10 Things to Do in Port Clinton That You Shouldn't Miss

January 11, 2018 Terina Blouin

Port Clinton is a city in and the county seat of Ottawa County, Ohio, United States, about 44 miles east of Toledo. The population was 6,056 at the 2010 census. The city has been nicknamed the "Walleye Capital of the World."
Restaurants in Port Clinton

1. Liberty Aviation Museum

3515 E State Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452-2618 +1 419-732-0234
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 185 reviews

Liberty Aviation Museum

The Liberty Aviation Museum is a newer "working" museum that opened in July of 2012 at the Erie-Ottawa International Airport (PCW Carl Keller Field) in Port Clinton, Ohio. Our museum consists of our B-25 Mitchell, WWII bomber "Georgie's Gal" built in 1945, recently restored by Aero Trader out of Chino, CA. Ground vehicles include a 1941 Dodge ambulance, 2 Jeeps, German 37mm AA gun, German Horch Truck, German Field Kitchen, German Kubel, 3 BMW Motorcycles, Tiger Tank Replica, Hetzer Tank Replica, Panther Tank Replica (currently undergoing restoration away from the museum), & 2 WWII PT boats under current restoration (The PT-728 Thomcat is currently on display while restoration work is being completed in the museum's new hangar expansion. The sister boat, the PT-724 is currently on display outside by the museum's second hangar. The PT-728 Thomcat will be available for boat experiences when restoration is completed. We have many items that are on rotating display that may not always been on display throughout the year during your visit. Please contact us if you are interested in viewing a specific item. On permanent display within our galleries is the WWII service uniform of actor Clark Gable. The museum also has 3 screen worn uniforms from the actors who played Col. Klink, Col. Hogan, & Sgt. Schultz from the TV show Hogan's Heroes. Also, throughout the year we have many events such as big band hangar dances, Ford Tri-Motor rides, WWII era B-25, B-17, C-47, & AT-6 aircraft rides, Waco Biplane rides, concerts, books signings, car shows, and more. Please visit our website for more information!

Reviewed By Bigo1952 - Findlay, Ohio

Did not know this museum existed. I thought it was very nice with some interesting aircraft and military equipment. Had a lot of neat items. Still expanding so it will be very good soon.

2. The Jet Express

3 Monroe St, Port Clinton, OH 43452-1008 +1 800-245-1538
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 214 reviews

The Jet Express

Traveling at speeds up to 40 mph, the Jet Express Ferry whisk you away on a quick 12 ½ mile, 25 minute voyage from Port Clinton, Ohio to downtown Put-in-Bay, Ohio or on a 17 mile, 45 minute voyage from Sandusky, Ohio to downtown Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island, Ohio. Best of all, your scenic Lake Erie voyage features friendly, knowledgable crew and an opportunity to view all 12 U.S. islands and numerous Canadian islands. Stylishly appointed passenger lounges, featuring cushioned seats and carpeted decks provide for MAXIMUM passenger comfort! While, thrilling open-air seating is available providing for MAXIMUM passenger excitement! First level indoor seating (no stairs to climb) is available and handicap accessible. The Jet Express is designed with passenger comfort and convenience as a top priority! • Lowest fares per mile • Kids 5 & under ride FREE! Exclusive late-night service ensure that you won’t miss any of the island excitement.

Reviewed By MimiAdvise - Bethesda, Maryland

The jet express is a simple way to travel to desirable destinations and island hopping. There is ample parking, simple ticket purchasing and convenient schedules and departure locations. The ticketing & boarding stations, the vessels, the departure and drop off locations are all clean, convenient, and easily accessible. Ride itself is scenic and enjoyable!

3. African Safari Wildlife Park

267 S Lightner Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452-3851 +1 800-521-2660
Excellent
42%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 873 reviews

African Safari Wildlife Park

Drive-through safari park features more than 60 acres of land where hundreds of exotic animals roam free. Feed the animals right from your car and get up close and personal with species like giraffe, zebra, bison, alpaca, and elk. Walk-Thru Safari features different exotic animals, educational animal shows, camel rides, and one-on-one animal feeding experiences.

Reviewed By Laura F - Centerville, Ohio

I double checked their website and do not see anything about them being seasonal. I was a bit disappointed to hear most of the walk through was closed and Giraffes were not out (I believe regulations say the temperature has be be above 50 or 60 degrees to have them out).

While I understand being seasonal and that is what you need to do for the animals - but sure to note that somewhere BEFORE arriving to find out.

That being said - even though many of the animals were not there - we still had a great time. My 8 year old loved it. The animals can be a bit intimidating - and we put our windows up a few times. But it was a great time.

The price (even for off season) was really not bad. There are coupons around (even on their website) - so plan ahead.

4. Ottawa County Visitor's Bureau

770 SE Catawba Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452-2654 +1 419-734-4386
Excellent
79%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 33 reviews

Ottawa County Visitor's Bureau

The Lake Erie Shores & Islands Welcome Center offers brochures, maps, discount coupons, Wi-Fi, interactive displays, lodging locator service, highlight videos, public restrooms, and helpful staff with valuable hints and travel tips for guests. Website includes a comprehensive listing of attractions, lodging facilities, restaurants, shops, local events, live entertainment, and more. #LakeErieLove

Reviewed By DIanne1919 - Marblehead, OH

Whether you're planning to visit or you're already here, the Visitor's Bureau will answer the age-old question of "What is there to do???" The staff in this beautiful facility is well-trained to assist travelers with everything they need to know. Travel brochures are well-stocked and their website is incredibly informative.

5. Catawba Island State Park

4049 E Mooresdock Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452-9704 +1 419-734-4424
Excellent
48%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 57 reviews

Catawba Island State Park

Reviewed By Sarah W - Arena, Wisconsin

DOV: 5/21/17 - We stopped to check out the park and saw that it was basically a boat launch with a rocky beach and some picnic tables. If you were hoping to hike, head over to East Harbor. Want to watch the waves roll in? You can do that here. The pier was mostly underwater, but since it was still populated with people fishing, I don't think anyone cared.

6. Port Clinton Lighthouse

399 E Perry Street, Port Clinton, Ohio, Port Clinton, OH 43452
Excellent
34%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
7%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 26 reviews

Port Clinton Lighthouse

Reviewed By TomandCarrie - Fountaintown, Indiana

This is a fun stop especially if you have small children. There is a play area and they can climb up to the top of the lighthouse for beautiful views of Lake Erie and surrounds.

7. Catawba Island Brewing Company

2330 E Harbor Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452-1517 +1 419-960-7764
Excellent
31%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 22 reviews

Catawba Island Brewing Company

The Catawba Island Brewing Co. Brewery and Tasting Room is an open-air building with large windows and tons of natural lighting. 12 beers and a cider on tap, over 20 wines and a small whiskey selection. Bar, high top, couch and patio seating available. Entertainment every Friday and Saturday night.

Reviewed By tmt14 - marion, ohio

to find such a bustling crowd and delightful atmosphere. John Davenport a local songwriter was the entertainment. They had 10-15 types of brews and a teeny tiny selection of hard liquor a rye, a tequila, basil hayden bourbon and a scotch?

Seating was nice, they serve food from a deli van onsite, plenty of board games and a nice smoking patio.

8. Fisherman's Wharf

83 Madison St, Port Clinton, OH 43452-1101 +1 419-734-0488
Excellent
63%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Fisherman's Wharf

Reviewed By OhLac - columbus, oh

These guys are great....they are very kind to the ;novice as well as the experienced fisherman. Full of info and advice. Also have excellent head boat services and can put you of a charter too. Have been there for years and always do a great job.

9. Monsoon Lagoon Water Park

1530 S Danbury Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452-3920 +1 419-732-6671
Excellent
42%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
9%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 73 reviews

Monsoon Lagoon Water Park

Reviewed By TravelDad340 - Medina, Ohio

I don't want to keep repeating a lot of the bad reviews but a lot of them are right on target. I wanted to give this place a nice review but there was just too much bad to ignore.
.
1) The zoo / animal area that is advertised everywhere is closed. It is very disappointing that they stoop to false advertising and refuse to give partial refunds for the deception.

2) The bag check to enter the park is like trying to enter a prison. Not even a single bottle of water is allowed inside the park. The extent of the search process is excessive and inappropriate. It goes well beyond a safety check.

3) The water temperature of the pools and the slides in the waterpark were ice cold. Lake Erie water temperatures were warmer. The waterpark was filled nearly to capacity on the Saturday we visited but no one was in the water or using the slides because the water was so cold they were unusable for more than about 5 minutes at a time. The water being so cold and the animal park being closed caused the other attractions to be overly crowded.
4) There was almost no adult supervision from management. The teenage work force did virtually nothing to enforce any of the rules in the park. Hoards of teenage or pre-teen probable gang members roamed the park at will, terrorizing other families by cutting in line or pushing other kids around. The putt-putt course had no staff whatsoever. The roaming gangs had free reign to jump from hole to hole and force other to move out of there way if the gang deemed a family wasn't playing fast enough.

It's such a shame because this place has so many nice amenities and attractions. Unfortunately, the lack of attention to details and a practically hostile approach to basic customer service principles make it a place to avoid. I hope the place can change quickly

10. Lakeview Park

1100 E Perry St, Port Clinton, OH 43452 +1 419-734-5522
Excellent
68%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Lakeview Park

Reviewed By gussguss4 - Yorkville, Illinois

We were pleasantly surprised when we visited Lakeview Park to find new equipment that is accessible for wheel chairs as well as swings with harnesses. There was also a new basketball court. We were there with kids from 4-13 and all of them had a great time. The park also has a small concession stand with hot dogs and ice cream cones. There are also bathrooms available. Lots of nice open spaces and a picnic pavilion. Conveniently located across from the beach.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.