About Kelleys Island

Lake Erie’s best kept secret!

Where is Kelleys Island?

Located in the western basin of Lake Erie, Kelleys Island is a family-friendly vacation spot that has a little bit of everything. Our island is home to award-winning eateries, fun seasonal events and activities, beautiful natural areas, and more. Dine at an outdoor patio and sample some of Lake Erie’s finest perch and walleye. Visit our island winery to savor a sample or tasty meal. Enjoy a friendly round of mini-golf, grab an ice cream cone, or admire the architecture of the homes which have landed the entire island on the National Register of Historic Places. No matter how you like to vacation, you can do it on Kelleys Island!

Ready to learn more?

Looking for a place to eat, play, and stay on the island? use the main menu buttons above. Or, keep scrolling to read more about our Lake Erie’s Emerald Isle. 

Island Geography

Kelleys Island is the second-largest of the Lake Erie Islands, an archipelago shared between the United States and Canada. The island is roughly three and a half miles north of the Marblehead Peninsula, and approximately ten miles north of Sandusky, Ohio. Although it is only a short drive from many large metropolitan areas, Kelleys Island is within sight of the Canadian border. The year-round population of just over 300 swells up to 5,000 during the summer months. With a landmass of twenty-eight hundred acres and twelve miles of beautiful shoreline, the island has a lot to offer.

What is there to do on the island?

The downtown area is the heart of island activity, where visitors can do everything from browse unique shops, to play a game of miniature golf, or just relax in Memorial Park and enjoy the sights and sounds of island life. Many restaurants provide both inside and outdoor dining experiences, a complete range of cuisine and a variety of entertainment weekends throughout the season. Enjoy a local craft beer at the Kelleys Island Brewery and sample island wine at the Kelleys Island Wine Company. Most visitors enjoy topping off their stay with an ice cream cone, some fresh island fudge, or a sweet treat from the bakery. The Island Market, our small grocery store, stocks just about everything you need. When you’re done exploring the downtown, rent a golf cart or bicycle and take a scenic tour of the island or visit our beautiful natural spots. And once the day is done, kick your shoes off and relax as you watch the sun set over the lake. Kelleys Island offers a wide variety of lodging choices including bed & breakfasts, condos, cottages & home rentals, motels & resorts, and rooms & suites.

Nature, Fishing and Recreation

The Island’s location in the western basin of Lake Erie makes it a perfect spot for water activities. Fishermen refer to Kelleys as the “Walleye Capital of the World.” Live bait and fishing licenses are available from our marinas, and islanders are happy to provide the most current news of what’s biting and where. Dock rental is available in several locations, and several fishing charters Other potential water activities include sailing and power boating, canoeing and kayaking, and snorkeling or scuba-diving on nearby shipwrecks. One of the island’s biggest assets is its flora and fauna. Unusual land species include the Lakeside Daisy, rock elm and bog violet. Lake Erie water snakes frequent the island’s shoreline. Bird life is evident throughout all seasons, with abundant numbers of migrating songbirds, raptors and waterfowl in both spring and fall. Occasional sightings of rarer bird species, such as Kirtland’s Warbler and Chuck-will’s Widow, occur annually. Watch for nesting species like the Bald Eagle, American Woodcock, and Yellow Warbler. Deer, beavers, foxes, and other wildlife roam the island year round.