Put-In-Bay Attractions

Heineman’s Winery was established in 1888 by Gustav Heineman. Gustav’s grandson, Louis, great-grandson, Edward and great-great-grandson, Dustin, continue to operate Heineman’s Winery today. A combined tour of the winery and Crystal Cave are given daily from the first of May to the end of September. A complimentary sample of wine or grape juice is given after the tour. Wine and juice is sold by the glass or by the bottle. You can enjoy a glass of wine, and a platter of cheese, fruit, and crackers in Heineman’s wine garden. Heineman’s wines are made from grapes grown on the island, and have consistently won awards in many categories. They currently produce more than 21 different wines, including an ice wine.

Crystal Cave

It’s so much fun to say you stood inside a geode. Tour the winemaking process at the oldest family owned winery in Ohio.  It’s just up the hill from us and we love having a glass of wine or homemade grape juice, and a cheese plate in their outside garden area. 

Crystal Cave, the world’s largest recorded geode, is located on Catawba Avenue directly beneath Heineman Winery. A tour of the cave is included with a tour of the winery. The walls of Crystal Cave are covered in celestite crystals, used in the manufacturing of fireworks. The cave was discovered in 1897 by workers digging a well for the winery. Tours of the cave and winery are given from the first of May through the end of September, beginning at 11:15 and ending at 5 pm Monday through Saturday, and from 12:15 to 5 pm on Sundays.

The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society offers a glimpse into Put-in-Bay’s past. More than 6,000 square feet of display area features the original sprawling resort hotels such as the Hotel Victory, wine making, a movie on the island’s history, and artifacts from the old Put in Bay Car Races. You’ll also find examples of island memorabilia (Put-in-Bay souvenirs), and I-LYA (Inter-Lake Yachting Association) artifacts. Located off Catawba Avenue behind the Put-in-Bay Town Hall on Town Hall Lane. Watch a free history film and view a collection of model ships and ferries, some made by island craftsmen. Adult admission is $5. Seniors $4, Groups $4 each Veterans and Children free. Open daily 11-5pm from the first of May through September.

The Anchor Inn Boutique Hotel is just down the street from finding unique cave formations, getting tip secrets on the Putt-Putt course, panning for gems stones, climbing a rock wall, or running through a maze!

The War of 18 Holes is an 18 hole championship putt-putt course with a War of 1812 theme. This challenging course is sure to be a hit with the entire family. Learn interesting facts about the War of 1812 and Oliver Hazard Perry’s pivotal role in American History in the “Battle of Lake Erie” while playing under a canopy of shade trees. Kids will enjoy exploring the covered bridge and learning the secret of the “water shot”. Play a long shot through the waterfall cave. Open until late. Adult admission is $8.00, kids 6 to 12 is $4.50 and under six play free.

Wow what a view!  This is just a great place to sip wine and view the boats in the harbor or a beautiful sunset, play games on the front lawn and tour the grounds.

Situated on the water, directly across from Gibraltar Island, the Put-in-Bay Winery offers tours, tastings, and snacks with a view of Put-in-Bay’s harbor. Schedule a tour of the Dollar House and Put-in-Bay Winery and taste five of the wineries offerings varying from dry to sweet or create your own flight of Put-in-Bay Wines, Pelee Island wines, West Coast or other featured wines to create the ultimate experience. The winery offers a 10% discount on 6-bottle purchases and 20% discount on 12-bottle purchases.