Kelleys Island Ferry Marblehead Dock
A charming island accessible by ferry, offering natural wonders like glacial grooves and a relaxed atmosphere with dining and recreation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Kelleys Island Ferry Marblehead Dock
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming island accessible by ferry, offering natural wonders like glacial grooves and a relaxed atmosphere with dining and recreation.
"A fun time for everyone, with beautiful views and plenty to see and do on the island."
🚗 Book Ferry Early
Secure your spot on the ferry, especially if bringing a vehicle, to avoid long waits. 🚗
⛳ Rent a Golf Cart
The best way to explore the island! Reserve yours in advance to guarantee availability. :golf_cart:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 2,714 reviews
Type
Ferry Service
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Glacial Grooves State Memorial
North side of the island
Witness massive, ancient glacial grooves carved into the limestone bedrock. A truly awe-inspiring natural wonder.
Kelleys Island Wine Co.
Island winery
Enjoy local wines and outdoor activities. A great spot to relax and soak in the island atmosphere.
Beaches and Lake Erie Views
Various locations
Discover beautiful beaches and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Lake Erie and surrounding islands.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ferry Tickets in Advance
Island Transportation: Golf Carts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Put in Bay to Kelleys
Hi there, is there a way to travel from Put in Bay to Kelleys? I see JetExpress goes from Cedar Point to the islands but I'm not seeing a direct travel option from one island to the other. Thanks!
🚗 Book Ferry Early
Secure your spot on the ferry, especially if bringing a vehicle, to avoid long waits. 🚗
⛳ Rent a Golf Cart
The best way to explore the island! Reserve yours in advance to guarantee availability. :golf_cart:
Family vacation- Marblehead or Kelley’s island?
New to the area and wondering where to go over 4th of July. Marblehead seems to have a nicer hotel but Kelley’s island more to do? Or can you stay in Marblehead and just do a day in Kelley’s island and thats enough? Will have two children with me. Just wondering if there’s…
What to do at Kelleys Island?
Anyone ever camped on KI? We’ve never been to Kelleys but we are planning a camping trip there in the future! What’s fun to do there? Any spots we must check out? All 21+ :) Thanks in advance.
☀️ Pack for the Sun
Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for a comfortable day on the water and island. :sunwithface:
🍔 Island Dining Options
Enjoy diverse restaurants, from casual tiki bars to eateries with great scenery. :hamburger:
Lake Erie vacation without alcohol
It’s probably too late to make plans for this summer. I moved to Ohio 35 years ago and I’ve never been up to the lake. I may be looking in all the wrong places. But everything that I was looking at for spending some summer vacation time seems to center around bars and…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Book Ferry Early
Secure your spot on the ferry, especially if bringing a vehicle, to avoid long waits. 🚗
⛳ Rent a Golf Cart
The best way to explore the island! Reserve yours in advance to guarantee availability. :golf_cart:
☀️ Pack for the Sun
Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for a comfortable day on the water and island. :sunwithface:
🍔 Island Dining Options
Enjoy diverse restaurants, from casual tiki bars to eateries with great scenery. :hamburger:
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
While golf carts are popular, many areas are walkable and offer beautiful lake views. 🚶
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the Kelleys Island Ferry for its efficient operation and the scenic journey. The island itself is loved for its natural beauty, including the Glacial Grooves, and its relaxed, fun atmosphere with plenty of dining and recreational options. Some find the ferry pricing a bit high, and recommend arriving early to avoid queues.
"Visiting Kelly's island was great. I especially loved the ferry ride and all the beaches you could go to and things to see.. we rented a golf cart to drive around the island, plenty of restaurants to go to, and the views where all beautiful. It's best to go there off-season, it's not crowded... You can see surrounding Islands as you travel over on the ferry boat...Just a fun time for everyone..."
Country Girl
"Well run operation got us to Kelleys Island and back. Be aware, there's not many creature comforts for passengers. There are benches on an elevated deck that runs the length of the ship. We had a lovely time sitting up there during the twenty minutes journey. There's also a small interior cabin and there is a restroom.
The ferry is really designed for moving cars and trucks and people are allowed to tag along too. We rode to the island smelling an idling concrete truck's diesel exhaust. The cars get packed in right on the deck so it can be tricky to squeeze through to the restroom. But that stuff is OK to put up with for getting to and from the island... What else are you going to do? 🤷♂️
Recommend going early. We got back to Marblehead about 11:30 am and the people departure line was very long. I think lots of people were going to be standing on the way to the island."
John Molnar
"We went in October so off season. It was a lot of fun. We play mini golf, drank at the Tiki bar. It had lots of games in a fenced bar area so could relax and and have a drink while my kids played the yard games. The Villa eatery and bar had amazing food and great scenary. Also had yard games to entertain kids while waiting for food. The grooves and quarry trail was cool. Papa Ts had the best ice cream."
Michelle Walker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kelleys Island Ferry departs from the Marblehead Dock, offering a scenic 20-minute ride across Lake Erie. You can travel as a walk-on passenger or bring your vehicle. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, as departure lines can get long.
Ferry hours vary seasonally and can be affected by weather. It's best to check the official Kelleys Island Ferry schedule online for the most up-to-date departure times.
Generally, dogs are allowed on the Kelleys Island Ferry, but they must be leashed and may need to be secured in a carrier. Always confirm the latest pet policy with the ferry operator before your trip. 🐕
The ferry charges per person and per vehicle, which can make it a bit pricey. It's advisable to check their website for current pricing details before you go.
Yes, the Kelleys Island Ferry is equipped to transport vehicles, including cars and trucks. However, space can be limited, so booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not always mandatory, purchasing ferry tickets in advance is strongly recommended, particularly for vehicles and during busy periods, to avoid long queues and ensure your spot.
Attraction hours on Kelleys Island can vary by season. For specific times, it's best to check the individual websites or social media pages of places like the Glacial Grooves or the winery.
The island itself does not have an entrance fee. However, individual attractions like the Glacial Grooves State Memorial may have small fees or require donations. Golf cart rentals and some activities will also incur costs. :moneywithwings:
It's highly recommended to book your golf cart rental in advance, as they are a popular mode of transport and can sell out quickly, especially on weekends and during summer.
Many establishments on Kelleys Island accept credit cards, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors, tips, or in case of any technical issues with card readers. 💳
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kelleys Island offers a variety of activities including visiting the Glacial Grooves, exploring beaches, enjoying the winery, playing mini-golf, and dining at local restaurants. Renting a golf cart is a popular way to see the sights.
Yes, Kelleys Island is family-friendly with beaches, mini-golf, and restaurants that often have yard games for kids. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a fun destination for all ages.
Popular spots include North Beach and the public beach areas. Many visitors enjoy the scenic views from various points around the island.
While golf carts are the primary mode of transport for many, the island is also walkable, especially around the main village area. However, to reach attractions like the Glacial Grooves, a golf cart or bike is more practical. 🚶
The ferry has benches on an elevated deck for passengers, a small interior cabin, and a restroom. Be aware that cars are parked on the main deck, which can sometimes make access to the restroom a bit tight.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Kelleys Island features a range of dining options, from casual tiki bars with yard games to restaurants offering great scenery and food, like The Villa Eatery and Bar. Papa Ts is known for ice cream.
While specific menus vary, most restaurants on Kelleys Island will likely have some vegetarian options. It's always best to inquire directly with the restaurant about vegan choices. :leafy_green:
Restaurants on Kelleys Island are generally reasonably priced, offering good food without being overly expensive.
You can typically bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages for personal consumption on the island, especially for picnics. However, alcohol policies may vary, and it's best to check with specific venues. 🍕
There are a few small convenience stores or markets on Kelleys Island where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and basic groceries. For a wider selection, it's advisable to stock up before you leave the mainland. :shopping_cart:
📸 📸 Photography
The Glacial Grooves offer dramatic geological formations for unique shots. The ferry ride itself provides great views of Lake Erie and the surrounding islands. Don't miss the scenic vistas from various points around the island.
Yes, Kelleys Island offers beautiful sunset views over Lake Erie. Find a spot along the western shore or from the ferry for memorable sunset photography. :city_sunset:
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the Glacial Grooves. Don't forget a waterproof bag if you plan on being near the water. :camerawithflash:
Generally, photography is allowed at most Kelleys Island attractions for personal use. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permits, so it's wise to check with the specific site management. :iphone:
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the best natural light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but it's still great for capturing the vibrant blues of Lake Erie. :sunriseovermountains:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit