Ottawa County - 26 Attractions You Must Visit

Types of Attractions in Ottawa County

Islands (10)

Outdoors - Other (6)

Lighthouses (3)

Iconic Buildings (2)

Caves (1)

Lake/ River/ Ponds (1)

Memorials (1)

Museums (1)

Popular Activities And Trips in Ottawa County

List of Attractions in Ottawa County

African Safari Wildlife Park

Wildlife Safari Spots

The African Safari Wildlife Park, located in Ottawa County, Ohio, is a unique and family-friendly attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to experience a taste of African wildlife right in the heart of Ohio.The park features a drive-through safari experience, allowing visitors to explore a vast area from the comfort of their vehicles. This immersive safari experience closely replicates the African savannah, complete with a variety of exotic animals roaming freely.

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Ballast Island

Islands

Ballast Island is a small, privately owned island located in Lake Erie, near Ottawa County, Ohio. This island is known for its unique history, picturesque landscapes, and limited public access. Ballast Island has historical significance, dating back to the 19th century. It was used as a "ballast island," a place where ships would discharge ballast stones (typically used to stabilize ships) in exchange for cargo. Over time, these stones created the island's landmass.

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Buckeye Island

Islands

Buckeye Island is a privately owned island located in Lake Erie. This island is known for its natural beauty, limited public access, and its historical significance as a former site of a private club.It has historical significance as the former site of the Buckeye Island Club, a private hunting and fishing club that was established in the late 19th century. The club attracted prominent members, including industrialists and politicians, who enjoyed recreational activities on the island.

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Catawba Island State Park

Outdoors - Other

Catawba Island State Park is a scenic and popular recreational area located in Ottawa County, Ohio, along the shores of Lake Erie. This state park covers approximately 10 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy. Nestled on Catawba Island, this park is known for its stunning waterfront views, diverse ecosystems, and opportunities for outdoor adventure.

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Cooke Castle

Iconic Buildings

The Jay Cooke House, also known as "Ogilby Cottage," is a historic residence located on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, near Ottawa County, Ohio. This house is significant for its historical association with Jay Cooke, a prominent financier and Civil War financier, as well as its architectural and cultural heritage.

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Crystal Cave

Caves

Crystal Cave is a remarkable underground natural wonder located in Ottawa County, Ohio. This captivating cave system is renowned for its stunning crystal formations, unique geological features, and a rich history of exploration. Crystal Cave was discovered in 1897 by workers excavating a well on the Heineman Winery property on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, which is part of Ottawa County. The cave was named for its intricate crystal formations that adorn its interior.

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East Harbor State Park

Outdoors - Other

East Harbor State Park, located in Ottawa County, Ohio, is a scenic and expansive recreational area nestled along the shores of Lake Erie. This state park offers a wide range of outdoor activities and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking outdoor adventure and relaxation.The park boasts approximately 1,831 acres of land, providing ample access to Lake Erie's stunning waterfront.

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Gibraltar Island

Islands

Gibraltar Island is a small, picturesque island located in Lake Erie, near Ottawa County, Ohio. This island is notable for its natural beauty, historical significance, and its association with The Ohio State University's Stone Laboratory, which is dedicated to research and education in the fields of freshwater biology and ecology.

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Green Island

Islands

Green Island is a picturesque and historically significant island located in Lake Erie, near Ottawa County, Ohio. Known for its natural beauty, rich history, and its role in preserving and showcasing the region's heritage, Green Island is a unique destination. Green Island is one of the Lake Erie Islands, situated west of the Ohio mainland. It is positioned near the western end of South Bass Island and covers approximately 5 acres.

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Johnson's Island

Islands

Johnson's Island is a small, historically significant island located in Sandusky Bay, near Ottawa County, Ohio. This island is renowned for its role during the American Civil War and its connection to a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp.During the American Civil War, Johnson's Island served as the location for one of the Union's prisoner-of-war camps, officially known as the Johnson's Island Prison. It was primarily used to house Confederate officers captured during the conflict.

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Liberty Aviation Museum

Museums

The Liberty Aviation Museum is a prominent aviation museum located in Port Clinton, Ohio, not far from Ottawa County. Established to preserve and showcase the history of military and civilian aviation, the museum offers visitors a fascinating journey through the world of flight.

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Magee Marsh

Outdoors - Other

Magee Marsh, located in Ottawa County, Ohio, is a renowned birdwatching destination and nature preserve situated along the southern shore of Lake Erie. It is internationally recognized for its critical role in bird migration and offers a unique and rewarding experience for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park

Lighthouses

The Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society, located at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park in Ohio, is an organization dedicated to preserving the rich history and heritage of the iconic Marblehead Lighthouse. The Marblehead Lighthouse is one of the most iconic and historically significant landmarks in Ohio. It is recognized as the oldest continuously operational lighthouse on the Great Lakes, with a history dating back to the early 19th century.

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Middle Bass Island

Islands

Middle Bass Island is one of the scenic and historically significant islands located in Lake Erie, near Ottawa County, Ohio. Known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical sites, Middle Bass Island is a popular destination for tourists seeking a blend of relaxation, outdoor activities, and cultural exploration.

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North Bass Island

Islands

North Bass Island is one of the islands situated in Lake Erie, near Ottawa County, Ohio. This island is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and the sense of seclusion it offers to visitors.North Bass Island is one of the Lake Erie Islands, and it is positioned to the west of South Bass Island (home to Put-in-Bay) and east of Middle Bass Island. The island covers approximately 677 acres, making it a moderately sized destination in the region.

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Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

Outdoors - Other

The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, located in Oak Harbor, Ohio, serves as a gateway to the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and offers visitors a rich and immersive experience focused on the area's natural beauty and conservation efforts.The visitor center is situated within the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, which is part of the larger U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System. It is located in Ottawa County, Ohio, along the southern shore of Lake Erie.

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Ottawa Waterworks Building

Iconic Buildings

The Ottawa Waterworks Building is a historic structure located in Ottawa. It is notable for its architectural significance and its role in providing a vital resource to the community. The Ottawa Waterworks Building, constructed in the late 19th century, holds historical significance as a testament to the era's architectural and engineering achievements. It played a crucial role in the development of Ottawa, Illinois, by providing a reliable source of clean drinking water to residents.

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Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial

Memorials

Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial is a historic site and monument located on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, Ohio. It commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 and promotes the concept of international peace. Here's a summary of Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial.

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