Marblehead Lighthouse State Park

4.7 (77 reviews)

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Marblehead Lighthouse State Park - Lighthouse - Parks Near Me - Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio

Marblehead Lighthouse State Park - Sign and lighthouse - Parks Near Me - Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio

Marblehead Lighthouse State Park - Parks Near Me - Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio

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Marblehead Lighthouse State Park - Sunrise and lighthouse - Parks Near Me - Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio

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Robert T.

Went up there to watch the sunrise and take some pictures. Very relaxing vibe. Not a lot "to do," but a very cool place to just chill out or I guess let your kids play if you have em. I have 2 batches of pictures, these from my phone, the other with my camera when I can get back to my computer

Kerry M.

Marblehead Lighthouse happens to be one of our favorite places to visit here in NW Ohio. The museums are full of nautical items along with the history of the lighthouse. We like being on or near the water, so we usually will walk the grounds then sit on the rocks watching the waves come to shore. We also get a distant view of Cedar Point which is nice. Great place to just exhale...

Amanda M.

Beautiful spot! I took my kids to see the lighthouse (make sure you visit during open hours to get the full experience). They have the original keepers house that is now a museum and gift shop. They have one of the original style lens to show the amplification of the light. Plus lots of other history. You can pay $3 to walk to the top of the lighthouse. It is 77 steps and not a hard climb. Once at the top you can walk around the top walkway and see views all around. Next up is the lifesaving station with an original style boat and lots of historical information to read. They also have an area with a short video and other information about the lighthouse and a mini replica. There is a walking path around the perimeter of the park that discusses other pieces of historical information. We spent about an hour checking everything out but you can easily spend a few if you want to read all the information.

Tanja N.

Originally known as Sandusky Bay Light Station, The Marblehead Lighthouse is the oldest of its kind that has worked continuously on the Great Lakes. In 1923 electricity was added, but before that whale oil, lard oil and kerosene were used to lit the beacons. Nowadays with LED, light can be seen 11 nautical miles. It was built from locally sourced limestone, still standing in all its beauty overseeing the lakes. We visited in October, so it was closed for the season, but grounds around are equally pretty and interesting for a stroll.

John B.

It's a great day trip. If you're in Central Ohio you can go there. Just know certain times a year if you go. If you get closer to the water, the mosquitoes are really bad. They'll bite you. They'll get in your hair. They'll be in your car so keep your windows rolled up. Parking is easy. Is plenty parking to get there. Once you're there is areas you can sit, you know you can go out close to the water. If you go in the winter time when the water is frozen you can actually can walk out about 20 ft and it's frozen. Be careful onto the water but it's a nice little getaway if you just want to go up or down depending on where you coming from

Evelyn M.

We live lighthouses so HAD to check this one out. Check hours as they are limited. We did get the 1st tour at noon to go up! The gift shop is also a museum and interesting! There are restrooms, picnic table, ample parking. Great views ... 75ish steps up then back down but spectacular views!!!

Susan H.

Beautiful park on lake Eire. Nice grounds with picnic areas an the ability to go to the top of the lighthouse. Nice and clean, fun family day trip.

Melissa B.

Marblehead Lighthouse in Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio at the State Park is absolutely gorgeous!!! I love this Lighthouse!! This is the Oldest Continually used Lighthouse on the Great Lakes, since 1822. It was built 1820-1822 using Fresnel Lens. There is 2 museums and one gift shop. Great parking area with picnic tables

Lynnette B.

The park has picnic tables but they are old. Bring a tablecloth. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. You can get near the water on large rocks but they are covered in algae and slippery so be careful. We packed a lunch and enjoyed the views and the sound of the water crashing on the rocks. The mayflies were in full force but they are akin to dragonflies, so fear not. The coastguard building worker informed us that they are a sign of a healthy lake with clean, oxygenated water.

Leslie A.

Very pretty views. No hiking or walking trails but lots of picnic tables Nice place to stop. You can see Cedar Point across the lake! There is a little area to walk around but no defined paths

Steve A.

Cool park along Lake Erie. Marblehead is known for the lighthouse. It's just one of the structures. Another is the museum. This doesn't have to be a long visit. It seems to take forever driving to it. It's pretty much all the way at the end of the peninsula. There's a main road and this is the fast way. It's very small considering it's a state park. You can see most of the stuff here in a few minutes, but if you're able to get into the buildings you can learn a few things. It's a very old lighthouse. Unfortunately it always seem like they're closing it and renovating. It offers a good view of Lake Erie. Many of the islands can be seen from here. The park can get crowded so go early to get a parking space.

Becky R.

BEAUTIFUL scenery of the lake and climbing to the top of the lighthouse was very cool! Perfect for some history lessons too!Totally worth the stop!

Cheryl B.

Very nice tourist destination to see the cool lighthouse and Lake. Great place to picnic or walk a little bit and explore.

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C R.

244

7 years ago

This is what I've been looking for in Ohio...at Lake Erie. Small but neat old lighthouse. Beautiful views! Lake Erie is so big and the first area I saw the water is kinda dirty looking and uninviting. This area is windy with rocks and the water crashing on them. Perfect! All the buildings and the grounds are very well taken care of. Beautiful place and nice people and good history lessons to be learned. read more

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Misty R.

Elite 26

400

405

11 years ago

Come check this place out. I did and I am so glad I did. Pulling into the parking lot let me say first and foremost I'm so glad it was free to see. Second, as far as I know there is no closing time. There were a few people that came and went while I was there but for the most part it wasn't busy. This place is totally handicap accessible. Taking the short walk from the parking lot up to the lighthouse is so cool. The lighthouse is beautiful and picturesque. Surrounded by the water with big rocks which are also picturesque. Rocks can be slippery in some spot. This place is such a nice place to visit. They provide benches to just sit and enjoy the lighthouse and listen to the water. There is a museum and I will post pic with hours. Bathrooms are also available but they are outhouses. Come enjoy the views and take plenty of pics. Such a beautiful place. read more

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Hannah E.

7 years ago

If you want to see the lighthouse, the correct address is 110 Lighthouse Dr. We went to the address listed and it was nothing but a boat launch. Took about 20 minutes to get to the lighthouse. The actual lighthouse was closed due to weather but overall a nice spot to look out and see Cedar Point or some boats. read more

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Samantha B.

Elite 19

141

8 years ago

Love love love this lighthouse! It makes you forget you are in Ohio except for when you see Cedar Point across the water. I have been here twice now. The first time I came, the buildings were closed because it was the off season. The second time I came, all of the buildings were open. You can actually pay a very small fee and take a tour to climb the stairs to the top of the light house. What a view! The staircase inside is a very cool spiral but it is a bit steep. 77 steps to be exact. It definitely is not an activity for those who are afraid of heights. My only complaint would be that the tours take up too many people at once. It was challenging to move around at the top because it was so crowded. The gift shop had some cute nautical items. Museum exhibits are free and open to the public. Parking is easy as well. Definitely a nice way to spend the day! read more

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StratSwede S.

345

168

6 years ago

Awesome location, beautiful views House needs some work, but great location. The lighthouse is very nice and the recreated boathouse very cool. We enjoyed our visit. read more

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Sara O.

Elite 21

212

8 years ago

A must stop in the area! I have been coming here since I was little. They give daily tours and you can go up in the light house and catch the great view! It's nice to just walk around the grounds and down on the rocks and enjoy the lake. Grab a coffee, a book, or even pack a lunch you can't get a better setting. It's even pretty in the winter! read more

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John Mark S.

11 years ago

Great place to take the family! Picnic tables for lunch or a quick snack and plenty of rocks to sit on for pictures. Not necessarily a destination unless you really enjoy lighthouses. Bathrooms available (wheelchair accessible) More of a drop by if your within 30 min., I have seen weddings there for photos etc. There is also a nature trail. Can't climb the lighthouse...wish we could since it would be a great view of cedar point and surrounding views of Lake Erie. read more

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Marissa K.

Elite 26

514

1946

13 years ago

Visit here a few times a year. No beach but still wonderful scenery. On certain weekends you can go in the lighthouse or the house. From here you can see the islands or cedar point. Plus there are always birds flying in the water and a boat or two going by. Kids can climb the rocks around the light and water and look at the fossils in some of the rocks. There are benches scattered around and picnic benches too. The parking lot does fill up quickly. read more

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Pete S.

Elite 17

722

1744

13 years ago

This place was a hoot. Not a big lighthouse, but climb the 77 steep stairs and you'll think differently. It's a working lighthouse and a state park. Very well maintained. I recommend it. read more

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Phillip Y.

Elite 26

359

1686

1878

11 years ago

We visited here instead of Toledo since EST zone didn't help with our travel time from Minnesota. The lighthouse museum was closed when we arrived but that was ok. Most everyone just wanted to take photos of the lighthouse and play at the water's edge. Plus, you have a great view of Lake Eerie against the backdrop of Cedar Point. Minutes from downtown Sandusky so be sure to visit this park if you are in the neighborhood. read more

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Shannon R.

Elite 10

171

16 years ago

Our annual visits to the Marblehead Lighthouse never grow old. Sometimes we go at night (watch your step on the rocks), sometimes we go during the day. Either way, it's a pilgrimage we don't miss. The view of Cedar Point, Kelly's Island, South Bass Island, etc is fabulous from shore. At certain times of year, you can climb to the top of the lighthouse, for a nominal fee of $2. Since my husband had never been to the top, he and my dad dragged me to the top AGAIN (not something I'm particularly fond of, given my fear of heights). But, as usual, I survived, and of course I enjoyed it tremendously. There's also a cute little museum and souvenir shop on-site. A great place to have a picnic lunch or watch the stars. Enjoy! read more

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Gina '.

7 years ago

Beautiful area. Family and pet friendly. We enjoyed walking along the rocky shore and relaxing on the grassy areas. Lots of wonderful photo ops! read more

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Michael U.

Elite 15

3628

6041

184659

18 years ago

Beautiful, peaceful, romantic, and the view is spectacular on a nice day. While some sand on the beach would be welcomed, the lighthouse is a gem on a tour of Lake Erie and should not be missed. While there, be sure to stop in the little town of Marble Head and experience Ben Richmond's original gallery. If you want to miss the tourists, go during the week, take a picnic basket and enjoy. read more

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Libby S.

238

450

10 years ago

My daughter and I had a great time, rocks can be steep, but the view was great, the porty potty were great nice and clean. Even came complete with urinals! read more

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Diana W.

8 years ago

Who doesn't like a lighthouse? Nice little place. You could spend 5 minutes or a couple of hours.

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Ethan J.

6 years ago

Great state park. I've been coming here since being a kid. Watch out for slippery rocks if you walk by the water. Great views all around the area. read more

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Mike J.

Elite 24

255

244

103

9 years ago

Beautiful spot, but not much to do other than walk around. There is a small museum and gift shop, other than that you can pretty much just walk around and enjoy the scenery. They allow fishing but that's but my thing. Definitely worth a trip if you're in the area! read more

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Kristen P.

6 years ago

Great place. Great views. You can see Cedar Point, Kellys Island. They ate always making improvements

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Tim L.

8 years ago

The lighthouse is open noon-to 4pm after memorial day. I have always missed this. The park itself is very small. It does offer some nice views. It is worth a stop if you are on your way to another destination. read more

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Heidi S.

11 years ago

Great place to spend a day , a weekend or a week! So much to see and do in addition to the lighthouse which is amazing. While you're there don't forget to go into Sandusky to ride one of the 16 roller coasters at Cedar Point... Roller coaster capital of the world!!! Check out other things in the area at: http://littleusatrips.org/2015/06/16/marblehead-a-light-on-lake-erie/ read more

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Chas M.

Elite 18

890

937

11 years ago

Reall cool spot! Cool view of Cedar Point and the lake. Lighthouse is old and full of history. I went on the most obnoxious weekend ever (4th of July) so parking sucked and there was zero place to sit but we still had a great time. About an hour is enough to see everything. read more

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Bobby S.

Elite 15

322

16 years ago

Oh man, do yourself a favor this month and take off a Friday or Monday and do a road trip (via Route 2) to this place. Bring along some sammiches and perhaps some discreetly packaged alcohol and you've got yourself an afternoon of fun. Sober up with a nap in your car and then hit up Cheese Haven and drive around Catawba Island. Coolness for all. YOU'RE WELCOME. read more

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Adam N.

11 years ago

An interesting and relaxing stop. Great scenery and the lighthouse, house/museum are both well kept and interesting. If you choose to spend money, either $2 to climb the lighthouse or buy a gift in the shop, everything was more than reasonable. A worthwhile stop that people of any age will enjoy read more

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Dub H.

Elite 15

141

521

1533

13 years ago

It's not a bad stop if you're in the area. It's a pretty lighthouse, but other than that there's not much to do. Views are okay, not the greatest. Decent parking area. read more

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Mindy P.

11 years ago

Visited on a Sunday morning. Wish I would have checked the opening hours as it is closed until 2pm. The lighthouse is very nice and the grounds around it are pleasant. Doesn't take much time to visit when you can't climb the lighthouse. Hope to go back sometime to climb to the top! read more

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Nathan S.

Elite 25

191

535

478

12 years ago

This park is very pretty with a great view of the surrounding islands on Lake Erie. It's a relatively small park, so you can check it out rather quickly and go about your day shopping at local shops. The light house is still operational, and you can grab a tour of it depending on when you visit. read more

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Abbie S.

7 years ago

This was worth the short drive off of I-80! Even in the winter this was a beautiful stop and a neat lighthouse! I highly recommend it!

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Kat M.

Elite 22

291

466

13 years ago

I had heard about Marblehead since I was a child my mom's dad used to take her there. It was amazing. So windy we had some white caps that day. Gift shop sweet. I am a light house addict. Love them! Like a kid in a candy store. Will definitely be back here again read more

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Jenni H.

Elite 24

596

11 years ago

What a beautiful amazing park!!! I couldn't believe the view. A perfect spot to enjoy Lake Erie, a view of Cedar Point and more. This park made me want to move to the area! I can invision music in the park, wine tasting events, etc. Great spot~~~ read more

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Thomas C.

Elite 13

298

17 years ago

Beautiful site, looking out on to the lake is awesome, it was a wonderful experience. The town is small and simple, yet relaxing. It was part of a trip to visit the upper Ohio area, which made it worth the trip. read more

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A. S.

953

419

16 years ago

Beautiful, small state park. Not only is the lighthouse and coastline a draw but you can also see across the lake to Cedar Point from here. Nice place for a little picnic or a stroll with your honey. read more

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Lynn D.

Elite 18

158

13 years ago

Beautiful views of the lake and lighthouse. My two year old grandson loved watching the waves and playing on the rocks. Could see the Cedar Pt coasters and many sailboats catching the wind. Very nice place. read more

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J. Spencer M.

Elite 16

356

109

11 years ago

Absolutely beautiful area. A very small state park with gorgeous scenery. A historic lighthouse in the Sandusky area serves as an icon In the area. The rocks along the beach are flat slabs and you can walk out onto the rocks and into the water. You are allowed to fish on the property with appropriate state tags. The trees are beautiful and are spaced nicely to hang an ENO hammock! We walked around on the rocks and grass for about an hour. They have single-occupant restrooms on premises read more

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Kaylee N.

10 years ago

Cool touristy spot. Its a fun place to start when exploring the mainland and islands. Takes great photos!

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Merry R.

13 years ago

Until I moved to N.C. back in 2003, I went here quite often to sit & think on decisions I had to make, I lived in Mansfield, & would make the trip, stay for an hr or two, then head back home. I felt close to GOD every time I was near the lighthouse...fished many times from the rocks...one day I wasn't paying much attention to my pole, all of a sudden the handle broke off & the whole pole took-off into the Lake! This is one of my favorite places on this Earth. If you get a chance to visit the Town of Marblehead, go see the little shops, & spend time in Ben Richards' studio...buy some sketches or prints...I still have them. The view in the wintertime under a full moon, is spectacular, frost & ice on the branches. read more

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Charmony P.

11 years ago

most instagrammed thing in ottawa county! the park is fine. small. theres a museum sometimes, and tours in the summer. great spot for sunrise read more

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Duck D.

12 years ago

Very relaxing to just sit and watch the boats go by one of my favorite places to visit clean and informative on the history of the lighthouse and lake Erie in general it's a mandatory stop when ever me and wife are up that way read more

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More info about Marblehead Lighthouse State Park

110 Lighthouse Dr
Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440
Directions
(419) 734-4424
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Hours

What time does Marblehead Lighthouse State Park open?

What time does Marblehead Lighthouse State Park close?

Indoor Amenities

Does Marblehead Lighthouse State Park allow dogs?

Yes, Marblehead Lighthouse State Park allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Marblehead Lighthouse State Park have bike parking?

Yes, Marblehead Lighthouse State Park has bike parking.

Does Marblehead Lighthouse State Park have parking?

Yes, Marblehead Lighthouse State Park has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

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Review Highlights - Marblehead Lighthouse State Park

“Even if it's not that clear of a day, you can still see Cedar Point and the Lake Erie islands in the distance.”

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Bettinger Park

5.0(1 review)

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Right in the heart of Lakeside, with a playground, shuffleboard, shade, and parking. Walk down to…read morethe lake or up to the business district. Relax, play, picnic, whatever. A pleasant surprise in a pleasant place

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Farmhouse

3.1(9 reviews)

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Overall, a pretty good meal, especially for inside of an amusement park. We opted for the pasta of…read morethe day, which appeared to be like a creamy pesto pasta, a side salad, a fruit cup (which ended up being all grapes), steak, and the biscuits. The pasta was excellent and definitely the favorite, the biscuits were good, but the steak was a bit gristly. The service was friendly and efficient. There is a nice seating area with umbrella tables outside. The geese were a bit aggressive, however.

Food served cafeteria style and seating is outside. We enjoy the rotessarie steak, chicken…read moredrumsticks (2), chicken tenders (3), chicken and dumplings we prefer this item as a side rather than an entree ...entree portion is too much of 1 thing, The pasta is too one note bland for me. The sides are a strength here..plus on the dining plan which is an entree and side you have the option of 3 sides. There is an entree chef salad, a side salad and a fruit salad or fresh fruit option. There are waffle fries we generally pass on them as they dont keep temperature long. We love the cornbread casserole, the smashed potatoes rock, and the brussel sprouts. As noted prior the chicken and dumplings can be a side and do hold their temp so great on a cold or wet day. We bring salt and pepper with us to upgrade the seasoning. Meals are $20 to 23 with a meal plan and CP is cashless.

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Steak with aus jus, smashed potatoes, and biscuit

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The fries were decent.

East Harbor State Park Campground

4.0(29 reviews)

5.3 mi

We camped here 4th of July weekend and had a great time…read more This is a big campground with several sections. The signage makes it easy to find your spot. I will say the spots are somewhat smaller compared to other Ohio state parks we stayed at. The slots are not angled so it can be tricky to back in. They do offer lots of pull through options. Inside the campground there is a boat launch, lots of extra parking, shower houses, camp store, game room, and nature center. They don't offer a lot of activities but there were a few. My kids just loved riding our bikes up to the beach and playing in the lake. There is a nice bike bath that makes it easy to get there. There is no food in the area so bring your own or be prepared to drive.

The campground was full and sites were right on top of each other, everyone was mostly respectful…read more Check-in was easy, but late night noise levels were not enforced. One rude group kept everyone up until 3am. And many campers left so much food, booze bottles and garbage everywhere. Several of the bathrooms ran out of toilet paper. The trails were mostly mowed and taken care of.

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Section A

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East Harbor State Park Sunset

Cedar Point Beach

4.3(11 reviews)

3.9 mi

We always stay at Hotel Breakers, and we like to go out on the beach to see the sunrise…read more The beach is very quiet early in the morning. On this particular morning at 6:30 am it was just us and the seagulls. It is also nice to take a break from Cedar Point when it gets crowded in the afternoon, and walking on the beach is our favorite way to relax. Although the water was too cold for swimming on this trip, in the summer heat it is very refreshing to take a swim in the lake.

We have spent a lot of time walking up and down the beach here. We typically leave CP on every…read morevisit to spend time here. Some years they have various activities, like games on the beach, or festivals, like lit up blow ups for a light festival and silent disco. It is a great place if you want to swim in the lake and you have beach access if you are a guest at Breakers. This lake tends to be a bit chilly when ever I go, but temps might vary. This is a fun place to take a break, or if you can get here without going to the park, a fun time to eat at Breakers and play at the beach.

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Ferris wheel

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Entry

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5.0(1 review)

4.7 mi

A unique family owned and operated business. They work to hard put you on the fish while providing…read morefriendly, helpful service. Really feels like you are out fishing with friends. Don't worry about bringing a lot of stuff. Bait and cooler space is furnished. There is a tackle shop on site. Call ahead to reserve a spot and get ready to have some fun!

From the owner: Marina, Mobile Home ct, RV park, Fishing Charters, Dockage, Rampread more

Battery Park

1.0(1 review)

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Terrible customer service at the marina. Caleb is a liar and almost refused to fuel our boat and…read morealmost left us stranded.

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Anthony D.

8 years ago

I have lived in Ohio most of my life and I had never been here until this summer. What a cool spot. The lighthouse is super cool and the scenery is just breath taking. My only regret was the tI did not get to spend more time there. I will be making a trip back before to long and just take in the lake and the lighthouse! read more