Frequently Asked Questions
Is it your first time traveling to Kelleys Island? This page is devoted to questions you may already have or didn't even know you needed to ask!
Where is Kelleys Island?
Kelleys Island is located in Ohio, in the western basin of Lake Erie, roughly 3.5 miles north of the Marblehead peninsula. Kelleys is the second-largest of the Lake Erie Islands, which include popular vacation destinations like Put-In-Bay, Canada’s Pelee Island, and Cedar Point Amusement Park in nearby Sandusky.
How do I get to Kelleys Island?
Kelleys Island can be accessed via ferry boat, private boat, or airplane.
Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line is located at 510 West Main Street, Marblehead, Ohio 43440 and provides year-round service, weather permitting. Accepts passengers and automobiles. 419-798-9763.
Jet Express departs seasonally from Sandusky and comes directly to the island. Jet Express is located at 101 West Shoreline Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Accepts passengers, no automobiles. 1-800-245-1538. Jet Express second location in Port Clinton travels to Put-in-Bay and then to Kelleys Island as well. This additional dock is located at 49 Jackson Street Port Clinton, Ohio 43452.
Goodtime I season passenger ferry service that travels from Sandusky to Kelleys Island. The Goodtime is located at 109 West Shoreline Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870.
Griffing Flying Service provides air service from Port Clinton and is located at 3255 E.State Road, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452. 419-734-5400
How do I get to Put-In-Bay?
In season, use the Jet Express passenger ferry. They offer an inter-island rate the will take you back and forth between Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay. Access to Port Clinton, Cedar Point, and downtown Sandusky also available from the Jet Express. An additional way to travel to Put-in-Bay from Kelleys Island would be from private watercrafts while docking fees vary.
How do I get to Cedar Point?
The first option is the passenger ferry called the Jet Express which travels directly to Cedar Point. Another option traveling to Cedar Point is by a Water Taxi from Seaway Marina. Contact Captain Joel Byer (419) 656-4951. The last option would be traveling by private boat with an additional docking fee at Cedar Point.
How do I plan a wedding on Kelleys Island?
If you wish to rent a village location you need to fill out a reservation form at the Village Office. They can be contacted at 419-746-2535.Or you can contact either of the two churches on the island to make wedding arrangements; St. Michael’s Catholic Church at 419-746-2481 OR Zion Methodist Church at 419-746-2514. You may also reserve the Old Stone German Reformed Church (though it does not include clergy) through the Kelleys Island History Museum by calling 419-746-2399. Finally, you may ask our Chamber office staff for additional advice on wedding locations and planning details. We are reachable at 419-746-2360.
What time are church services on the island?
St. Michael’s Catholic Church has mass on Saturdays at 4:00 pm and Sunday at 9:00 am. Zion Methodist Church has Sunday school at 9:30 am and worship at 10:30 am.
What are the Kelleys Island Library hours?
The Library is part of the Sandusky, Ohio, Library System: Library Hours and More Information.
Are there outdoor public grills and picnic areas?
There is a picnic area at the foot of the Glacial Grooves and in the Kelleys Island State Park. Also, on Division Street, across from the Kelleys Island School, there is a State Park picnic area.Both of these picnic areas include picnic tables and charcoal grills.
Are there public computers on Kelleys Island?
The Kelleys Island Library has computer terminals for use with internet access and the Village Pump and Seaway Marina offer wireless internet access for free but you must have your own computer or mobile device.
Where can I eat on Kelleys Island?
There are several dining establishments on Kelleys Island ranging from burgers to a fine dinner. Please check our dining section on the website.
Are there poisonous snakes on Kelleys Island?
No, we do not have poisonous snakes on Kelleys Island. Although, we are home to the endangered Lake Erie Water Snake.
Where can I get a map of Kelleys Island?
View and/or download the map from the Home Page. Ask for one at the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line ticket booth when purchasing your tickets. Get one at the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce office located at Seaway Marina. Pick one up at various bike & golf cart rental locations on the island. Mailing upon request.
Where can I rent a boat?
There are no boat rentals available on Kelleys Island. However, boat cruises and a water taxi is available. Contact Captain Joel Byer (419) 656-4951.
What properties are for sale on the island?
We count realtors among our members and you may find them by searching the Realtors option under Island Resident Resources.
How many people live on the island in the summer?
The summer season brings the resident count over 1500. Not to mention that thousands that visit yearly.
How many full-time, year-round residents live on Kelleys Island?
There are approximately 325 residents on Kelleys Island.
Are there any pet-friendly lodging properties on the island?
For information on lodging allowances, please use the filter to search for what you need by visiting the Places to Stay page.
Is there camping on the island?
The Kelleys Island State Park offers 129 shaded campsites. Group, rental camp sites, yurts and pet sites are also available. There are some electric hookups to individual sites. Several main shower houses are available throughout the park.Kelleys Island State Park: 419-746-2546.
Where are public restrooms located?
Kelleys Island has public restrooms located downtown next to the Town Hall & Police Department on Division Street and on Addison Road, next to the Municipal Building.
Are there hiking trails?
The North Shore Loop Trail travels through the North Shore Alvar State Preserve which is just passed the Glacial Grooves. The North Pond State Nature Preserve is 1/4 mile east on Ward Road from Division Street. Farther east on Ward Road is the main entrance to the numerous East Quarry Trails. Click here for a Trail Map. The Scheele Preserve is on Monaghan Road north of Hamilton. The Huntley-Beatty Preserve is also another 59 acre abandoned quarry off Bookerman Road.
Where is public swimming permitted?
The Kelleys Island State Park offers a beautiful sandy beach along the North Bay. Another public beach is located on the South side of the island at Seaway Marina.
Where can I get an Ohio fishing license?
The only place on Kelleys Island to get a fishing license is at Portside Marina, 419-746-2668. You can also get your fishing license online. Follow instructions and your license will be available by print from ODNR. Click here to get your fishing license online.
Where do I buy bait?
Bait and tackle are available at several locations on the island:
Craft’s Lakeview Lane 419-746-2254
Portside Marina 419-746-2668
Seaway Marina 419-746-2506
Island Market 419-746-2292
Where is fishing allowed?
Fishing is allowed at the Kelleys Island State Park. It offers a stone pier for fishing.
Is there overnight free docking?
The Kelleys Island State Park offers no docking but one may tie off or anchor down in the bay. All other dockage and marinas will charge for daily as well as overnight stays.
Where are the public boat launches?
The Kelleys Island State Park, located at the northwest end of the island, offers a free double boat launching ramp and trailer parking.
What is there to do on Kelleys Island?
Dining
There are many restaurants providing both indoor and outdoor dining experiences and offering a wide range of cuisine. Make sure you check the Places to Eat tab under Things to Do.
Shopping
There are numerous gift shops offering a wide variety of unique items for sale on the island. Please see our Places to Shop tab under Things to Do.
Entertainment
Peeper's, Caddy Shack Restaurant & Buckeye Bar, The Casino, Dockers Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, The Sand Trap, and West Bay all feature live entertainment. Other establishments have live entertainment at their special events throughout the year. Check the Calendar of Events for more details.
History
Kelleys Island offers a wide variety of historic activities fun for all ages. One may explore the historical aspect by visiting the Glacial Groove State Memorial, Inscription Rock State Memorial, or the Kelleys Island Historical Museum & Gift Shop. Many of the shops are housed in restored historic buildings and a tour around the island will reveal many more beautifully restored century homes.
Outdoors
For those who enjoy outdoor activity, Kelleys Island offers numerous walking trails and a newly erected boardwalk leading to the North Pond State Nature Preserve. Also, birding is one of the favorite activities in spring and fall. Other outdoor activities include fishing, boating, jet skiing, swimming, biking, camping, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. Kelleys Island State Park is a 677-acre state park is located on the northern shores of the island.
Wine Tasting
The Kelleys Island Wine Co. is a family-friendly boutique winery serving up to seven wines at a time. Crooked Tree Vineyard is a tasting room in a beautiful setting on the southeast side of the island.
Kids’ Activities
A large play area is located at the Village Pavilion near the Ball Park. Caddy Shack square in downtown Kelleys Island offers miniature golf, a mining company and an arcade. Check the Calendar of Events for special family and children’s events throughout the year.
Where can I stay on Kelleys Island?
Check out the Places to Stay page for listings of Bed & Breakfasts, Condominiums, Cottages & Private Homes, Motels & Resorts and Rooms & Suites. For additional help involving rental property information and bookings, take a look at our new Chamber of Commerce member stayonki.com.
Do I need to bring my car to the island?
The ferry does allow visitors to bring their vehicles to Kelleys Island. A car is convenient if you plan to do a lot of travel on the island itself. However, bicycles are available for rental by the hour, 1/2 day, full day and overnight. Golf carts are also available for rental by the hour, 1/2 day, full day overnight and extended periods of time. View the Golf Cart & Bike Rental page for more information and locations.
How big is Kelleys Island?
The entire island measures more than four square miles and is the largest freshwater American island in Lake Erie.
How long is the ferry ride and how often does the ferry run?
The ferry ride is 20 – 25 minutes long. The ferries run every half hour, seven days per week, in season. Hours, in season, are generally 6 am to 11 pm weekdays, 6 am to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Be sure to check the schedules before traveling: Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line & Jet Express.