It's An Epic Lake Erie Adventure Taking A Ferry To A Tiki Bar In Ohio
By Sarah McCosham|Published May 06, 2024
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Kelleys Island is one of the great hidden gems of Ohio. Just 4.4 square miles and home to only a few hundred residents, this tiny-but-mighty island on Lake Erie never fails to impress the thousands of visitors who arrive on its shores each year. A real, honest-to-goodness island in Ohio, Kelleys Island is accessible only by plane, boat, or ferry. Today, we’re hailing the Kelleys Island Ferry and heading to an Ohio tiki bar where it’s always island time and good vibes.
Kelleys Island is a glorious little island oasis located in the western basin of Lake Erie. It's about four miles north of Marblehead and 12 miles from Sandusky, putting it within striking distance of some of the Buckeye State's most treasured lakeside locales. Unlike Marblehead and Sandusky, Kelleys Island remains somewhat of a hidden gem -- an enigma happy to welcome visitors with open arms!
Kelleys Island is accessible by ferryboat, private boat, or airplane; most folks find the ferry to be the easiest and most accessible (and affordable) option.
The Kelleys Island Ferry makes numerous trips to the island each day; during the summer season, the ferry leaves on the hour and, at peak times, every half hour. Rides are 20 minutes long and afford passengers million-dollar views of the Marblehead Lighthouse, Put-in-Bay, Cedar Point, and the Lake Erie Islands, making it as much a "sightseeing" activity as a practical means to an end.
Once you've arrived at Kelleys Island, you'll immediately feel as though you've discovered paradise! Golf carts traverse the road, mini golf beckons, and al fresco dining reigns supreme.
While the island boasts a well-rounded array of dining options, the Sand Trap Tiki Bar stands out as a clear fan favorite. You'll find it right off the island's ever-popular Caddy Shack Square.
Please note that the Sand Trap is open seasonally and hours vary depending on the time of season.
With a full bar, All-American menu, ample outdoor seating, and adjacent putt putt golf course, this tiki bar is fun, full of character, and totally family friendly.
Specials like carnitas tacos and grilled shrimp often grace the menu, and handhelds like hamburgers, hot dogs, and sausage can also be purchased from Sand Trap’s outdoor grill. Cocktail lovers, meanwhile, will want to coincide their visit with the bar's famous "Sunday Funday Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar!"
Have you visited Kelleys Island before? Nothing beats a day, weekend, or week at Kelleys Island, and Sand Trap Tiki Bar is one of its coolest and most beloved local hubs on the island! For a full schedule for the Kelleys Island Ferry, visit the website and be sure to follow Sand Trap Tiki Bar on Facebook for hours, menu specials, and more. Lastly, if you want to turn your day trip into an overnight adventure, this A-Frame cottage on Kelleys Island is beckoning!
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