiful, special events, plus discounts and shop sales. For many these off-seasons are favorite times to visit.

The Miller Ferry Put-in-Bay Dock is 2 miles from Downtown Put-in-Bay (Perry's Monument). Day trippers can leave their car in a free mainland lot. Bring bikes, or rent golf carts, bicycles plus safety helmets & child carriers. Buses run between the downtown and Dock. Cabs are available anywhere and nearly anytime.

Put-in-Bay is only two and a half miles long, filled with flat, scenic roads. A new Bike Path runs directly from the Miller
Put-in-Bay Dock to the Monument.
Casual clothes and comfy shoes are the dress code. Remember, it can be cooler on the Lake! There are lockers downtown, you may want to bring sunblock and sunglasses, and binoculars are a bonus for panoramic views atop the Perry Memorial and birding and gazing on Lake Erie. Leave the traffic lights and mainland hustle behind.
Take a deep breath... Ahhhhhhhh~~

You're on Island Time!

FAQs

Should I Bring My Car?

We suggest if you visit for the day, you board as a passenger and leave your vehicle parked on the mainland. Parking is very limited at Put-in-Bay and once you are downtown, everything is within walking distance.
We do dock on the south side of the island, (2 miles from the downtown area) there is golf cart rental and bicycle rental located here.
Busses and taxi's are also available and waiting for every boat.
However, if you decide to bring your vehicle, please check our Driver's Check List information.

Do I need a Reservation?
Passengers do NOT need a reservation. In fact you will probably be able to get a ticket and board the next ferry.
Vehicles to and from Put-in-Bay DO NOT need a reservation, it is first come first served. Fridays TO Put-in-Bay and Sunday FROM Put-in-Bay will be the busiest car line.
Because of a more limited schedule, Middle Bass Vehicles ARE required to have a reservation. However, passengers do not.

Where do the Miller Ferries depart?Look for signs for the "Catawba / Rt. 53 N." Exit off Ohio Rt. 2. Miller Dock is at the tip of Catawba.

What is there for Children to do?

Check out our kid's page.

Can we bring our Dog?
Yes, dogs ride free, but they must be on the lower deck and leashed, or in a carrier.

Can we take our Motorcycle?
Yes. We have two special tie down areas located at the stern of the boat. Tie-downs and wheel chocks are provided to assure the safety of the motorcycle and passengers.
The Motorcycle Checklist follows the same guidelines as vehicles. During high wind conditions and inclement weather, it is the Captain's decision if it is safe to carry a motorcycle.

Can we Bring a Wheelchair?

Yes, ramps are used to board the ferries. Wheelchairs are able to go on the lower deck but there is no
enclosed cabin, in case of inclement weather.
   Each dock has ramps to wheelchair accessible restrooms and waiting areas.
   Contact our dock personnel for any special assistance, including golf carts which can transport passengers across the dock to ferries, vehicles, etc.
   Call our office to discuss any further questions 800-500-2421.

Do you have an ATM?

Yes, at both Catawba Dock and Lime Kiln Dock. We also accept Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover.

Are there worship services?
Put-in-Bay, Catawba Avenue:
Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church
Sat. 6 pm Mass, Sunday 7 am & 10:30 am Mass.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Sunday 10:00 am.
Middle Bass Island Island Hall
Sunday 10:00 am worship.

How do I set up a Commercial Account?
Call our office for information on an application and payments.

What about getting Married on the Island?
Because of the casual nature of the Island, they are becoming quite popular for weddings and receptions.
Island caterers do a superb job of organizing, there are officiants that live on the Island, plus there is more Lodging than ever before for honeymooners and wedding guests.
There is an Episcopal and a Catholic Church on Put-in-Bay.

We are thinking of bringing our Group.
Please look at our Group Fare page. Island Transportation Co. on Put-in-Bay offers a planned day narrated tour, call
419-285-4855.
Every year hundreds of tour groups, family reunions, community groups, non-profits, retreats and businesses enjoy the Island getaway. We will be happy to ship you bulk brochures.

How long is the Ferry ride?
Eighteen minutes between Catawba and Put-in-Bay. Forty minutes between Catawba and Middle Bass. Remember - its not just the destination, but how you get there!

Do you run all year Long?
Miller Ferries generally operate between March and December, depending on ice and wind conditions.

How do I know if you are running during high winds?
Often, decisions are made at the last minute on whether to run during particularly high winds.
Phone the office 419-285-2421 or
800-500-2421 for an update.

Do you offer Season Passes?

Yes, for both Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass. A Season Pass is good for the entire scheduled season and may be purchased at the Miller Office on Put-in-Bay (535 Bayview Avenue) or at Catawba Ticket Booth.
   If you travel frequently, this Pass offers great savings. All you have to do is show it every time you board, no need to wait in the Ticket line.
   You will need to stop by the Office for your photo on your Pass. See our Season Pass page.
   Families, friends and organizations can buy booklets of "Frequent Floater" tickets for both passengers and vehicles to Put-in-Bay or Middle Bass.
   These can be ordered by calling the Office at 419-285-2421. The advantage is convenience and sharing the travel fun.
   Frequent Floater tickets make ideal anytime Gifts because anyone can use them.
   Gift Certificates are also available. (Hints: Birthdays, Graduations, Thank Yous!)

Should we bring groceries?
We suggest NOT bringing the extra baggage as there is a grocery store, deli, & carry-out on Put-in-Bay. There is also a hardware store, gasoline/repair station and post office. There is no liquor store or pharmacy.

What about a hospital?
We have a year round Paramedic and EMTs. In emergencies you will be readily boarded on the Ferry. In extreme emergencies, helicopters serve as ambulances.

What about our Luggage?
Make sure it is clearly marked, there is a stowage area on the lower deck. If you have trouble handling it alone, contact the dock personnel for assistance. People often use carts or wagons.