kelleys island oh
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Kelleys Island, OH Lat: 41° 35.592 Long: 082° 42.710 |
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DESCRIPTION Kelleys Island OH is the largest US island in Lake Erie. The island was popular with Erielhonan (Erie) or Neutral first nations. who settled here long before any Europeans set foot on it. Known orginally as "Island Number 6" and "Cunningham's Island", Kelleys Island OH was purchased in 1833 by the two Kelley brothers who promptly renamed it after themselves. Today, it is an outstanding recreational area attracting boaters throughout the area. Not as hectic or as busy as Put-In-Bay, Kelleys Island has good marina facilities, a fine state park and interesting shops. If you are island hopping across the lake, it is a very good place to overnight or to linger for a few days. |
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APPROACHES The marinas lie on the south side of Kelleys Island. Portside Marina is the closest to the 'downtown' or 'commercial' district. The other marinas lie to the east or west. The approaches to these marinas are clear in all directions. There is an anchorage in the wide bay on the north side of the island (known locally as North Bay). The best anchor ground is at the east end. The further west you move, the more the bottom changes from sand to rock. Note on your chart the submerged fishing net stakes about .5 nm south of Portside Marina. There are also submerged fishing net stakes on the north side of the island, outside the bay and also a charted obstruction. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Portside Marina (419) 746-2668 VHF 68 Portside Marina is the closest marina to the downtown or commercial area of the island. They have 120 slips with 80 available for transient sailors. There is no fuel dock or pumpout station. The marina building has restrooms and showers. The grounds have picnic areas. There is an on-site bar/restaurant. They have bicycles and golf carts available for rent to explore the island. The downtown is steps away. Casino Marina (419) 746-2772 The Casino Marina is immediately west of Portside Marina. They have several transient slips available. There is no fuel dock or pumpout station. There are power hookups but no water available. There are restroom facilities available. Unique Marker Yacht Club (419) 746-2979 UMYC is a private facility but it does have several transient slips. There is no fuel dock or pumpout station. There are water and power hookups. Restrooms and showers are available. The grounds have picnic areas. Seaway Marina (419) 746-2506 VHF 16 Seaway Marina is a large, full-service marina. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and pumpout station. There are restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. There is an on-site deli & restaurant. Other amenities include a picnic area, a pavilion and beach. They also have golf carts available for rent to do some exploring of the island. The downtown area is about .5 mi/1 km away. Craft's Lakeview Lane (419) 746-2254 Craft's Lakeview Lane is located about .25 nm west of Portside Marina. It has several slips available for transients. There is a fuel dock (gasoline only). There is no pumpout station. While there is water and power at the marina, there are no hook-ups at individual slips. There are no restrooms, showers or laundry facilities. There is a motel on site. Anchorage There is an anchorage in the wide bay on the north side of the island (known locally as North Bay). The best anchor ground is at the east end. The further west you move, the more the bottom changes from sand to rock. From your anchorage, you can go ashore and explore world-famous glacial grooves, carved by ancient glaciers as they scoured out this land. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's There are no repair or maintenance facilities on Kelleys Island. Island Market can look after basic provisions. There is an ATM at the Village Pump pub and at Seaway Marina |
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MEDICAL SERVICES There are no hospital or clinic facilities on Kelleys Island Oh . Emergencies requiring hospitalization are transported off-island via boat or helicopter to hospital on the mainland. The closest hospital is McGruder Hospital (419-734-3131) located in Port Clinton, OH. There is no pharmacy on the island. |
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PLACES TO EAT Dockers Waterfront Restaurant & Bar is located right at Portside Marina. Good food and drinks and a great view. The Casino lakefront bar and grill is also right on the waterfront. The Village Pump is a very popular pub featuring fresh Lake Erie perch. The Caddy Shack is another popular pizza restaurant and bar. The Buckeye Bar, a well-liked sports bar, is attached to it. The Kelleys Island House Inn has a martini bar and a more upscale menu. Kelleys Island Brewery is a brew pub that makes its beer in very small batches so it truely is 'craft beer' (good perch too!). Kelleys Island Wine Company is the island's only winery. Enjoy their tasting room and deli/restaurant. On the west end of the island is the West Bay Inn. Known for its beautiful views and sunsets, the Tiki Bar is the best place to relax and watch the slip below the horizon. As you can imagine, there are other interesting places to try out on this resort island. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Kelleys island OH is a very popular destination and there is lots to see. Calling ahead to make reservations would make sense on the weekends. Make sure you visit the Glacial Grooves Memorial. These are the largest and most spectacular examples of the carving and scouring of the bedrock by glaciers 30,000 years ago. Inscription Rock State memorial is a large boulder that has 300-400 year old petroglyphs carved by the native peoples who lived here. The beautiful 600 acre Kelleys Island State Park has walking trails that give you an opportunity to enjoy the islands rich flora and fauna. Bald eagles, which nest on the island, always seem to take one's breath away. In the viallage, there are shops to explore - and who would want to pass up the opportunity to enjoy home-made ice cream or fresh island fudge. The Kelleys Island OH visitors site will give you an idea of lots more things to do and see while visiting the area. Return from Kelleys Island OH to Lake Erie Return to Home Page |
