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    Home » Travel » Outdoor Adventure

    10 Things To Do on Kelleys Island

    Published: Mar 9, 2022 · Modified: Mar 16, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    graphic reading "top 10 things to do on kelleys island"

    Whether you're looking for a relaxing lake views, kayaking or hiking trails, Kelleys Island makes a perfect getaway! Here are our picks for the top 10 things to do on Kelleys Island in Lake Erie.

    graphic reading "top 10 things to do on kelleys island"

    Kelleys Island in western Lake Erie is a picturesque spot for a getaway, especially if you're looking to enjoy outdoor activities and relaxing lakefront views!

    With its dense forests, public beaches, and interesting historical sites, this small island packs quite a number of attractions into just a few miles.

    The island is home to a village and a state park by the same name.

    The island is also located near other vacation destinations like Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island and Cedar Point, Ohio. From the north side of the island you can spot Canada's Pelee Island.

    This post will walk you through how to get to Kelleys Island, plus our favorite things to do on the island.

    How to Get to Kelleys Island

    We took the Kelleys Island Ferry.

    The ferry runs most of the year, and allows you to bring your car to the island.

    If you're on a budget, note that you pay for both your vehicle and all passengers (the passengers are not included in the vehicle ticket price).

    The ferry schedule changes seasonally, and they'll cancel if the weather is bad. Check their Facebook page for updates.

    Jet Express runs seasonally in the spring and summer and might be a more affordable option if you're on a tight budget. This option is for passengers only, so you can't bring your car onto this ferry.

    Other options include private boats and sea planes.

    View from the Kelleys Island Ferry.
    View from the Kelleys Island Ferry

    1) Camp in a Yurt

    Yurt in Kelleys Island State Park.
    Yurt in Kelleys Island State Park

    Have you always wanted to stay in a yurt? This is your chance!

    In 2021, we stayed with friends at one of Kelley Island State Park's two yurts and it was so cool.

    Staying in a yurt is more like glamping than camping. These yurts have electricity, a full (small) kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, and a gas grill.

    From the yurt deck you can see the pier and one of the sandy beaches.

    Lake View from the Yurt Deck.
    Lake View from the Yurt Deck
    Beach View Near Yurts.
    Beach View Near Yurts

    2) Visit Kelley Island's Glacial Grooves

    The 400-foot-long glacial grooves are a popular natural attraction for tourists.

    Glacial Grooves on Kelleys Island.
    Glacial Grooves on Kelleys Island

    As glaciers moved and flowed during the last ice age thousands of years ago, they pulled rocks and other debris along with them, carving these deep grooves in the limestone.

    The grooves began to be excavated just a few decades ago, revealing fossils an an undulating terrain that visitors find so fascinating today.

    The grooves are on the north edge of the island. They're easy to explore by means of a walkway around the rim.

    Glacial Grooves on Kelleys Island.
    Glacial Grooves

    3) Explore the Ruins on Kelleys Island

    Kelleys Island has multiple abandoned building sites, including the beehive oven and dining hall (pictured below) near the pier.

    Beehive Oven Ruins.
    Beehive Oven Ruins.

    This construction dates from the late 1800's when immigrant quarry workers lived on the island and made use of a communal oven.

    An outside oven like this eliminated the risk of fires in the workers' homes. Its dome-shaped "beehive" roof (now collapsed) would hold the heat inside for efficient cooking of food.

    Ruins Near the Beach.
    Dining Hall Ruins Near the Beach.

    You can also spot ruins on the North Shore Loop Trail (more on that below).

    And you can see the ruins of a couple of 19th century wineries, from back in the day when the Midwest produced massive amounts of wine! Who knew?! However, the winery ruins are on private property, so just take in the view from the road, and don't trespass!

    Want to learn more about the history and buildings of Kelleys Island? Check out the two-part self-guided walking tour. It starts from the ferry dock and takes you down the lakeshore road and into the downtown area.

    You might want to bring a set of earphones so you can play the slideshow videos that go along with the walking tour.

    4) Kayak the Kelleys Island Water Trail

    Love kayaking?

    Follow the Kelleys Island Water Trail all the way around the island! This water trail is best for experienced kayakers who are comfortable on choppy waters.

    Kelleys Island Water Trail map.
    Kelleys Island Water Trail map

    Need suggestions for kayaking gear for beginners? This guide will give you ideas for things like waterproof dry bags, water shoes, and a wetsuit top or shorty wetsuit!

    5) Walk the Kelleys Island Pier

    For a leisurely, scenic stroll, head towards the pier.

    Pier at Kelleys Island.
    Pier at Kelleys Island

    The pier is next to the sandy beach where you can rent kayaks or stick your toes in the water.

    Fish Weather Vane on the Pier.
    Fish Weather Vane on the Pier

    6) Walk the North Shore Loop Trail

    Like all the trails on Kelleys Island, the North Shore Loop Trail is flat and easy. The trailhead is right next to the glacial grooves described above.

    Flat, Easy Trails on Kelleys Island.
    Flat, Easy Trails on Kelleys Island

    The trail takes you past building ruins and has lots of gorgeous views of the lake.

    Lake Views on the North Shore Trail.
    Lake Views on the North Shore Trail

    Among the ruins is a giant 19th century loading dock where island limestone was brought from the quarry to ships waiting to transport it away.

    Ruins on the North Shore Loop Trail.
    Ruins on the North Shore Loop Trail
    Ruins on the North Shore Loop Trail.
    Ruins on the North Shore Loop Trail

    The North Shore Loop Trail is part of the North Shore Alvar State Nature Preserve.

    An alvar is a fairly rare type of habitat. With its limestone bedrock and thin soil, it may not seem very welcoming, but it actually hosts a variety of unusual wildflowers, mosses, and other plants!

    7) Hike the East Quarry Trails

    The East Quarry dates from the 1930's. As you'll have guessed after spending just a little time on the island, it was all about limestone back in the day.

    The quarry is now the site of about five miles of hiking trails. Part of it is flooded, forming Horseshoe Lake. You'll get good views of this lake as you hike.

    Quarry Trail Views.
    Quarry Trail Views

    Today, people like to use the lake area for fishing, wildlife photography, and fossil hunting.

    Quarry Trail Views.
    Quarry Trail Views

    The trails are open for both walkers and cyclists.

    Dogwood Tree Berries.
    Dogwood Tree Berries

    Trekking poles are a big help while hiking! I love these Kelty cork-handled poles, or for a higher-end option, try the Black Diamond Alpine carbon trekking poles.

    8) Walk the Boardwalk at North Pond to Barrier Beach

    You can explore North Pond State Nature Preserve by means of a one-mile boardwalk.

    North Pond is an embayment pond, which means it is connected to Lake Erie, and rises and falls along with the lake.

    Boardwalk at North Pond.
    Boardwalk at North Pond

    Long ago, Lake Erie's water level was higher, and Kelleys Island was actually two islands. As you walk, keep an eye out for evidence of the former shoreline.

    Boardwalk at North Pond.
    Boardwalk at North Pond

    You'll end the walk at the beautiful beach pictured below.

    Barrier Beach on Kelleys Island.
    Barrier Beach on Kelleys Island
    Barrier Beach on Kelleys Island.
    Barrier Beach on Kelleys Island

    9) Visit the Scheele Preserve

    The Scheele Preserve is one of several island properties owned by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

    Trail to Scheele Preserve Beach.
    Trail to Scheele Preserve Beach

    The museum takes an active interest in saving the unique habitats, plants and animals that can be found on Kelleys Island.

    Tree Loaded with Juniper Berries.
    Tree Loaded with Juniper Berries
    Tree Loaded with Juniper Berries.
    Tree Loaded with Juniper Berries

    An owl-banding project takes place here each year. In fact, if you visit in the fall, you might be able to see owls and songbirds up close and personal as volunteers work with them.

    There's a half-mile easy path through the Scheele Preserve, which ends at another beautiful beach.

    Scheele Preserve Beach.
    Scheele Preserve Beach
    Scheele Preserve Beach.
    Scheele Preserve Beach

    10) Visit Inscription Rock

    On the southern edge of the island, you can check out some ancient petroglyphs on Inscription Rock.

    Though no one can explain definitively the story behind the petroglyphs, they're an intriguing glimpse into the Native American history of this island.

    The original carvings have deteriorated a lot from exposure to the elements, so the rock is now protected by a roof. And a replica stone helps tourists to envision how it would have looked before erosion.

    Inscription Rock.
    Inscription Rock

    Do you have your own favorite discoveries from a visit to Kelleys Island? Let us know in the comments!

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    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

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