Miller Ferry News Articles, Blogs, Social Media & more
Put-in-Bay Pyrate Fest X: "X Marks the Spot"
June 22 – 25, 2018 Every year when the days are long and summer begins, the Island of Put-in-Bay becomes a lure… for Pyrates (that’s the olde time spelling for Pirates). Throughout the weekend of June 22-25 Pyrates and Scalawags set up camp – a Pyrate village in downtown Put-in-Bay for outdoor fun for all […]
Top 3 Spring Wildflower Trails
Here are our Top Three Spring Wildflower Trails on Put-in-Bay (also known as South Bass Island), Ohio After an unusually chilly April, turns out Mother Nature was setting us up for an abundant and sudden spring. May is already buzzing with reports of some of the best spring bird migration reports in years, and along […]
Head to the Light ~ Put-in-Bay Season Opener
Spring is building up. That soaring feeling as temperatures inch up, Mother Nature’s colors replace memories of winter’s muted grays and browns. On Put-in-Bay, the Miller Ferries resumed 2018 service in early March, after months of a frigid, ice-locked season. Spring. Sunlight. Friends. And The Whiskey Light beckons. And we are so ready. Put-in-Bay gathering […]
Dog-Friendly Day Trips ~ Put-in-Bay, Ohio
Guest Blogger Tonya Wilhelm, Raising Your Pets Naturally Dog-Friendly Day Trips ~ Put-in-Bay, Ohio […]
Sporting Events List for the Lake Erie Islands
Put-in-Bay & Middle Bass Island 2017 Sports Events Attention sports fans! Whether you are an athlete or spectator, individual or team, you’ll find it here at Put-in-Bay & Middle Bass Island, Ohio. Hop on a Miller Ferry & put a Lake Erie Island in your life. RACES June 25 Pyrate 5K June 25 Perry’s Victory […]
Fish Tales, Nature Trails and What's Open on Put-in-Bay
What’s Open on Put-in-Bay? Every weekend more island businesses open There is a nice variety of shops & restaurants open this weekend. Catch a ferry, rent a cart, grab a bite & take in the view during this laid back time of year at Put-in-Bay. Fintastic Fishing for Lake Erie in 2017 Good News for Anglers ~ “This […]
5 Types of People That Would Love a Miller Ferry Season Pass for Xmas
It’s that time of the year again — From November 1 – December 31, we’re holding our annual Season Pass Sale. You read that right. For two whole months, you can buy a fun-promising adult season pass to Put-in-Bay for just $385, which is $40 less than the regular price. But wait, you’re more of […]
A Boat Load of Smiles: 20 Things About Put-in-Bay That Make Us Smile
Sure, we could’ve made this list “10 Things About Put-in-Bay That Make Us Smile” or more realistically, “1,000 Things About Put-in-Bay That Make Us Smile,” but we settled on 20 for a good reason. One smile-worthy thing for every minute it takes to get to South Bass aboard the Miller Ferry. 20 minutes, 20 things. […]
Summer’s Winding Down, But Island Events are Ramping Up
It may not seem like it right now, but summer is almost in the rear view mirror. It’s true, technically the summer solstice takes place on September 22, but who says we have to abide by some old predetermined calendar? It’s still warm, the sun is still out, the ferry’s engines are still humming and […]
Put-in-Bay Road Races Reunion: A Tribute to Some of Put-in-Bay’s Coolest History
The village of Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island has a unbelievable amount of unique and interesting history. Of course there’s Commodore Perry and his brave crew’s triumph over the British in the Battle of Lake Erie…hard to forget that one. Dr. Lee deForest’s first ship-to-shore broadcast, which ironically enough, contained yachting race results and the […]
Let’s Party Like It’s 1812! Commodore Perry’s Birthday Celebration and 5 Things You May Not Have Known About Him
On August 23, 2016, it will have been 231 years since the legendary Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was brought into this world and to commemorate this American hero, there’s going to be a huge birthday celebration for the entire weekend! Join Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial on August 20 – 23, both Saturday and […]
5 Instagram Accounts to Follow for Your Put-in-Bay Fix
Unless you’re one of the lucky few South Bass Island residents, a trip to Put-in-Bay might not always be part of your getaway plans. Luckily though, there’s a few other ways to cure your island fever while you’re waiting to take that trip…and if you’re reading this blog, then you already found a pretty nice […]
Pokemon Go to Put-in-Bay: 6 Pokemons You’ll Probably Find Here
Pokemon Go is everywhere! The latest craze from the folks over at Nintendo has everyone, not just little ones, going wild for Pokemon. It could be your local grocery story or your favorite burger joint, Pokemon have augmented our reality almost over night. These little buggers have even made their way across the warm waters […]
What the Cleveland Cavaliers Win Taught Us About Ohio And the People That Live Here
On the off chance you’ve been out of the country without cell phone service or internet for the last five days, you’ve most certainly heard the news about Cleveland breaking its 52 year championship drought. No longer during a multi-game losing streak can we utter the notorious “Figures, it’s Cleveland,” or the same old “Will […]
Six Real-Life Pirates Who Would’ve Liked to Call Put-in-Bay Home
Savings Tip: Remember adults & kiddos, dress or talk like a Pyrate and save $1 off your round trip passenger fare aboard Miller Ferry for Put-in-Bay, any time during Pyrate Fest. The 8th annual Put-in-Bay Pyrate Fest is nearly upon us (June 17 – June 20) and we thought it’d be fun to chat about […]
23 Ways to Save on Put-in-Bay’s Memorial Day Weekend for Active Military & American Veterans
South Bass Island and the village of Put-in-Bay are forever in debt to America’s military. Without Commodore Perry and his crew’s victory against the British in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812, British forces would’ve seized control of the Great Lakes and Put-in-Bay’s landscape might look significantly different. To pay homage […]
If I Were a Dog, Where Would I Go on Put-in-Bay?
So you and your best pal Fido are thinking about coming to the island and have so many questions. How do we get there? Where do we go once we’re there? Should we stop at the ATM beforehand for extra dog-related expenses? Is there somewhere to plop their paws in the water? All legitimate questions […]
An Ode to the Whiskey Light
True to the norm spring weather on the north coast of Ohio has had its up and downs, yet one certainty that can’t rise and fall like the weather has us very, very excited — The dawn of yet another season at Put-in-Bay. The one event that truly gets things going on the island. The […]
7 Reasons Why We Think Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial is the Most Underrated National Monument #FindYourPark
Mount Rushmore? Lincoln Memorial? Fort Caroline? Sure these are undeniably significant symbols of America’s history and wonderful sites for vacations to boot, however we tend to think that our Battle of Lake Erie relic sometimes doesn’t get the notoriety it deserves. Although to be fair USA Today did just name Perry’s Victory & International Peace […]
Got Ice? Beautiful Photos That Show Winter at Put-in-Bay is Late to the Party
Even with the next few days predicted to lower the mercury in your thermometer, it’s no mystery, all you have to do is peek outside to realize so far El Nino is having quite the effect this year. A few below-freezing temperatures, no hard frosts, no scraping of car windows (okay we don’t mind this […]
An Ohio vs. Michigan Matchup You Wouldn't Expect: Put-in-Bay vs. Mackinac Island
On December, 4th & 5th the rival Great Lakes states of Michigan and Ohio will play host to an extremely unique sporting event. The Mackinac Island Lakers of Michigan will be taking on the Put-in-Bay Panthers of Ohio, which is quite an impressive matchup considering both islands are only accessible by boat or plane and […]
Top 5 Reasons Why it’s So Scary to Miss Halloween Weekend at Put-in-Bay
Don’t get us wrong, we certainly look forward to ice fishing and cozying up to a good movie on a cold winter’s night, but something about this time of year is slightly more chilling than the ghosts and ghouls that come along with Halloween — It’s the fact that we have to wait until next […]
5 Interesting Similarities Between Put-in-Bay’s Oktoberfest Weekend and Germany’s Oktoberfest
It’s hard to believe it’s that time again, but autumn is in full swing and that means Put-in-Bay’s annual Oktoberfest Weekend is nearly upon us — this weekend to be exact. Held under tent in DeRivera Park on the corner of Delaware Avenue, the festival is open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Saturday, October […]
THIS is the Last Weekend of Summer: 4 Reasons Why You Should be on Island Time This Weekend
Officially, summer is not over. Somehow along the way we’ve been tricked out of a few precious summer weeks and while most recognize Labor Day as the end of summer, that’s really not the case as the fall equinox is technically September 22nd. So what’s it mean for us? While we’ve been rushing towards fall […]
Why a Few Days of Chilly Fall Weather is Actually a Good Thing
Okay okay, we know what you’re thinking but just hear us out on this one. Without the cold we can’t fully appreciate the warmth. For those of us that live in temperate climates, towards the end of every winter we always tend to get fed up with the cold. It just happens. When spring finally […]
Back to School means Back to Savings. Here’s Why:
It’s an all too familiar feeling. Pre-season football is on TV, the yellow school buses are making their neighborhood rounds and everywhere you turn people are uttering that simple phrase most kids loathe — Back to school. But fear not, Fall is not quite here which means there’s still a solid amount of warm summer […]
What to Watch For: School of Amphicars Swimming to Put-in-Bay this Week
Amphibious cars are cool and if you’ve never seen one in person, now is your chance. These rare, dual-purpose mobiles occasionally get together for what is dubbed a “Swim-In” and will be headed over this week for such an occasion aboard the Miller Ferry en route to Put-in-Bay and the rest of the Bass Islands. […]
Summer has Officially Started…a Second Time #SummerTake2
It’s no secret, the summer of 2015 has not been ideal and just like you, we’re tired of seeing those little cloudy thunderstorm icons on the iPhone weather app. Good news however, we’ve been given a second chance and summer is finally here to stay. In fact, we can’t stop checking the weather now and […]
The Flagship Niagara is Returning to Put-in-Bay
You know how the old captain’s saying goes, “Loose lips sink ships,” but that doesn’t apply here. Whatever the case we can’t help but spread the word because, well, we’re excited. It’s not everyday that this majestic, historically significant Tall Ship graces the shores of Put-in-Bay. So to celebrate Flagship Niagara’s return to the island […]
Put-in-Bay Treasures You Pyrates May Now Know About
It’s not officially summer yet based on the calendar, but it may as well be since the 2015 Put-in-Bay Pyrate Fest fires up this Friday. Whether you’re a first time plunderer or a seasoned old salt, there may be a few hidden treasures on the island both new and old that are ripe for the […]
Top 7 Places to Watch the NBA Finals at Put-in-Bay #ALLInCLE
We’d be remiss not to talk about the possibility of ending Cleveland’s agonizing 51-year professional sports championship drought. LeBron James and the Cavaliers are without the doubt the best chance us northern Ohioans have had in a long time and we can’t lie, it’s pretty darn exciting. Basketball fan or not, it’s hard to not […]
The Islander’s Guide to Under-the-Radar Events and Festivals
Pyrate Fest. Historical Weekend. Christmas in July. All fantastic island events in their own right and we certainly don’t want to take anything away from them, but to really get a feel of what everyday islander life is like you have to be willing to dig a little deeper. What’s that old saying? “Travel like […]
Cleveland Plain Dealer is Having a Contest to Crown Ohio’s Top Tourist Attraction — Let’s Make it Put-in-Bay
Who doesn’t love a good contest? Starting today, the Cleveland Plain Dealer will begin taking votes to appoint the top tourist attraction in the state of Ohio (cast your vote here). Surely we having nothing against the likes of Cedar Point or Hocking Hills, they’re both fantastic attractions in their own right. But, and of […]
10 Thoughts Everyone has Upon Hearing Miller Ferry Opens for the Season
Let’s face it, winter in northern Ohio was a bit tough this year. Come to think of it, it’s been a really cold couple of years and while scraping ice off your car window certainly gets old, it makes spring all that much sweeter. So when the ferries finally fire up and the thick layers […]
The Magnificent Connection Between Put-in-Bay, Summit County, and Key West
A triangle that points the sunset and promise of yet another day in paradise. A triangle that consists of three of the most fantastic, travel-worthy locations sharing a unique bond. No doubt most who’ve been to Put-in-Bay know that it’s considered Key West’s sister island and it’s very easy to see why. For one, they’re […]
Put-in-Bay, Will You be my Valentine?
Dear Put-in-Bay, From the first time we laid eyes on you, we’ve been smitten. Your beautiful limestone cliffs stretch out to the water’s edge giving us a wonderful reminder of just how long ago the glaciers etched their way across the Great Lakes and how much history you have. Your gorgeous natural harbor and perfect […]
Schedule Update
We are currently not running ferry service, but Spring is heading this way! Schedule updates will post here, also on Facebook & Twitter. […]
My Midwest: Put-In-Bay, Ohio
“It’s pretty cool to ride out, just 20 minutes and be in this sort-of vacation paradise. I kept saying ‘this is so random,’ because I never expected such a place in Ohio.” via LLWorldTour Even in winter, people are still talking about Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island.Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island, The Goat […]
An Islander’s New Year’s Resolution for 2015
Put-in-Bay residents live on an island year-round because they love it, and not just in the summertime. Can it get a little tough feeling island locked in the winter? Of course, but it’s all part of the island experience. The truth is, between making our own fun during the cold weather or relishing in the […]
Why We're Thankful for Weather
Chances are you’ve heard someone say it already, but it’s hard to believe that the holidays are already upon us. It seems like just yesterday we were soaking up the warmth of summer and watching the sun fall into Lake Erie around 9:00 pm. However, summer’s departure isn’t all bad and the beginning of the […]
Five Themed Costume Ideas That Scream Put-in-Bay
It seems like just yesterday we were talking about melting ice and freeing the ferries. Like always and every summer, time flies when you’re having a good time. Don’t fret though, Put-in-Bay’s last big bash is this weekend and just to help you out, we’ve come up with a few unique South Bass style costume […]
Do You Want to see a 1,237-Pound Pumpkin?
Fresh off its debut in Hamilton, Ohio for the Pumpkin and Art Festival, Richard Warren’s behemoth gourd will make the trip aboard the Miller Ferry back home to Put-in-Bay for the island’s annual Oktoberfest in DeRivera Park. Perhaps one of the weirdest items ever transported on the ferry, Warren says the obscenely large pumpkin is […]
Weekend Wine Tastes Better on an Island
It should come as no surprise that fermented grapes taste just a tad bit better at Put-in-Bay because let’s face it, everything’s more fun on an island. With the Island Wine Festival slated for this Saturday, October 4 from 11pm – 6pm at the Put-in-Bay Winery and more than 400 international wines available for tasting, […]
Top 5 Reasons Why Fall is the Perfect Time for an Escape to Put-in-Bay
The end of summer is a peculiar thing. Those favoring eternal sunshine and an endless supply of Banana Boat may be languishing a bit while the pumpkin patch frequenting folks relish in the changing of seasons, welcome the thought of wearing flannel and seeing your breath in the morning. Whichever way you lean however, Put-in-Bay […]
Five and a Half Things You Can Do at Put-in-Bay Without Getting Eaten #SharkWeek
If we had it our way Shark Week would be a little more freshwater friendly. Maybe something like Walleye Week or Perch Week. Unfortunately we don’t have enough pull with the brass over at Discovery Channel to change the theme of this wildly popular yearly celebration, so I guess we’ll just have to live with […]
Five Put-in-Bay Places with Views That Will Take Your Breath Away
Anyone who’s ever set foot on the shores of Lake Erie or even seen a photo for that matter, knows that it’s one of Mother Nature’s finest, most beautiful creations capable of producing everyday awe inspiring panoramas. Put-in-Bay, the freshwater island we feel most passionate about, exemplifies this propensity towards outdoor perfection. So without further […]
A Little Island with Big Charm
Try asking someone what makes something charming. You’ll most likely get something like “I don’t know, I just like it,” or “It’s just all about the feel.” Funny thing, one of the biggest reasons why we keep coming back to this little island in the western basin of Lake Erie is quite often one of […]
Celebrate Your Founder: Father’s Day at the Bay
He’s your biggest fan. He’s your mentor. He’s always there when you need him. He’s one-of-a-kind. So how do you celebrate someone that’s given you more than you could ever give back? We’ll give you a hint and it’s not a DVD of Point Break, although it is a great movie. Take him for a […]
The Weather is Here, the Islands are Beautiful — Top 5 Things for Active Travelers to do on Put-in-Bay
Don’t tell Jimmy Buffet that we tweaked the title of one of his songs for our blog post. Come to think of it, he probably wouldn’t mind. Put-in-Bay is right up his alley and he’s quite the active guy himself. Alright alright, enough about Jimmy, let’s get back on track. The weather is indeed here […]
Memorial Day with Walker Hayes and Tributes We Pay
Look at that, it rhymes. Okay okay, back to the good stuff. The weather is starting to get warm and the foliage on Put-in-Bay has come out to say hello. The Miller Ferry has been shuffling locals and visitors across the western basin of Lake Erie and the whiskey light at the Roundhouse has been […]
Top Ten Signs That You’re Ready for Summer
You’re ready to get an aerial view of Lake Erie from 352 feet above atop Perry’s Monument. Sunsets, boats and water occupy most of the space on your FaceBook and Instagram feeds…ps check us out on Pinterest. You have an insatiable taste for live music. Daydreaming about kayaking through limestone cliffs and emerald green water […]
Free the Ferries
#FreeTheFerries Like you, we are impatiently awaiting the thaw. Credit – Mary L. Staley As winter comes to a close, we will miss ice fishing, snowmobiling and all of the wonderful island winter activities. We happily say farewell to the snow, as islanders put the finishing touches on their winter projects and gear up for […]
A Love Letter to the Summer of 2013 from Miller Ferry
We love you, but you’re bringing us down. It’s only December and we already miss you. We know it’s a lot to ask, but do you think you can come back for a little bit? We’ll do something fun, don’t worry about that, we always do. Okay we know, we know, you can’t. We just […]
We’re not done yet: Oktoberfest at Put-in-Bay
The forecast for this weekend looks bright…and German. With summer already wound down, October brings with it many things that we really like. Fall foliage, vibrant colors, crisp nights, harvests, football, that almost smoke-tinged air that we all associate with this time of year…you know that smell. But what do we look forward to the […]
This State Has Legs…Ohio Wine By the Numbers
It’s that time of the year. The 8th Annual Island Wine Festival will be held Saturday, October 5th, at Put-in-Bay. Wine connoisseurs and representatives from wineries across the country will be on hand to sample the best of what each winery has to offer. Our locally celebrated grape harvester, Put-in-Bay Winery, will be serving up […]
A Celebration for the Ages: A Look Back at the Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial and a Thank You For All of Those Who Made it Possible
Just like the real battle 200 years ago, the Battle of Lake Erie slipped quickly through time in a blaze of cannon smoke and northwest wind. Meticulous planning from many, albeit not Commodores and Majors this time around, lead to a harmonious conclusion that drew thousands from all over the world for this truly once-in-a-lifetime […]
The British are Coming, and so is the Ohio State Marching Band
The Ohio State Marching Band may feel most at home on the familiar turf of The Horseshoe, but will soon find themselves marching somewhere a little more peculiar. On a boat. On September 1, 2013, 18 cannon-bearing Tall Ships from across the globe, dignitaries from all four corners of the United States, and thousands of […]
After Shark Week Special Blog Post: Freshwater is Better Than Saltwater
DorSal Fins Don’t Scare You: Chances are the fin you’re seeing belongs to a creature much less threatening than a shark and while a carp may look a bit odd, at least they’re not above you in the food chain. FresH water doesn’t leave you feeling sticky: Of course there’s a few folks that like […]
Means & Modes of Island Transportation at Put-in-Bay
If you’ve been to the islands you know. If you haven’t, you’ll figure it out once you get here. Getting around can mean choosing from a multitude of transportation options, some of which are unique. Of course, walking is always the main option and quite frankly the most efficient considering the modest size of the […]
The Things We Carry
That familiar, but always fantastic lobster bisque at The Boardwalk. Those mouth watering mint infused libations at Mojito Bay. The sweet barbecue smothered brisket at T&J’s Smokehouse. All of the edibles on South Bass Island that make your trip so enjoyable most likely have one thing in common – it arrived via the Miller Ferry. […]
Why a Put-in-Bay Native Would Make the Best Survivor Contestant
There’s been a lot of buzz around here lately regarding a particular reality television show, and as you may have heard, there has recently been an audition right here on South Bass Island. There’s a large chance you’ve seen or heard about the hit show “Survivor.” One of the first reality television shows, it […]
Top Five Places to Watch a Sunset at Put-in-Bay
What makes sunsets so special? They happen every night, so they’re not exactly rare. But despite their habitual nature and just like the people that visit the islands, no two are the same. That’s why we love them. Colorful, unique and packed with character, sunsets are everywhere. We just happen to think this island gives […]
Miller Ferry’s Memorial Day Walkthrough at Put-in-Bay
An example of what a typical Memorial Weekend day could look like once you arrive via the Miller Ferry. 7:45 am: A bit early? Maybe, but it’s vacation and breakfast tastes better on an island. Grab a roundtrip ticket on the Miller Ferry and hop on the 8:00 am boat. 8:15 am: Get your camera […]
Miller Boat Line Announces Addition of U.S. Brig Niagara to Ferry Fleet (Not really but it is coming to the island)
It is with great fiction that we announce a brand new addition to the Miller Boat Line’s fleet. At a length of 110 feet, the Brig Niagara is the first of many ships that will eventually make up our brand new “History Line” of ferry boats. Relying solely on wind power gives this historic vessel […]
