Overview

An aerial view of Kelleys Island as seen from the east.

Located just a few miles north of Sandusky Bay on western Lake Erie, Kelleys Island is the largest island on the American side of the lake. At about four and a half square miles, the island covers an area of 2,800 acres of land and contains over 17 miles of scenic shoreline.

All of the island's marine facilities are located in a relatively small area on the south side of the island. The north end is dominated by a large horseshoe-shaped natural harbor that is a popular spot for swimming, diving, and skiing. The harbor is an inviting place to drop anchor, but the bottom is primarily smooth rock and holding is poor, making it unwise to attempt to overnight there in all but ideal weather conditions. A State park occupies most of the north shore of the harbor and features a popular campground. If you would like to trailer your boat to the island and stay at the State Park, access is provided by the Kelleys Island Ferry from the mainland. Be advised however that, while there is a small launch ramp on the island, the approach is overgrown by trees, requiring sailboats to raise their masts at the ramp itself.

Once ashore, Kelleys' main appeal is its natural beauty and the slow pace of its island lifestyle. Access is only available by private boat, private plane or island ferry, leaving it relatively undeveloped and unmolested by the modern world. Industrial man's impact is limited to the huge limestone quarries, and nature's imprint can be seen in the unique glacial grooves that have been preserved at the State park. The entire island is listed on the National Register of Historical Places, helping to maintain it as a living memorial to a bygone era.

While an attractive destination of its own, Kelleys Island lies about halfway between Put-in-Bay and Sandusky Bay, making it an ideal way point during a tour of the region by boat. While it is no challenge to find a drink or a live band here, the island's serene, park-like atmosphere makes it a relaxing ying to the party-town yang of nearby Put-in-Bay. It also stands out in stark contrast to the thrill rides and shopping malls of Sandusky Bay.

To learn more about the island, visit the Kelleys Island web site. There, you can also purchase a DVD tour of the island hosted by local television legends Big Chuck and Little John. A sample of this entertaining video, providing an informative overview of the island, can be seen on YouTube.

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