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Things To Do In Sandusky, OH in 2024

Great Wolf Lodge resort in Arizona
 

When you book your stay at Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park & Resort Sandusky,OH , discover some of the attractions the area has to offer.

African Safari Wildlife Park
Experience this drive-through safari with exotic animals, pony rides, pig races, a gift shop, picnic facilities, a snack bar, and entertaining as well as educational animal shows. Free parking and free animal food.


Castalia State Fish Hatchery
This 90-acre facility raises over 470,000 steelhead and rainbow trout annually to stock Lake Erie tributaries and inland lakes. Open for self-guided tours year-round, Monday - Friday.


Edison Birthplace
Visit Thomas Edison's 1847 birthplace. Tour his boyhood home, and see displays of some of his accomplishments as the world's greatest inventor.


Firelands Winery
Award-winning local winery offering tours and tastings. Visit the tasting room where you will find gifts, wines, and home winemaking supplies. Toll free: 1-800-548-WINE.


Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
Rated Top 10 in the U.S. Walk through this haunted mansion filled with thrills, chills and unbelievable special effects. Visit the bounce houses, XD Theatre or Skateworld for hours of fun.


Heineman Winery
Tour the winery and the famous Crystal Cave, the world's largest geode. The winery also features a gift shop, tasting room and courtyard.


Kelley's Island
The largest American island in Lake Erie, Kelley’s island is home to Inscription Rock and Glacial Grooves State Park with family restaurants and pubs.


Kelley’s Island Wine Company
The Kelley’s Island Wine Company features a tasting room, gift shop, full restaurant, and the largest outdoor facility on the island, complete with picnic tables, horseshoes and volleyball.


Lagoon Deer Park
View over 200 exotic animals from Europe, Japan, Asia, North and South America as well as Africa. Pet and hand-feed the animals as you stroll through the park or, for a fee, fish in a stocked lagoon with a wide variety of species to catch.


Marblehead Lighthouse
Visit the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes. Daily tours are offered during the summer. A museum, located in the Keeper’s House is open on the same schedule as the tower.


Maritime Museum of Sandusky
Explore Sandusky's rich maritime history through local artifacts, photos, and maps; view displays of Lyman Boat Works, local passenger boats and freighters, and many other boats built in Sandusky. Also visit the nautical gift shop. Open year-round.


Merry-Go-Round Museum
Visit the Merry-Go-Round Museum and see historic downtown Sandusky-on-the-Bay. Ride into history on an antique carousel, meet wood carvers as they create new horses, listen to the familiar music of band organs take a guided tour of the art and learn the history of the carousel!


Milan Historical Museum
During the 1840's this quaint town was the second largest inland seas shipping port for wheat in the world! Visit this seven-building museum complex and explore Milan's unique canal history. Featuring an extensive collection of 400 antique dolls and the 1,400 piece world-class art glass exhibit. The museum also includes a blacksmith shop, general store, arts building and gift shop.


Miller Boatline
Something special begins as you board the Miller Ferry. Discover the sights, sounds and smiles of Lake Erie and the Islands. Ferries to Put-In-Bay (South Bass Island) and Middle Bass Island from Catawba.


Mon Ami Historic Restaurant & Winery
Located in nearby Port Clinton, this elegant restaurant and winery has been in operation since 1872. The establishment features a tasting bar, gift shops, lounge, cooking school and dining room.


National Museum of the Great Lakes
The National Museum of the Great Lakes features interactive exhibits, hands-on experiences, shipwreck artifacts, and over thirty ship models. Hours may vary depending on day of week and seasonally, there are also special discounts and group rates available.


Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve
Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve and State Nature Preserve is one of the state’s few remaining examples of a natural estuary. As a transition zone between land and water, the site contains a variety of habitats, upland forests, open water, tributary streams, barrier beach and near the shores of Lake Erie. Learn about this unique estuary by visiting the indoor nature center or hiking the trails.


Pelee Island, Ontario
This island is the southernmost inhabited point in Canada and is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise. Over 10,000 unique species can be found here. Wonderful opportunities for fishing, biking, and hiking await you on this unique island just a ferry ride from Sandusky.


Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial
A unit of the National Park Service, this monument commemorates the victory of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry in the Battle of Lake Erie, as well as the peaceful relations between Canada and the United States that resulted from the signing of The Rush-Bagot Agreement in 1817.


Put-In-Bay
There is no doubt Put-In-Bay Ohio is one of the most unique places you will ever visit. The tiny two by four mile island is dotted with historic homes, the nation's third tallest monument, quaint restaurants and local pubs. Beautiful water surrounds Put-In-Bay where you will find some of the best walleye and perch fishing in the United States.


Sawmill Creek Golf Club
Public, daily-fee, 18-hole golf club located on the shores of Lake Erie was designed by renowned golf architect, Tom Fazio. Call for available tee times.


Seneca Caverns
A registered Natural Landmark, discovered in 1872, where you can explore the earth's depths. Take an hour long guided tour, pan for gemstones at Seneca Mining Company and picnic in the shade.


Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve
Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve and contiguous wetlands comprise some of the last remaining undeveloped stretches of shoreline in the Sandusky Bay region. Hike the paved trails surrounded by forests, swamps, marshlands and a barrier beach. Bird checklists and brochures available.


Woussickett Golf
Since it first opened more than 20 years ago; Woussickett Golf Course has earned a reputation as one of the most scenic, picturesque layouts in the Sandusky golf community. Play this unique 18-hole championship course. Schedule a tee time.

FAQ's

What is Sandusky known for?

There are so many things to do in Sandusky, but it is certain best-known for the inspiration behind its nickname, “Ohio’s Water Park Capitol.” Packed with numerous resorts, it’s easy to understand why it has become a go-to destination for families. Add to that the art and culture in the city itself, numerous popular tourist stops, and more, you’ll see that there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Sandusky, Ohio.

Does Sandusky have a beach?

Stretching out for roughly one mile along Lake Erie, Cedar Point Beach, with its beautiful crisp water, stunning vista, and refreshing breezes, is one of the most popular and fun things to do in Sandusky, Ohio.

What big city is near Sandusky, OH?

Any list of “Things To In Ohio” will contains many sights and experiences found in nearby cities—especially Toledo and Cleveland, two of the biggest cities in the Buckeye State. Both offer a host of appealing activities—there are so many fun things to do in Ohio that they contain—while beautiful local lakes and parks are vital sightseeing destinations. That proximity makes it easy to combine cultural experiences with outdoors fun. Of course, any visit should include a stay at our Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky—click here to learn more.

Where can I take my kids in Sandusky, OH?

There are many things to do with kids in Sandusky, Ohio with kids outside of Great Wolf Lodge. These include popular attractions, historical landmarks, famous tourist stops, and more. See our list of “Things To Do In Sandusky, OH in 2024” for a longer list of options.

What are the top attractions and things to do in Sandusky?

A number of the most fun things to do in Sandusky, Ohio can be found on our list above. From a visit to Cedar Point Beach, to the numerous museums, parks, and other travel destinations in nearby Toledo, Cleveland, and surrounding regions, Sandusky, Ohio contains many popular attractions for tourists and families.