Things to Do on the Water

Marblehead Lighthouse is just a short sail south from the Kelleys Island marinas.

Sightseeing on the island isn't the only way to spend your time--there are plenty of things you can do from the water as well. Lake Erie bills itself as the "walleye fishing capital of the world" for good reason. Aside from legions of walleye, you can also find catfish, perch, and bass in abundance. Check in at one of the bait shops on shore to obtain a fishing license and find out where they're biting. When afloat, just steer a course for the nearest cluster of boats on the horizon to take advantage of the day's hot fishing spot.

The waters around Kelleys Island are home to over 50 recorded shipwrecks, some of which are quite shallow. While an ecological disaster in its own right, the zebra mussel infestation of the great lakes has had the beneficial side effect of making the water clearer than it has been in a hundred years. Water that, twenty years ago, was a murky mess now provides clear visibility for dozens of feet. This has been a huge boon to both snorkelers and scuba divers across Lake Erie, and the water off of Kelleys Island is one of the best spots to enjoy either of these hobbies.

The large natural harbor on the north end of the island is a popular afternoon stopover for boats of all sizes. Anywhere close to shore is a great place to drop anchor and enjoy one of the finest swimming spots in all of Lake Erie. Farther offshore is an ideal location to water ski or tube. If it's not too crowded, you can anchor in close enough to the beach near the breakwater to easily swim ashore. From there, you can stroll around the park and have a look at the glacial grooves located just a few hundred feet west of the beach. If you swim ashore a little east of the main beach, you will find a boardwalk trail that leads deep into the heart of the park's North Pond nature preserve. Both of these inland attractions are covered in greater detail in the Things to Do Ashore section.

Of course, if you're sailing, you can spend a quiet afternoon just circumnavigating the island and enjoying the natural beauty of the shoreline. The lack of significant hazards makes for a very relaxing cruise. While you're on the water, it's worth braving the choppy channel between the island and the northeast corner of Marblehead to get a look at the historic lighthouse there. In a shallow-draft boat, you can sail up to within a couple hundred feet of shore for a close-up look.

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