by Mona Gallagher

Created on: May 24, 2009   Last Updated: June 09, 2009

There's an entire summer's worth of fun waiting for you with hundreds of things to do on Lake Erie near Cleveland Ohio, and since recreation is best when enjoyed with others, bring the family or a special friend. Charter a sailboat and explore Lake Erie islands, fish, enjoy waterfront sports, or lay in the sun on Cleveland beaches. Of all the 5 Great Lakes, Lake Erie offers the most variety of fun and sun.

Enjoying Lake Erie in the summer is great fun for the family, but before you climb on board, here are a few interesting facts about Lake Erie. It's one of five Great Lakes that form the northern border between the United States and Canada and has 24 islands with Canada owning 9 of them. Erie is the shallowest Great Lake with an average depth of 62 feet, is 57 miles wide and its the walleye capital of the world.

Charter a boat with friends for fishing or sightseeing tours. Whether vacationing or taking advantage of local activities, it's hard to beat all that Lake Erie has to offer especially in the summer. In winter, ice fishing and one of the largest boat shows in the nation keep boating and fishing enthusiasts coming back for more.

Fishing and Boating:

Sports fishing is a springtime fun adventure in Cleveland, the walleye capital of the world. Fishing is available on charter boats where you can catch walleye, yellow perch, and small mouth bass. Erie is a natural habitat for fish due to its shallow waters and is home to the largest fisheries in the world, though most are located on the Canadian side.

Families will enjoy The Northcoast Harbor Fest held each year. It offers free power and sailboat rides for children. Free fishing trips are available for children on a 60-foot charter boat, Holiday. Captain Willie entertains the children and teaches them about boating safety and Lake Erie history. Couples may prefer a ride on the 65-foot schooner, Journey.

Water sports:

If water skiing or jet skiing is your sport with wind and water splashing and cooling you on a hot summer day, you'll find Lake Erie most agreeable for this activity. Charters are available for these activities and the more adventurous scuba divers can explore old shipwrecked boats in the area. If you just love sailing, rent or charter a sailboat and cruise the islands around Cleveland.

Swimming and beaches:

Escape the summer heat by swimming or playing in the water along one of Cleveland's white sandy beaches. Try Huntington Beach in By Village or Edgewater Beach near downtown

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