Downtown · Resort
Put-in-Bay Resort
A pool resort a short walk from the harbor.
Official details for Put-in-Bay ResortOhio · Couples · Two nights
Put-in-Bay & the Lake Erie Islands
Fly straight onto a Lake Erie island and explore by golf cart.
Put-in-Bay is a classic fly-in: the airport is on South Bass Island, a short cart ride from the harbor. Climb Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, taste island wine and tour the crystal cave at Heineman’s, eat lobster bisque on the waterfront and watch the sun set over the lake.
Island fly-inWineriesLake Erie
YOUR ROUTEKMYR to 3W2
STRAIGHT-LINE DISTANCE~512 NM
ILLUSTRATIVE FLIGHT TIME~3 hr 39 min
WEEKEND STYLETwo nights · Golf cart
Time illustration: direct distance at 150 KTAS plus 15 minutes for departure and arrival, matching the discovery page. Use ForeFlight for your actual flight plan.
01 / Aviation & getting around
Land on the island.
3W2, Put-in-Bay Airport, is a non-towered field on South Bass Island with a 2,870-foot runway. There is no FBO; check the airport’s current notes for parking, fees and fuel before you go.
The FBO
Erie Island Carts (cart rentals at the airport)
419-285-5278Put-in-Bay Airport, South Bass Island, OH
No FBO and no live fuel price. Arrive with fuel for the return or plan a mainland stop. Short runway: check performance and winds.
Great Lakes weather: lake-effect clouds and snow from late fall through winter, summer thunderstorms and fog over cold water in spring. About 510 nm from Myrtle Beach. A long nonstop leg or a fuel stop.
02 / Where to stay
Island hotels and an inn.
Rates and availability need travel dates. Summer weekends book early.
Downtown · Historic
The Park Hotel
A Victorian-era hotel facing the downtown park.
Official details for The Park HotelBayfront · B&B
Ashley’s Island House
A quieter bed-and-breakfast by the bay.
Official details for Ashley’s Island House03 / Where to eat
Lakeside dining and island wine.
Reserve weekend dinners.
Friday dinner · Waterfront
The Boardwalk
Lobster bisque and perch on the harbor.
Official details for The BoardwalkAfternoon · Winery
Heineman’s Winery
Island wine since 1888, with Crystal Cave next door.
Official details for Heineman’s WineryLunch · Bar & grill
Mossback’s
A casual spot on the harbor.
Official details for Mossback’s04 / Things to do
History, caves and the lake.
Easy days by cart.
Stone Lab & the lighthouse
Ohio State’s island lab runs tours of the South Bass Island Lighthouse.
Stone Lab05 / What’s happening
Sometimes the season is the reason to fly.
This prototype links to the local visitor site. It does not yet match events to your travel dates.
September 10
Battle of Lake Erie anniversary
Commemoration at Perry’s Victory memorial.
NPS for Battle of Lake Erie anniversaryMay–October
Island season
Ferries, carts and patios in full swing.
Put-in-Bay for Island seasonWeekdays
Quieter island
Summer weekends get lively; weekdays and September are calmer.
Concerts, festivals & local happenings
Check the local calendar when choosing a weekend, and confirm dates and tickets with the organizer.
06 / Suggested itinerary
Friday in. Sunday home.
A sample long weekend on the island. No bookings or availability confirmed.
Day trip version
Just for the day
- Arrive
Land at 3W2 early and rent a cart.
- Midday
Perry’s Victory memorial and lunch at The Boardwalk.
- Afternoon
Heineman’s Winery, then back to the airport.
DAY 1
Arrive
- Arrival
Land at 3W2, subject to weather and your actual flight plan.
- Afternoon
Rent a cart and ride to the harbor.
- Evening
Dinner at The Boardwalk.
DAY 2
Explore
- Morning
Perry’s Victory memorial.
- Afternoon
Heineman’s Winery and Crystal Cave.
- Evening
Sunset on the west shore.
DAY 3
Morning & home
- Morning
A ferry hop to Kelleys Island.
- Before leaving
Allow time at the airport.
- Fly home
Lake breezes and fog can change quickly; leave early.
Longer stay · Add a day
With an extra day
- Morning
Kelleys Island by ferry.
- Afternoon
Stone Lab’s lighthouse tour.
- Evening
Sunset on the west shore.
07 / Good to know
Keep the weekend easy to change.
These details make the difference between an appealing list and a usable getaway.
Book in this order
Lodging first; carts at the airport.
Short runway
Check performance, winds and fuel.
Crowds
Summer weekends are lively; choose weekdays for quiet.
Best seasons
June to September.
Reviewed · Destination 137
Reviewed November 4, 2026.
Picks and links reviewed by WingAway Weekends. Hours, prices, menus and availability change often, so confirm directly with each place before booking. Spotted something out of date, or have a favorite we missed? Email us at [email protected].
WingAway Weekends helps you discover the destination. Use ForeFlight and current official aviation information for route, performance, weather, NOTAMs and preflight decisions. Flight planning and PIC responsibility stay with the pilot.