2025 PUT IN BAY BENSON FORD SHIP HOUSE TOURS WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 8TH AND AUGUST 17TH, 2025!!!

FOR TICKETS TO THE JUNE 8TH TOUR, VISIT: https://bensonfordjune8.eventbrite.com/

FOR TICKETS TO THE AUGUST 17TH TOUR, VISIT: https://bensonfordaugust17.eventbrite.com/

We hope you can join us for one of the Benson Ford Ship House Tours in 2025.  If you missed out last year, it’s time to jump on the rare opportunity to see inside this amazing Put-in-Bay landmark. To get an idea of what you might see in person, check out our virtual tour of the site, and read on to learn more about this unique property!

Put-in-Bay’s Iconic Benson Ford Shiphouse: A Destination of Historical Elegance

The Benson Ford Shiphouse is one of Put-in-Bay’s most unique landmarks, seamlessly blending maritime history with luxurious island living. Initially a Great Lakes freighter, the ship was named after Henry Ford’s grandson, Benson Ford. The ship played a crucial role in transporting iron ore, logs, and coal across the Great Lakes for over half a century. It was not just a cargo ship but a testament to industrial innovation, featuring several rooms designed by Henry Ford himself with elegant walnut paneling, finely crafted furnishings, and a luxurious captain’s office.

However, in December 1981, the vessel was decommissioned and renamed The John Dykstra II to allow a newer Ford fleet ship to inherit its original name. The ship was then stripped of its engine and other valuable parts, marking the end of its time on the water. Frank J. Sullivan purchased it. However, he was a visionary who saw more than just a retired freighter—he saw the potential for an architectural marvel.

A Ship Transformed: A Floating Mansion on Put in Bay Island

After sitting inactive on the Cuyahoga River for two years, the ship’s 7,000-square-foot forecastle was transported by barge in July 1986 to South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay), where Sullivan began converting it into a four-story luxury home. His design retained many of the original ship’s features, including:

• The pilothouse and navigational tools
• The grand walnut-paneled staterooms
• Porthole windows and metal stairwells

By 1992, Sullivan had bigger ambitions—he planned to turn the Shiphouse into a bed and breakfast, hoping to share this one-of-a-kind structure with visitors from around the world. However, a long legal battle ensued, and ultimately, the courts ruled that Sullivan could not use the Shiphouse for commercial hospitality. Despite this setback, the structure remained a beloved curiosity on the island, with visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the floating mansion.

New Owners and a New Era

In September 1999, the owner auctioned the Shiphouse and Jerry and Bryan Kasper purchased it. They were eager to preserve its historical integrity while making it an exclusive family retreat. Under their ownership, the Shiphouse has been meticulously maintained and remains a private residence, offering some of the most breathtaking views of Lake Erie.

The Benson Ford Shiphouse has since become one of the most talked-about homes in the Midwest, featured on major television networks and media outlets, including:

• MTV’s Extreme Cribs
• HGTV’s Extreme Homes
• The Travel Channel
• The British Daily Mirror

Inside the Benson Ford Ship House: A Journey Through Its Four Stories

The 7,000-square-foot Shiphouse is an impressive blend of industrial strength and nautical luxury. Each floor has been carefully designed to maximize both comfort and historical significance.

First Floor Tour: The Ship House Entertainment Hub

Designed for entertainment and leisure, the first floor makes it the ultimate gathering spot. It includes:

• A one-car garage
• A bar area, perfect for socializing
• A game room featuring a pool table and other activities
• A bathroom and laundry room
• A large storage area in the bow, originally used for cargo

Ship House Second Floor Tour: A Balance of Elegance and Comfort

On the second floor, guests experience the true grandeur of the original Benson Ford. This level features:

• Two master staterooms, complete with walnut paneling and en-suite bathrooms
• A fully equipped kitchen, ideal for preparing gourmet meals
• An additional cozy bedroom, perfect for guests or family members
• A spacious outdoor deck, providing breathtaking views of Lake Erie

Third Floor Tour: A Cozy Family Retreat

Designed for relaxation and warmth, the third floor embodies the spirit of a classic maritime residence. Here, you’ll find:

• Three additional bedrooms, each with its own character
• Two bathrooms for added convenience
• A family room with a fireplace, creating a cozy atmosphere
• A captain’s office, originally designed by Henry Ford himself, offering a glimpse into the past

Fourth Floor Tour: The Pilot House & Sky-High Views

The crown jewel of the Shiphouse is the fourth floor, home to the historic pilot house. Here, visitors can marvel at:

• The original navigational tools, still in place from the ship’s working days
• A sprawling deck, offering unmatched panoramic views of Lake Erie

This level provides an authentic “at sea” experience, allowing residents to feel as though they are still captains of a mighty freighter.

Dont Miss The Famous Put in Bay Ship House Tour- Grab Your Nickets Now

FOR TICKETS TO THE JUNE 8TH TOUR, VISIT: https://bensonfordjune8.eventbrite.com/

FOR TICKETS TO THE AUGUST 17TH TOUR, VISIT: https://bensonfordaugust17.eventbrite.com/

See You at The Bay 🙂