Kelleys Island State Park sits on the south shore of Kelleys Island, the largest American island in Lake Erie, accessible only by ferry or small aircraft. That isolation is part of the appeal — at 677 acres, the park covers a significant portion of the island and offers a pace of life that feels genuinely removed from the mainland.

The park’s standout feature is Glacial Grooves, one of the most striking examples of glacial scoring in the world. Massive limestone bedrock carved by glaciers 18,000 years ago stretches 400 feet long and 35 feet wide — it’s the kind of geological feature that stops you mid-step. The North Shore Loop Trail winds through mature hardwood forest and opens to rocky Lake Erie shoreline, offering some of the best birding in northern Ohio during spring and fall migration.

Swimming at the sandy beach is a summer staple, and the calm, shallow waters make it especially good for families with young kids. Fishing, kayaking, and hiking round out the outdoor options, with the island’s flat terrain making it ideal for cycling between the park, town, and island wineries.

Camping is available with sites suited to tents and RVs, though reservations fill fast — book early for summer weekends. The campground’s proximity to the water means evenings come with Lake Erie sunsets.

Best time to visit: Late May through September, when ferry service runs frequently and the island’s small-town summer atmosphere is in full swing.

Explore Nearby

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• South Bass Island Light — Lighthouse in Ohio
• Wilderness Road Heritage Highway — Scenic Byway in Kentucky
• Ackley covered bridge — Covered Bridge in Michigan
• Heritage Corridors of Bath — Scenic Byway in Ohio