A Huge Update Came on 05/12/2020 – Big News From the Path Forward Committee
We were so happy and excited to welcome you back to the Bay! From early May through today, we have been doing more and more to make sure you get the best and safest experience possible on your island vacation.
There is a group of dedicated community leaders who originally met on Put-in-Bay on May 8th to interpret the Governor’s most recent decrees, how they affect Put-in-Bay specifically, and what our path forward is. They have continued to offer guidance to our island community.
What we can tell you now is that Put-in-Bay businesses ARE open, following best practices designed to protect you, our cherished guests, so that you can focus on enjoying a much needed Put-in-Bay vacation.
For much more information, click here to read more and stay up-to-date via our Put-in-Bay Facebook Urgent Updates.
What to Expect on Put-in-Bay as May Approaches
Last Updated: March 24, 2021 – It’s our commitment to you, to keep you updated.
Please check this page often as we will be updating it frequently. We expect things to change very fast, daily in some cases, so you can expect the unexpected, but we are doing our best to keep you updated. This is the place to get the latest information on Put-in-Bay Ohio’s re-opening plans.
There is a dedicated group of businesses, government, transportation, and community members worked last year to interpret the State of Ohio Phase 1 Re-Opening Plans guidelines. On Wednesday night, April 29, 2020, these island thought leaders gathered together “socially distant” and these Island Leaders Released a Community Letter on April 29. The group is committed to meeting weekly to determine a path forward for the island community
The group discussed what they can share with the public about when and what happens next here on the island as they get guidance on re-opening. The group shared the complexities of what is required to be ready for visitors to the island. Everyone agreed that we must do everything we can to ensure a safe and positive experience for our guests.
State of Ohio COVID-19 Dashboard
https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/dashboards/overview
Put-in-Bay and our Island Community want nothing more than to return to normal, now more than ever, to provide everyone with a much-needed escape. The Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce released a statement on April 24. At this time, there are very few businesses open and they are generally carryout only or have specific guidelines. You can find them listed further down the page, and we will keep the page updated as more businesses begin to open their doors.
Put-in-Bay Summer Employment Opportunities
For years, Put-in-Bay has depended on foreign students to help operate the various island businesses, but this year most students had to cancel. When the “stay at home” order is lifted, our island community will need 100’s of positions filled, such as: housekeeping, landscaping, retail and food service, golf cart rentals, security and much more.
If you’re interested in working at Put-in-Bay this summer, fill in a quick employment contact form and be among the first to learn of job openings. When the time comes, we will distribute the information to participating businesses and get Put-in-Bay back open again!
Interested?!? Submit Your 2021 Simple Application for Summer Employment
Ferry & Airline Services
Ferries are the main mode of transportation to get to South Bass Island and all the other Lake Erie Bass Islands. Small planes are the second most popular. After driving from Cleveland, Toledo, Detroit, or even just Catawba, Port Clinton, or Sandusky, the ride or flight over starts your journey. It is important to understand the new schedules and new guidelines that have been put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Miller Ferry Schedule
Miller Boat Line has provided a list of policies that have been implemented along with changes to their regular schedules. They take their responsibility for the transportation of needed goods and services very seriously and will continue to do so. Miller Boat Line will do everything in its power to fulfill its log-standing obligation as “Lifeline to the Lake Erie Islands.” Currently, only 10 passengers are allowed in the upstairs enclosed passenger area.
Download the Current Miller Ferry Schedule or the Miller Ferry Update Statement on May 8
Jet Express Schedule
The Jet Express has not yet begun service to Put-in-Bay for the 2020 season. They have also not announced an exact official date to resume. However, when they do, you will find it here. We will update you with the opening schedule as soon as it becomes available. The Jet Express traditionally starts service on weekends only at the start and end of the season, and is a full service Put-in-Bay ferry every day during the heart of the season.
Download the Current Jet Express Schedule or the Jet Express Update Statement on April 28
Put-in-Bay Airport - 3W2
Put-in-Bay Airport, FAA LID 3W2, is currently open under FAA guidelines. However, there are severely limited resources on the island itself. Very little is open, so please plan accordingly.
Griffing Flying Service Schedule
Griffing Flying Service has currently suspended their regular schedule. Office hours are Mon-Sat from 8 AM-12 PM, closed Sundays. Our maintenance shop is open Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM. Also, all international flights are still suspended until further notice. If you need to contact us outside of these hours, please text us at (419) 210-1592 or email us at info@flygriffing.com.
Island Air Taxi Schedule
Island Air Taxi is currently paused due to the current situation. They will provide air service for South Bass, Middle Bass, North Bass, Kelleys Island, and Port Clinton at $40 each way when they reopen. Fly in a Piper Cherokee Six with Club Seating that can carry five passengers or cargo. Flights can be scheduled from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, year round. Call or text (419) 573-2960 to schedule your flight.
Information For Different Types Of Visitors
Over the next few weeks, the tiny winter island community of just a couple hundred residents will transform with an influx of people coming to the island. In our current situation as a society combating the novel coronavirus, there are policies and expectations of various members of the Put-in-Bay family. Some are general to all visitors, such as maintaining social distancing protocols, and some are more specific to your relationship to our island. These policies and Re-Opening Plans are outlined below.
We miss you!!! Really, we do, but at this time we want to make sure that we think of everyone’s safety. This includes both tourists and island employees alike. All local upcoming events of any gathering have been postponed through May, following the most recent recommendation to limit contact with any groups of 10 people or more. Put-in-Bay lodging partners are optimistic about the 2020 summer! We realize Put-in-Bay is popular vacation destination in our region of the United States. Put-in-Bay island aims to re-open the right way to ensure the health and safety of everyone comes first.
Welcome back! We miss you too but need you to be aware of some changes. If you have traveled or spent any significant amount of time anywhere but put-in-bay, it is imperative to practice a 14-day self-quarantine for the health and safety of our entire population.
If You Are a Put-in-Bay Returning Worker
Welcome back to the island! Please check with your employer before you return. In fact, please contact your employer to make sure of their work needs, call back dates, and most importantly their individual plans for re-opening their particular business. Each business will be setting its own safety and sanitation guidelines and you may need to ask about special rules for employee housing as well. Be safe, Be smart!
If You Are a Put-in-Bay Service Provider
For our friends who visit the island to service our needs, we welcome you back. For providers of cable, internet, lawn services, plumbing, HVAC, construction, landscaping, etc. we ask you to adhere to the guidelines set by Mayor Dress and follow safe sanitation procedures as well as your company’s COVID-19 policies as applicable.
If You Are a Put-in-Bay Boater
We miss you as well!!! But please do not visit the Put-in-Bay Public Docks at this time. Docks A, B, and C are all closed for the time being. You can check this page for updates as they become available but at this time, public dockage is not available at Put-in-Bay. However, the Miller Marina is opening their docks on Friday, May 15, so check with them if you want to come over.
If You Are a Put-in-Bay Fisherman
We hope to see you soon! Out of State Walleye Fisherman can purchase out of state licenses effective 5/8! Fishing has resumed at Put-in-Bay! Miller Marina is also open as of 5/15 if you need dockage.
What's Open in Put-in-Bay?
This is the most frequent question that we receive. Everyone wants to know what is open, what Re-Opening Plans are coming, and what hours our island businesses will be available. As you can guess, this is changing every day so we will be updating our information every day as we receive it from island businesses and partners.
Essential Services
We are encouraging frequent and thorough hand washing and businesses deemed essential who are still open are focused on routinely cleaning all frequently touched surfaces, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs.
Island General Store
The Island General Store is open from 10 AM-4 PM daily, however customers cannot come into the store itself. If you have a small order of 5 items or less, you can call the store at 419-285-4091, and they will prepare it for you and bring it to your car in the parking lot. If your order is larger than 5 items please call 15-20 minutes in advance of arrival. Small orders can be placed on demand through the service window onsite. If you are a senior citizen or otherwise high-risk customer, the Put-in-Bay Police Department will deliver your order.
Island Hardware
Island Hardware is open from 9 AM-4 PM Monday through Friday, and 10 AM-2 PM on Saturday. They are taking precautions to ensure the safety of customers entering the store. These include but are not limited to capping the number of customers in-store to 10 at a time and a stringent routine of cleaning and disinfecting. They will also deliver purchases if needed. Their gift shop has been moved to online exclusively for the time being to focus on essential purchases. For additional information or to request a delivery, please call 419-285-NUTS (6887).
Put-in-Bay Gas Station
The Put-in-Bay Gas Station is operating from 10 AM-3 PM daily. You cannot enter the gas station itself, however, if you need items from inside such as drinks, cigarettes, or other available products, you may place an order at the service window. Seniors and high-risk customers can receive full service by beeping their horn at the pump, an attendant will come out and pump the gas for you. The best time to do this will be from 10 AM-11 AM as there will be a second attendant on hand.
Put-in-Bay Post Office
The Put in Bay Post Office is currently operating by its typical full-time schedule, from 8 AM-12 PM and 2 PM-5 PM Monday through Friday, as well as 8 AM-12 PM on Saturday. There is a limit of 6 people in the Post Office at a time, and proper social distancing measures of 6 feet must be taken.
Put-in-Bay Restaurants & Bars
At this time, some restaurants are open in Put-in-Bay and are offering delivery and pick-up options. However, in-restaurant dining is prohibited in Ohio at the moment and the restrooms are closed. We urge locals and visitors to call ahead of time to determine availability and Re-Opening Plans. Our goal is to update our dining section with more information as it becomes available. Stay up to date here!
Cameo Pizza
Cameo Pizza, located inside Mr. Ed’s, is open for both carryout and delivery on Friday 4 PM-10 PM, Saturday 11 PM-2 PM & 4 PM-10 PM, Sunday 4 PM-9 PM, and Monday 4 PM-9 PM. Click on the image to the right for a full menu. They are now also offering subs!
To contact Cameo Pizza, please call 1-419-285-4444.
Download a menu before placing your order, and Read a Letter from the Owners
Reel Bar
Reel Bar is open for both curbside pick up and delivery, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 PM-8 PM, Friday from 4 PM-9 PM, and Saturday from 12 PM-9 PM. Two alcoholic beverages can be purchased with a food order. Additionally available for carryout are beer, wine, and soda.
To contact Reel Bar, please call 1-419-285-1318
Orders can be placed online at www.toasttab.com/reel-bar
Topsy Turvey's
Topsy Turvey’s is operating 7 days a week, from 11 AM-2 PM and 5 PM-8 PM. Their menu is available for pick-up, and two alcoholic beverages can be purchased with a food order. They also have the usual chips, candy, snacks, soda, beer, and fishing tackle/supplies (but no Ohio fishing licenses).
To contact Topsy Turvey’s, please call 1-419-285-4511
Download a menu before placing your order.
The Forge
The Forge serves excellent food (pick-up orders only right now though) and have a great sense of humor. Here’s a quote from their Facebook: “We are living in a world where margaritas to go are legal!” Hours for Sunday Brunch are 10 AM-2 PM and Taco Tuesday is 12 PM-2 PM & 5 PM-9 PM.
To contact the Old Forge, please call 1-419-285-0022
Download a menu before placing your order.
Put-in-Bay's Most Popular Attractions
Right now, almost all Put-in-Bay attractions are closed to the public until the “shelter in place” order is lifted. All public restrooms on the island are also closed. We want to open ASAP but it will take patience. Our goal is to update more and more attractions and things to do as they start to open with their Re-Opening Plans as it becomes available. Stay up to date here!
Put-in-Bay Bars & Night Clubs
The bars and night clubs located downtown and scattered throughout the island are a huge draw every summer. Most if not all Put-in-Bay visitors will enjoy music or entertainment at some point during their trip at one of our many establishments. The restaurants that are currently open for take-out are also allowed to sell take-out beer, wine, and liquor. But we know that The Key West of the North just is not the same unless you’re sitting in Mr. Ed’s or listening to Mad Dog in the Round House. Stay tuned for updated bar opening dates!
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is announcing a delay in the opening date of the park to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the coronavirus spread. The opening date for the Visitor Center and the start of ranger programs will be changed from May 16 to June 13, 2020. A further delay in opening the Visitor Center could still be possible depending on COVID-19 developments. The Memorial and Observation Deck will remain inaccessible indefinitely due to the size and space limitations of the Memorial column including the stairways, elevator landings, and the elevator which do not allow for adequate physical distancing.
Put-in-Bay Camping
Public restrooms and all overnight facilities at Ohio State Parks are currently closed. Here is a short list of closures:
- Restrooms and Shower Houses. Please plan accordingly.
- All cabins & All campgrounds
- All visitors’ centers & State park marina buildings
- Playgrounds
Put-in-Bay Outdoor Parks
The Put-in-Bay Park District and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources continue to operate in accordance to guidance from the Ohio Department of Health and Governor Mike DeWine in the wake of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Ohio. We want to assure our visitors that we are monitoring the situation closely and doing all we can to protect the public and our staff. The State of Ohio Parks facilities on the island are closed. However, the many Put-in-Bay Park District trails are open, social distancing required, but no restrooms available.
Put-in-Bay Attractions
Perhaps the most important re-opening is all of the Put-in-Bay things to do. Kids want to visit Perry’s Cave, the Pyrate Fest, War of 18 Holes putt-putt golf course, the historical society museum, Derivera Park, and even learning about the Battle of Lake Erie… and so much more. Groups and bachelorettes miss the jet skis, Put-in-Bay golf cart rentals, Heineman’s Winery, the Boardwalk, and all the fun of downtown Put-in-Bay. The Put-in-Bay taxi services cant wait to take you to and from your attraction destinations! From War of 1812 reenactments to the Oliver Hazard Perry Memorial, there’s so much to do at Put-in-Bay Ohio.
Put-in-Bay Lodging
Put-in-Bay Ohio is home to many different lodging options, all of which are temporarily closed due to the State of Ohio “Stay at Home” restrictions (except for essential workers). This is giving us a chance to make sure everything is extra clean and ready for guests when they return to the island. Put-in-Bay hotels, resorts, waterfront condos, rental homes, Bed and Breakfasts, and guest houses are eager to open their doors and welcome you. Please be patient as we get through this together. Your Put-in-Bay vacation is waiting!
Put-in-Bay Ohio 43456, Your Lake Erie Island Getaway!!!!!
State of Ohio COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
Current Status of Put-in-Bay Businesses
As of today, these are the current regulations in place by the State of Ohio, Department of Health, Ottawa County, and/or Village of Put-in-Bay:
- Hotels – Hotel & lodging businesses already were permitted to stay open under the current Stay At Home Order to the extent they are supporting Essential Businesses and Operations. The Governor made it quite clear that the Stay At Home Order remains in effect, so nothing has changed regarding the Put-in-Bay resort businesses in this context. But businesses that were permitted to remain open must comply with the new safety requirements for Responsible RestartOhio.
- Vacation Rentals – Put-in-Bay Condos, lodging and rental home businesses already were permitted to stay open under the current Stay At Home Order to the extent they are supporting Essential Businesses and Operations. The Governor made it quite clear that the Stay At Home Order remains in effect, so nothing has changed regarding hotel & lodging businesses in this context. But businesses that were permitted to remain open must comply with the new safety requirements for Responsible RestartOhio
- Restaurants – The Ohio Department of Health has issued a Director’s Order that closed all Ohio bars and restaurants to in-house patrons, effective March 15, 2020. Restaurants with take-out and delivery options (such as the Put-in-Bay dining shown on this page) will still be able to operate those services, even as their dining rooms are temporarily closed until May 15 (outdoor dining) and May 21 (indoor dining).
- Bars – The Ohio Department of Health has issued a Director’s Order that closed all Ohio bars and restaurants to in-house patrons, effective March 15, 2020. Restaurants with take-out and delivery options (such as the Put-in-Bay dining shown on this page) will still be able to operate those services, even as their dining rooms are temporarily closed until May 15 (outdoor dining) and May 21 (indoor dining).
- Retail – On May 12, retail businesses, with employees and customers wearing masks, are allowed to start reopening. Businesses that reopen in Ohio will need to follow certain steps called Responsible Restart and employ Responsible Practices.
- Marinas/Airports – The Ohio Department of Health has issued a “Stay at Home” Director’s Order, effective April 2, 2020 through May 1, 2020. The public docks will not be able to operate their services, including restrooms which remain temporarily closed, until further notice. The Port Authority has kept the airport open to essential flights for supplies as well as island residents and service workers. The Miller Marina will be opening on May 15.
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