Ohio Museums Association’s 2024 Saturday Conference Island Tours
April 13, 2023 - 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Coming to Sandusky a little early for OMA 2024?
Or, not able to make it to the full OMA conference but still want a great OMA 2024 experience?
See more of the region and join us Saturday, April 13 for a full day of exploration and fun at six amazing museums on Lake Erie's South Bass Island!
The day will start at the Miller Ferry Port Clinton Dock, 5174 Water St., Port Clinton, OH 43452.
Please note: The Miller Ferry dock is approximately a 30 minute (26 mile) drive from OMA 2024 Conference Headquarters, Sawmill Creek Resort. Transportation to and from Sawmill Creek is NOT provided as part of the Saturday Island tour, and will be the responsibility of the attendee.
Participants will board the 9:30a.m. ferry to Put-In-Bay. After a short, 18 minute trip across Lake Erie to South Bass Island, we'll hop aboard our own private Island Bus for a day of exploration. Tour stops will include:
South Bass Lighthouse – 10:00am – 10:30am
Discover information about the history of the South Bass Island Lighthouse and its lightkeepers, before accessing the top of the lighthouse tower to see an expansive view of Put-in-Bay. Attendees can learn more historic information at kiosks about the grounds and lighthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
OSU Stone Lab's Wet Lab Research Facility – 10:40am – 11:10am
Come take a peek inside Stone Lab’s research facilities on South Bass Island. The Wet Lab is used by scientists for research on harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie as, as well as fish and wildlife studies that investigate impacts of climate and water quality change. You can also visit the brand new, state-of-the-art outdoor Mesocosm facility, which is used to conduct experiments on Lake Erie’s water quality.
Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial – 11:15am – 12:15pm
Our third stop is the island's iconic Perry's Monument, where attendees can explore the visitor center, view an 1812-era musket demonstration, and explore the historic rotunda where officers were reinterned in 1913.
Lunch in beautiful downtown Put-In-Bay – 12:15pm – 1:15pm
Lunch is on-your-own at the downtown restaurants in Put-In-Bay. As we are visiting a little earlier than peak season, a list of available restaurants will be sent to attendees prior to the event.
Duff Homestead and Bayfront Preserve – 1:30pm – 2:25pm
Purchased by the Put-in-Bay Township Park District in 2022, the historic Duff Homestead and Bayfront Preserve is in the process of an exciting restoration. The 6.5 acre property includes historic outbuildings such as a chicken coop, summer kitchen and historic farm equipment, as well as a walking path around 2 acres of pollinator habitat and 2 acres of woods. Attendees can tour the grounds and learn about plans the Park District and Lake Erie Islands Conservatory have to create a working farm park with 10 additional acres of vineyards and historic buildings, as well as a visitor contact station.
Lake Erie Historical Society – 2:30pm – 3:25pm
The Lake Erie Historical Society includes four buildings of over 6,000 square feet, including a research library and history archives. Attendees can explore these spaces and see the permanent and rotating exhibits that have educated locals and visitors to the island since it's founding in 1975.
Lake Erie Island Nature & Wildlife Center – 3:30pm – 4:30pm
The Lake Erie islands are home to hundreds of species of birds, and are the only place in the country where the federally threatened Lake Erie Watersnake can be found. Utilizing their unique location, the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center provides a one of a kind ecological/educational experience for the 700,000+ visitors that come to South Bass Island each summer. Attendees will learn about local ecology and conservation efforts as they explore our final stop of our Island Tour.
5:00pm - Miller Ferry back to Port Clinton
Ticket cost: $60
Ticket includes:
- Round-trip ferry ticket on Miller Ferry from Port Clinton to Put-In-Bay and back
- Transportation on South Bass Island
- Admission to all tour locations
Please note: ticket does not include transportation to or from Miller Ferry or lunch on the island. These are the responsibility of the attendee.
Please Note: As part of our OMA 2024 conference programming, the Saturday Conference Tours are subject to our Code of Conduct, Photo Policy, and Health Policy. Please click on the policy names above to see the full policies in place for OMA 2024.
Click here for complete OMA 2024 conference information.