The Lake Erie Islands, including Kelleys Island and the three
Bass Islands further north, are popular holiday destinations during
summer, each offering their own attractions with a diverse range of
recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and
camping.
Limestone cliffs, historic sites, wineries, and sculpted caverns
are found on the different island retreats, and the warm waters of
the shallow Lake Erie are a perfect resting ground for migrating
birds, making the islands one of the best birdwatching areas in the
country.
Formed during the glacial period, the islands consist of
limestone bedrock that has much evidence of glacial scouring on the
rock surfaces. The Glacial Grooves State Memorial on Kelleys Island
is an enormous piece of limestone rock, containing the most
spectacular example of deep glacial grooves in the world.
South Bass Island is home to Crystal Cave, which is the world's
largest geode in the world, large enough to stand up in and
containing crystals up to 18 inches (46cm) long. Before ousted by
European settlers in 1812, the Ottawa and Huron Native American
tribes inhabited the Lake Erie Island region.
Evidence of these hunting grounds remains in over 70
archaeological sites found around the islands. Inscription Rock
State Memorial, also on Kelleys Island, is a limestone boulder
carved with ancient characters and images of men, animals, and
birds from about 500 years ago.
The naval Battle of Lake Erie was fought in Put-In Bay on South
Bass Island. An American victory over the British ensured control
of Lake Erie and the Great Lakes, commemorated by Perry's Victory
and International Peace Memorial on the island.
South Bass Island, named for the excellent bass fishing in the
surrounding waters, is the most visited of the American Lake Erie
Islands and its Victorian-style village filled with gift shops,
fine restaurants, and lively pubs has been famous as a summer
resort for over a century.
In the 1860's grape production became extremely profitable and
winemaking has had a strong influence on the island culture, with
several wineries still offering tasting and tours to visitors
today.