SHORES & ISLANDS

Along the Shore

Picturesque towns lining the Lake Erie shoreline are home to historic lighthouses, beaches and wildlife areas. Perhaps the most popular lakeside attraction is Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky. Since the late 1800s, Cedar Point has drawn lake lovers and thrill seekers to its pristine beach and exciting rides. In 2023, the park unveiled a new boardwalk along the beach and debuted the Wild Mouse roller coaster. Cedar Point’s historic Hotel Breakers is a favorite for visitors staying overnight.

The city of Sandusky’s vibrant down- town has seen a renaissance of new businesses and restaurants. Jackson Street Pier hosts an array of public events, such as outdoor movie screenings and concerts. Visitors can stroll by the water, fish, have a picnic or catch a ferry to the islands. Downtown is filled with restaurants and unique shops. Everwild Spirits serves locally made bourbon paired with the distillery’s flatbreads, appetizers and desserts. Moseley’s Rooftop Bar, overlooking Jackson Street Pier, is a unique spot to enjoy cocktails.

Across the Sandusky Bay, Lakeside Chautauqua, a historic gated community founded in 1873 as a Methodist church camp, is a throwback to a simpler time. Lakeside hosts concerts at its historic Hoover Auditorium as well as talks by historians and pastors, art classes and more. The pavilion and pier offer lake views, fishing and swimming.

To the east lies Vermilion, known for its scenic downtown beach, Vermilion River lagoons and rich history in lake shipping. Shipbuilding for the Great Lakes shipping industry was one of the city’s earliest trades. This drew a surge of lake captains to Vermilion and many of their homes still stand today. Along the waterfront, the city and local partners are upgrading the popular swimming beach, an area that includes the Vermilion Lighthouse. The Main Street Beach and Park have new bathrooms and a concession stand, seating areas with benches and picnic tables. The beach is a favorite spot to spend the day, enjoy ice cream or takeout from the downtown restaurants, or watch the vibrant colors of sunset, says Marc Weisenberger, Vermilion parks operations director.

“There will definitely be a wow factor, especially for people who have been there [before],” he says. “What we were really after was to improve the user experience.”

Further inland, the village of Milan is the birthplace of inventor Thomas Edison, who created the incandescent light bulb, phonograph and other inventions. The 1800s home where he was born in 1847 has been preserved as the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum. The inventor’s descendants are involved in running the historic site, which highlights Edison’s achievements, family and the age of invention. The museum features some of his early inventions, family items and documents.

East of Milan, Berlin Heights’ Quarry Hill Orchards and Winery draws summer travelers to sample locally grown peaches, cherries, raspberries and apples. The orchard’s vineyard supports the winery, which has a tasting room where visitors can sample its red, white and fruit wines while enjoying the view of the farm and vineyard.

For more information about the Lake Erie islands and communities along the northwest Ohio lakeshore, visit shoresandislands.com.