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 Cleveland for a family outing or for a get away to the beach with that special someone.
Islands:
How does an island getaway strike you? Cruise around the islands or stay on a resort island such as Put-in-Bay. Stay for a day or stay for a week. This island can be reached by ferry and accommodations are available in Bed and Breakfast Inns and world class Hotels. Thrifty visitors can enjoy camping with electrical and sewage hook-ups.
Visit the Historical Museum or the Antique Car Museum. Tour wineries, or take a walk around the island where you can shop or dine. In addition to fishing and boating, you can enjoy a game of golf. Picnic or enjoy fine dining at any of several eateries. This island is a popular spot, so make reservations early if you plan on staying.
Lake Erie legend:
The more adventurous might want to go on a monster hunt around Lake Erie hoping for a sighting of Bessie. Just as Loch Ness has its legendary sea monster named Nessie, Lake Erie has its own legend of Bessie and Lake Erie Larry. There's no official organized hunt, but curious seekers can charter a boat and sail around Put-in-Bay where some sightings have occurred.
Some are of the opinion that Bessie is a surviving plesiosaurus, but Joe Hannibal, paleontologist disagrees, stating plesiosauruses were extinct before the Ice Age glaciers created Lake Erie. Still, it's a fascinating legend that has existed for almost two hundred years. Those who love a good legend, conspiracies and clues, might find it to be a fun activity.
Sometimes you want to get away and try something different. Lake Erie offers an abundant medley of activities and fun spots for adults or families who love boats, beaches, fishing or exploring. Recreation, fun, and cultural sites (maybe Bessie) are waiting for you on Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio.