Lake Erie’s islands and lighthouses
Sandusky and the Marblehead lighthouse, glacial grooves on Kelleys Island and Perry’s monument at Put-in-Bay, with car ferries between them.
- Distance
- approx. 221 km (137 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 27 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- States
- OH
- Best time to go
- May–June and September
- Tolls and vignettes
- ≈ $2
- Updated
- June 29, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 221 km (137 mi) with 7 stops, from Cleveland to Toledo. About 2 h 27 min of driving in total. Best time to go: May–June and September. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about $2 (OH).
More road trips in Ohio · More road trips from Cleveland
Photos along the route
Route description
Leave Cleveland west on I-90 and OH-2, about 1 hour to Sandusky. The town has a lakefront park and ferries to the islands. From Sandusky cross the Sandusky Bay Bridge on OH-2 and follow OH-269 and OH-163 to the Marblehead Peninsula. Marblehead Lighthouse State Park has free parking and a view across to the islands.
Car and passenger ferries to Kelleys Island leave from Marblehead and take about 20 minutes. The island is small and quiet; bikes or golf carts are the easiest way to explore. The glacial grooves are on the north side of the island, next to the Kelleys Island State Park campground. Return to Marblehead by ferry, or take the passenger ferry between Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay in summer.
The Miller Ferry to South Bass Island and Put-in-Bay leaves from Catawba Island near Port Clinton, carrying cars and passengers. Put-in-Bay is a busy party town in summer; Perry’s monument and the small state park are quieter. It is usually easier to leave the car or RV on the mainland and rent bikes or a golf cart on the island.
Port Clinton, on the mainland, calls itself the walleye capital of the world and is a good base for fishing trips. From Port Clinton follow OH-2 west past the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and the Magee Marsh boardwalk, famous for spring warbler migration in May, to Toledo, about 1 hour. Toledo has a fine art museum. The best season is June to September.
Which stops are on Lake Erie’s islands and lighthouses?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Cleveland
OH - 2102 km
Sandusky
OH - 312 km
Marblehead Lighthouse
ViewsMarblehead, OHThe oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes, from 1822, on limestone shore at the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula. Tower climbs in summer for a small fee.
- 411 km
Glacial Grooves State Memorial
NatureKelleys Island, OHThe largest easily accessible glacial grooves in the world, cut into limestone by the ice sheets, with a walkway around them. Kelleys Island is reached by car or passenger ferry from Marblehead.
- 512 km
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
HistoryPut-in-Bay, OHA 107 m Doric column on South Bass Island commemorating the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie and lasting peace between the US, Britain and Canada. The observation deck is closed for repairs in 2026 and 2027; the grounds and visitor center open in season.
- 623 km
Port Clinton
OH - 763 km
Toledo
OH
How do you drive Lake Erie’s islands and lighthouses in 3 days?
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Cleveland → Sandusky · 63 mi · 1 h 08 minOvernight nearby, for example: KOA Bayshore Campground (2 mi); East Harbor State Park Campground (9 mi).
- Day 2: Sandusky → Port Clinton · 35 mi · 0 h 38 minOn the way: Marblehead Lighthouse, Glacial Grooves State Memorial, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.Overnight nearby, for example: East Harbor State Park Campground (7 mi); Kamp Kozy (6 mi).
- Day 3: Port Clinton → Toledo · 39 mi · 0 h 42 minOvernight nearby, for example: Covered Wagon Camp Resort (12 mi); Pirolli Park Campground (17 mi).
When is the best time for Lake Erie’s islands and lighthouses?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
More routes for the best months
Practical guides for this route
Photo by Malivez on UnsplashDriving in the US: The Rules European Visitors Most Often Get Wrong at the Wheel
Photo by Aleksandr Dalakian on UnsplashFuel, Tolls and Distances: Practical US Driving Math for Motorhome and Camper Travelers
Photo by Tracy Zhang on UnsplashUS national parks: entry fees, passes and reservations in plain terms
Themes
Plan this route for your vehicle
Scout adapts this route to your vehicle, your days and your budget.
FAQs
How long is Lake Erie’s islands and lighthouses?
3-day road trip of about 221 km (137 mi) with 7 stops, from Cleveland to Toledo. About 2 h 27 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Lake Erie’s islands and lighthouses?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 27 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Lake Erie’s islands and lighthouses start and end?
It starts in Cleveland and ends in Toledo.
Which states does Lake Erie’s islands and lighthouses pass through?
Ohio.
Where can you camp along Lake Erie’s islands and lighthouses?
OpenStreetMap lists 50 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: East Harbor State Park Campground, KOA Bayshore Campground and Covered Wagon Camp Resort.
How much are the tolls on Lake Erie’s islands and lighthouses?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about $2 (OH). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.
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