It is the eleventh largest river in the world-but only the fourth largest of the Great Lakes. Lake Erie is also the shallowest of the Great Lakes. The water provided by Lake Erie provides commerce for waterborne activities, navigation, manufacturing, and power production-all fostering intensive industrial development along its shore. The moderate temperatures also encourage agriculture and recreation. Speaking of recreation, viewing the Great Lake from any angle, even driving along the highway, can be beautiful, but riding a ferry boat across the lake can be breathtaking.
Lake Erie is bounded on the north by Ontario, Canada, on the south by the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, and on the west by the state of Michigan. The lake is named for the Erie tribe of Native Americans, and there are several companies that offer ferry boat rides across the lake from different cities or islands.
Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island can be reached by Miller Ferries passenger and car service. The trip begins on Catawba Island, Ohio, which is located about three hours from major metropolitan cities, such as Cleveland, Detroit, Toledo, Columbus, and also Cedar Point Amusement in Sandusky, Ohio.
Fees for the trip are $6 per adult, $1.50 for children from 6-11, and children under 6 are free. The fees are $2.00 for a bicycle, $14 for a car, and $12 for a motorcycle. There are fees for boats and jet skis as well.
The schedule to Middle Bass Island is also on the website. One way tickets are $8.50 per adult, $3 for a child 6-11, and no charge for children younger than 6. There are also fees for bicycles, cars, motorcycles, boats, and jet skis.
Besides the beautiful scenery one will see of one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the world-Lake Erie-attractions on the islands include an antique car museum, bicycle rentals, an aquatic center, the “Benson Ford Ship Home,” the Butterfly House, the DeRivera Park and Playground, the War of 18 Holes Miniature Golf, Gemstone Mining, Fishing Charters, parasailing, and others.
The Jet Express is advertised as the fastest way to Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island. The ferry travels on scenic Lake Erie from Port Clinton to the Put-in-Bay and from Sandusky to Kelleys Island. It is advertised as a state-of-the-art modern designed catamaran, offering the smoothest, fastest ride across Lake Erie. Comfortable, all weather protected, indoor seating is available, as is an open air ride on sun decks.
Those who take the trip on the Jet Express across Lake Erie will travel at speeds up to 40 miles per hour, on the 12.5 mile scenic tour. Passengers will pass seven Lake Erie islands and many other points of interest. A knowledgeable crew will answer questions from passengers.
Tickets are $24 a piece round trip for adults for the Port Clinton trip, $4 for children 6-11, and no charge for children younger than 6. A trip to both islands from Port Clinton is $32 round trip for adults, $12 for children 6-11, and no charge for those younger than 6. Tickets are $20 a piece and $28 for the two trips in the evening.
The Sandusky trip to Kelleys Island is $24 round trip for adults, $8 for children 6-11, and free for those 5 and under. The trip to Put-in-Bay is $32, $10, and free for the various age groups. The trip to both islands is $36, $12, and free for the various age groups.
The two boat rides are only some of the options a traveler who wants to view Lake Erie-two of the more popular ferry rides – has to take a boat ride on Lake Erie. Other options can be found be contacting a travel agent or doing a search online.
