ON THE WATER

Lake Erie is the star of Northeast Ohio — and of a great Cleveland summer. Here are a few ways you can get wet and wild this season.

Boating And Floating

Looking to bob along the Cuyahoga River or explore the shores of our Great Lake? Here are a few ways to do just that in Northeast Ohio. BY

KIARA RODRIGUEZ

Float the River

Peacefully glide away from the hustle and bustle of life with this lazy river experience. The full-service outfitter sends groupings of inner tubes on a one-of-a-kind experience. Complete with a shuttle, it's a great fun family outing, romantic getaway or afternoon hang with friends. $25, floattheriver.net

BrewBoat Cleveland

Tap into BrewCLE’s pedal-powered cycleboats, which accommodate up to 16 people, or the all-electric, 12-passenger Duffy boats for a memorable summer day. The machines include a coolers, Bluetooth sound systems and ample space to party. $249-$524, brewcle.com

3 MUST-VISIT LAKE ERIE BEACHES

Grab a towel, sunscreen and beach ball, and enjoy the scenes at one of these three Northeast Ohio beaches.

BY ABIGAIL PREISZIG

Hinkley Lake Boathouse & Store

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. This Metroparks-operated shop is the ideal starting point for anyone renting stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and pontoon boats to explore the picturesque lake. $20-$80, clevelandmetroparks. com

Edgewater Beach

The beach in lower Edgewater Park boasts spectacular views of Cleveland and one of the only dog-friendly beach areas. From dawn till dusk, it’s the perfect spot for kayaking, volleyball, fishing, picnics and wading into 1,000 feet of swimming access. Need some shade on the 2,400 foot shore? Grab beachside fare, drinks from the outdoor bar or scoops of Honey Hut ice cream at Edgewater Beach House.

Island Hopping

No matter what summery, tropical vibe you’re searching for, you can find it in one of Lake Erie’s gem-like Islands. BY

KARYSSA ROSE

Kelleys Island

The second largest in Lake Erie boasts beautiful beaches and shimmering sunsets. Families spend days playing minigolf, hanging out at the Caddy Shack and indulging in ice cream from Papa T’s Deckside Ice Cream. When it’s time to settle in for the night, vacationers can find accommodations at the State Park Campground.

South Bass Island (Put-In-Bay)

This well-known vacation spot lets island goers take vintage rides at the Put-In-Bay Antique Car Museum, explore the natural limestone of Perry’s Cave or tear up the track at the PutIn-Bay Raceway. Don't miss the Bash on the Bay Aug. 23-24 with Pitbull and Luke Bryan.

Middle Bass Island

The Big Dipper-shaped Middle Bass Island sits among a group of many smaller islands. Beachgoers, and their cars, can travel across Lake Erie on the Miller Ferry that leaves from Catawba. Once on the Island, guests marvel in the antique beauty of Lonz Winery, which features century-old wine making equipment, and an open-air plaza. Accommodations from cabins to camping can be found at the Buck Creek State Park Campground.

Headlands Beach State Park

Ohio’s largest natural sand beach provides 35 acres of sand dune habitat, a mile-long paved and wheelchair accessible hiking and biking trails, picnic tables with grills, beach glass hunting, spectacular wildlife and, of course, swimming in Lake Erie. The Dunes State Nature Preserve connects via the hiking trail and offers great birding as well as insight to rare and unique plants like switchgrass, searockets, cocklebur and more.

Huntington Beach

Located in Huntington Reservation, this beach is the lakefront home to educational endeavors, local art, Ohio wildlife and relaxation. The Noshery, a newly built concession stand, features made-to-order crispy walleye sandwiches, craft beer and more. Three-mile trails lead to the nearby Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, with interactive activities for children and a planetarium, and BAYarts, home to galleries, plays and more.