Stripped cave
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Perry's Cave

4.2
·2k reviews·Put-in-Bay, United States

Explore a cool limestone cave, wander through a butterfly haven, and enjoy mini-golf and gem mining at this fun-filled island attraction.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, smoother travel

CrowdLow
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Stripped cave

Perry's Cave

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, smoother travel

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a cool limestone cave, wander through a butterfly haven, and enjoy mini-golf and gem mining at this fun-filled island attraction.

4.2
(2k reviews)

"A must-visit for families, offering a unique cave adventure and diverse activities for lasting memories."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Grippy Shoes

Cave steps are steep & slippery. Closed-toe shoes with good traction are a must for safety!

🚗 Golf Cart Rental

Consider renting a golf cart on Put-in-Bay for easier island exploration, especially for groups.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Perry's Cave Tour

Perry's Cave Tour

Underground

Descend into a cool, 52-57 degree limestone cave with unique copper-infused pools. A short but memorable underground adventure.

Butterfly House

Butterfly House

Part of Family Fun Center

Wander through an aviary filled with exotic butterflies and a soothing waterfall. A tranquil escape for all ages.

Mini-Golf & Gem Mining

Mini-Golf & Gem Mining

Family Fun Center grounds

Challenge yourself on a well-maintained mini-golf course with water hazards, or try your luck at gem mining for hidden treasures.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Weekday Wonders

Visiting Perry's Cave Family Fun Center on a weekday is your best bet to avoid the weekend rush. This means shorter lines for the cave tour and more space to enjoy the mini-golf and butterfly house. Weekday ferry trips to Put-in-Bay are also less crowded, making your island journey smoother. Reddit

Footwear is Key for Cave Exploration

The cave tour at Perry's Cave involves steep, thin, and potentially slippery steps. Opt for sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip. While the cave is a short but interesting experience, proper footwear ensures a safe and enjoyable descent into this unique underground world. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, smoother travel
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Mornings
Why
Cool cave temps, pleasant outdoors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

one of my favorite places in ohio!! had so much fun in put in bay, ohio! 🌊🦀⚓️ #putinbay #putinbayohio #putinbayisland
@travelingnicole
61.1K likes • 705.7K views

👟 Wear Grippy Shoes

Cave steps are steep & slippery. Closed-toe shoes with good traction are a must for safety! InstagramReddit

🚗 Golf Cart Rental

Consider renting a golf cart on Put-in-Bay for easier island exploration, especially for groups. Reddit

day 1 in put-in-bay 🦀🥰 #putinbay #putinbayohio #lakeerie #travel #traveltiktok #thingstodo #fyp #foryou #CapCut
@camyq9
39.1K likes • 346.1K views
If you’re looking for an island adventure all ages can enjoy, then head to Put-In-Bay’s longest running attraction - Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center!
rachelvadaj
46 likes • 2.6K views

🦋 Butterfly House Magic

Don't miss the Butterfly House for a serene walk among hundreds of colorful butterflies. Instagram+1

💎 Gem Mining Fun

Kids (and adults!) love the gem mining activity for a chance to find cool stones. Reddit

Perry’s Cave Put N Bay was a adventure ❤️♌️♌️ #perryscave #putinbay #ohio #cave #underground #explorepage #reels #reelsinstagram #reelsvideo #reelsviral #birthdayshenanigans #birthdayallmonth #leoseason
hairiswhatibleed
17 likes • 663 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Grippy Shoes

Cave steps are steep & slippery. Closed-toe shoes with good traction are a must for safety! InstagramReddit

🚗 Golf Cart Rental

Consider renting a golf cart on Put-in-Bay for easier island exploration, especially for groups. Reddit

🦋 Butterfly House Magic

Don't miss the Butterfly House for a serene walk among hundreds of colorful butterflies. Instagram+1

💎 Gem Mining Fun

Kids (and adults!) love the gem mining activity for a chance to find cool stones. Reddit

🎁 Unique Gift Shop

The gift shop offers beautiful jewelry and geodes that can be cracked open on-site. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Perry's Cave Family Fun Center for its diverse activities, particularly the unique cave tour and the enchanting Butterfly House. The mini-golf course is a hit for its challenging design, and the gem mining adds an element of discovery. The staff are often noted as friendly and helpful, contributing to a positive overall experience. Some find the cave tour a bit short, and slippery steps require caution, but it's generally considered a great family-friendly spot on Put-in-Bay.

"Loved Put in Bay! Would recommend going on a weekday so the ferry isn't too crowded. Such a fun day trip for families and friends! Definitely get a golf cart for larger groups, as the hike back from our rental place was very long. The Keys restaurant was a favorite. Went to Perry's Monument for a fabulous view! Overall, great for kids, giving them lasting memories!"

katelyn pickett

"The guide was entertaining and knowledgeable. The stairs are steep, you have to duck your head if tall not to hit the cave ceiling. You can see the whole cave from the entrance. I wish it were longer, with more to see. Cute lil short trip."

Devon murrray

"The cave tour is actually quite nice. It's an amazing little cave. It's nicer than others in the area, and the tour guide does give some interesting history surrounding the caves lore and previous owners. It is a very short tour, though but the views are very nice. It's a good family activity on the island for sure. The steps going down into the cave, though, are very thin and slippery, so just watch out for those."

Zach Boggs

What People Like

Unique cave tour
Beautiful Butterfly House
Challenging mini-golf

What People Dislike

Cave tour is short
Slippery cave steps

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Perry's Cave is located on Put-in-Bay, an island in Lake Erie. You'll need to take a ferry from mainland Ohio ports like Port Clinton or Catawba. Consider weekday ferry trips to avoid larger crowds. TikTokReddit

Once on the island, golf carts are a popular and convenient way to explore, especially for groups. Walking is also an option for shorter distances. Reddit

Yes, Put-in-Bay is a popular day trip destination from cities like Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio. Ferries run frequently during the season. TikTok

Perry's Cave is part of a larger family fun center and is located on Put-in-Bay island, which offers other attractions like Perry's Monument and various shops and restaurants. Instagram

The main ferry services are the Put-in-Bay Ferry (from Catawba) and the Jet Express (from Port Clinton, Sandusky, and Put-in-Bay). Check their schedules and pricing online. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices vary for the cave tour and other attractions like the butterfly house and mini-golf. It's best to check the official Perry's Cave Family Fun Center website for current pricing and package deals. Instagram

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for peak season or weekends, can save you time and guarantee entry. Check their website for online booking options. Instagram

Operating hours can vary seasonally. Generally, the attraction is open daily during the warmer months. Always confirm the latest hours on their official website before your visit. Instagram

Yes, Perry's Cave Family Fun Center often offers combo tickets that bundle access to the cave tour, butterfly house, and other activities, providing better value. Instagram+1

There are no specific age or height requirements for the cave tour itself, but the slippery steps and narrow passages mean it's best suited for those who can navigate them safely. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The cave tour is a short but interesting experience, descending about 50 feet below ground. You'll see unique rock formations and copper-infused water pools. The guide provides historical context. InstagramReddit+3

The center boasts a challenging mini-golf course, gem mining, a rock climbing wall, an antique car museum, and the popular Butterfly House. Instagram+2

Absolutely! The Butterfly House is a beautiful aviary filled with exotic butterflies and a tranquil waterfall, offering a peaceful and visually stunning experience. Instagram+2

The mini-golf course is described as well-maintained and challenging, with water hazards that add an extra layer of fun without being overly difficult. Reddit

Yes, there's a gift shop that offers a variety of items, including unique jewelry and geodes that can be cracked open on-site, making for a memorable souvenir. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Perry's Cave Family Fun Center focuses on activities, Put-in-Bay island has numerous restaurants and eateries. The Keys restaurant is a local favorite mentioned by visitors. Reddit

Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted within the main attractions of the Family Fun Center. It's best to enjoy meals at the island's restaurants before or after your visit. Reddit

Put-in-Bay offers a range of dining, from casual pubs and cafes to sit-down restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Butterfly House offers vibrant and colorful shots with butterflies. The cave interior, with its unique formations and pools, also provides interesting photographic subjects. Instagram+1

Photography is generally allowed inside the cave, but be mindful of the lighting conditions and the slippery surfaces. Avoid using flash if it disturbs others or the environment. Instagram

Use a camera or phone with good low-light capabilities. Patience is key to capturing butterflies in flight or resting on flowers. Instagram

While generally permitted, always be respectful of other visitors and the attraction's rules. Avoid blocking pathways or using professional equipment without prior permission. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Perry's Cave Family Fun Center is a fantastic destination for families. The cave tour offers a unique underground adventure, while the Butterfly House provides a magical experience with hundreds of butterflies. Instagram+1 Kids will also love the gem mining and the challenging mini-golf course. Reddit Renting a golf cart on Put-in-Bay is a fun way for the whole family to explore the island. Reddit Remember to wear sturdy shoes for the cave and be prepared for a memorable day of diverse activities. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While Put-in-Bay can be a pricier destination, Perry's Cave offers value with its multiple attractions. Look for combo tickets that bundle the cave tour with the butterfly house and other activities to save money. Instagram Visiting on a weekday can also mean lower ferry prices and fewer crowds, potentially leading to a more relaxed and cost-effective experience. Reddit Pack snacks and drinks to enjoy outside the main attractions, and consider exploring the island on foot if you're up for it to save on golf cart rental. Reddit

couples

Perry's Cave offers a unique date experience with its intriguing cave tour, providing a cool and intimate setting. Instagram The Butterfly House offers a romantic and visually stunning backdrop for photos and shared moments. Instagram Afterwards, enjoy a fun and competitive round of mini-golf or explore the charming shops and restaurants on Put-in-Bay island. Reddit Consider a weekday visit for a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Limestone Wonder: Perry's Cave

Perry's Cave is a natural limestone cave located approximately 50 feet below the surface of Put-in-Bay island. The temperature inside remains a consistent and comfortable 52-57 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, offering a cool respite during warmer months. Instagram Visitors descend via steep, thin, and potentially slippery steps, making appropriate footwear essential. Reddit The cave tour, while described as short, is noted for its interesting geological formations and the unique copper-infused water found in its pools. InstagramReddit The tour guide often shares historical anecdotes about the cave's lore and previous owners, adding an educational layer to the experience. Reddit

One interesting historical tidbit shared is that in the late 1800s, the original owner removed many stalactites and stalagmites to sell in the gift shop above, which is why there are no large columns formed by stalactites and stalagmites meeting. Instagram This practice, while unfortunate for the cave's natural development, adds a layer of human history to the underground exploration. The views within the cave are described as very nice, making it a good family activity on the island. Reddit

Beyond the Cave: The Family Fun Center Experience

Perry's Cave Family Fun Center offers a variety of activities designed to entertain visitors of all ages, extending the fun beyond the cave tour. The mini-golf course is a standout attraction, praised for being well-maintained and offering a good challenge with water hazards that add to the excitement. Reddit It's described as tough but fun, providing enjoyment without being overly difficult. Reddit

For those seeking a bit of treasure hunting, the gem mining activity allows visitors to sift through material to discover various stones and minerals, a hit with kids and adults alike. Reddit Adding a touch of natural beauty and tranquility is the Butterfly House, an aviary where visitors can walk among numerous species of exotic butterflies, often accompanied by the soothing sounds of a waterfall. Instagram+1 This offers a peaceful contrast to the more active attractions. The center also features a rock climbing wall and an antique car museum, rounding out the diverse offerings and ensuring there's something to capture everyone's interest. Instagram

Put-in-Bay Island: A Midwest Gem

Perry's Cave is situated on Put-in-Bay, a popular island destination in Lake Erie often referred to as the 'Key West of the North.' TikTok The island is a vibrant hub for tourism, accessible by ferry from mainland Ohio. TikTok Visitors often rent golf carts to navigate the island, which is a fun and practical way to explore its various attractions, shops, and restaurants. Reddit The island is known for its lively atmosphere, making it a great spot for day trips and longer stays alike. TikTok+1

Beyond Perry's Cave, key landmarks include Perry's Monument, offering panoramic views of Lake Erie and the surrounding islands. InstagramReddit The island also hosts events like the Put-in-Bay Pyrate Fest, adding to its appeal throughout the season. Instagram Dining options are plentiful, with the Keys restaurant being a frequently mentioned favorite among visitors. Reddit The overall experience on Put-in-Bay is often described as a fun island adventure suitable for families and friends, providing lasting memories. TikTokReddit

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