Kelleys Island is a charming destination on Lake Erie. Accessible by the Kelleys Island Ferry from Marblehead, the island features state parks, restaurants and wineries, scenic hikes, historic sites and more. Here are some of the best things to do on Kelleys Island!
One of the best ways to explore Kelleys Island is to take the ferry and rent a golf cart in town. This allows you to tool around the island with ease while getting a close-up view of everything. And they are easier to park than a car.
You can rent carts at Caddy Shack Square or Kelleys Island General Store.
Monarch Winery is a colorful little enclave that specializes in wine slushies. They offer a variety of sweet fruit wines, and you can taste them in a flight of hail! After shopping their retail store, take your mud to the front porch or fenced back yard.
For more information: monarchki.com
Located in the heart of the village, Caddy Shack Square offers miniature golf, gem mining and more fun. In the center of the square there is a fun mini-golf course that poses exciting challenges. Around the greens there are restaurants, a bar, cafe, retail shops, a recreation room.
For more information: caddyshacksquare.com
One of the distinctive stops on the island is the state park. It covers nearly 700 acres with campsites, a swimming beach, hiking trails, fishing spots, picnic areas and more.
For more information: ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/kelleys-island-state-park
Kelleys Island, named for the brothers who bought the island in 1840, was once a center of mining operations, and the remains of the quarry can still be seen today. Around the island you will find a variety of abandoned buildings that you can explore. Just be careful and avoid structures that are on private land.
Kelleys Island is full of great long and short hiking trails. Many of them explore the old quarries, and one of our favorites is Horseshoe Lake. The very clear lake offers stunning views, fishing, even a little swimming.
For more information: kelleyislandchamber.com/directory/places/east-quarry-trails-horseshoe-lake
One of our favorite lunch stops is Kelleys Island Wine Co. The winery has a restaurant, a small canteen and plenty of space in the patio. Children can play in the yard or say hello to the goats and chickens. In addition to their house wines, you can sample everything from breads and sandwiches from the restaurant to tacos, salsa fresca and margaritas at the canteen.
For more information: kelleyislandwineco.com
The Charles Herndon Galleries and Sculpture Garden make for an off-the-beaten-track cultural excursion. You can visit his studio and galleries or stroll through the sculpture garden throughout the grounds.
For more information: charlesherndon.com/gardens.html
The Island Fudge Shop in the old school downtown serves a variety of sweets and treats, and their homemade fudge is always a winner. Just remember the store is cash only!
For more information: kelleyisland.com/listing/island-fudge-shoppe
The Village Pump is one of Kelleys Island’s most famous restaurants. Housed in a historic building, the restaurant is best known for its fried perch and Brandy Alexander cocktails. Order the fried perch (or another Lake Erie signature, walleye!) in baskets, sandwiches and tacos. Brandy Alexander is a refreshing concoction made with brandy, shaved ice, ice cream and other flavors.
For more information: villagepumpkioh.com
The Glacial Grooves, a series of limestone grooves carved by glaciers centuries ago, are located adjacent to Kelleys Island State Park. They are beautifully preserved, and the paths and signage around them have been recently refurbished to give you even better views.
For more information: ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/kelleys-island-state-park
Touching the water is one of the best ways to experience Kelleys Island. Kelleys Island Kayak is located in the state park and offers kayaks and paddle boards.
For more information: kelleyisland.info
For more information, visit kelleysisland.com or kelleysislandchamber.com or shoresandislands.com/communities/islands/kelleys-island.
You can also read Top Things to Do on Lake Erie Shores & Islands or check out my Shores & Islands Ohio guide.