Overview
Catawba Island is part of the Ottawa County peninsula. Catawba Island is one of 12 townships that make up Ottawa County, Ohio. It is commonly referred to as Catawba and Catawba Island, although it is no longer an island as the water separating it from the mainland has been diverted. Due to its sheltered bay and inlets, land elevation along the shore with fewer cliffs and easy access to Lake Erie, it has become one of the preferred areas for pleasure boat owners to dock and store their boats. Development was stagnant for years due to lack of sanitary sewer. Once this was improved, Catawba Island Peninsula started to bloom, with all sorts of improvements, condo's, expensive homes, marinas and businesses. It has become a preferred destination for those enjoying Lake Erie waters.
2 sights · 3 things to do · 3 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Catawba Island
African Safari Wildlife Park
Catawba Island State Park
Catawaba Island Historical Society Museum
Miller Ferry Catawba Dock
At the end of Route 53 North. Known as Catawba Point. Ferries to Middle and South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay).
Freedom Boat Club of Catawba Island
Each location provides you with a fleet of boats that come with less stress and a lower price tag than owning a single boat. There are no hassles to worry about like cleaning, maintaining, or storing as the dock master d…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 20°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Toledo)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TOL Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, Toledo — 50 mi away. Directions
- DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Detroit — 51 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning African Safari Wildlife Park, Catawba Island State Park, Catawaba Island Historical Society Museum
- Lunch The Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery
- Afternoon Miller Ferry Catawba Dock, Freedom Boat Club of Catawba Island
- Dinner Beach Street Bar & Grille
- Evening Twin Oast Brewing
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Catawba Island has an agricultural history as well as a marine history. A lot of land on Catawba Island was dedicated to farming, vineyards, orchards, truck farms and such. Today development is converting much of this land for other uses. In the warmer months, however, you will find no lack of local vegetables and fruits for sale at the road side.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Get in
By plane
By boat
Go Millers Ferries
To Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island, Middle Bass Island. Passenger and vehicle ferries. Free Parking.
Boat launch
Go Catawba Island State Park
Go West Harbor Public Boat Launch
Marinas
By car
- From State Route 2, exit OH 53N and head north to the peninsula.
- From downtown Port Clinton, follow OH 163 east from town, turning left onto Sand Road. Be careful, as the speed limit on this road is 35 mph, and is closely monitored by police.
Get around
You can enter Catawba Island from SR 53 exit off of SR 163 or Sand Road off of SR 2. Both meet each other at Catawba Point, in a loop around the peninsula. On land, motorcycles, bicycles, cars, golf carts, walking and running are popular. On the water, about every form of transportation is available for rent.
There is a 4.8 mi walking/biking paved trail on St Rt 53 North (AKA NE Catawba Rd.).
See
Do
- Boat-Ski-Jet Ski Rentals
- Fishing Charters & Head Boats
- Scuba Diving
Do Freedom Boat Club of Catawba Island
Each location provides you with a fleet of boats that come with less stress and a lower price tag than owning a single boat. There are no hassles to worry about like cleaning, maintaining, or storing as the dock master does all the prep and post work. There are no costs like dock fees, winterizing, insurance or trailers. Instead you spend your time simply having fun.
Buy
Shop Bergman Orchards
Sells peaches, apples, strawberries, sweet corn, melons, tomatoes, pumpkins, baked goods, ice dream, etc.
Eat
Catawba Island has an agricultural history as well as a marine history. A lot of land on Catawba Island was dedicated to farming, vineyards, orchards, truck farms and such. Today development is converting much of this land for other uses. In the warmer months, however, you will find no lack of local vegetables and fruits for sale at the road side.
Eat The Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery
Great Dining room and Sunday Buffet.
Eat The Thirsty Pirate
32 beers on tap and wide variety of entrees.
Drink
Drink The Catawba Inn
Hole in the wall bar/restaurant. They have an excellent 1-lb Lake Erie Perch Platter. They have bands Friday/Saturday 7pm to 11pm and Sundays 3pm to 7pm Most Summer weekends.
Drink Twin Oast Brewing
Outdoor focused bar with food options.
Sleep
Campgrounds
Hotels
Stay safe
Catawba Island is like a big playground for kids and adults, with a long shoreline. Things happen. If you are not familiar with small boats, keep in mind they move when you get in and/or least expect it. Make sure you wear or know where your life preserver is as soon as you get into a smaller boat. Lake Erie is a big and wonderful place, some areas like this have extreme traffic on the roads and water, both from commercial and pleasure craft. The Coast Guard is always looking for those who abuse the waterways and will not hesitate to arrest for drinking while operating a watercraft or other infringements. Play safely and no one will bother you.
Place Catawba Island Township Police Department
Go next
- Huron
- Marblehead
- Port Clinton
- Sandusky
- Toledo
- Lake Erie Islands - Located west of Cleveland, a group of picturesque and festive islands in Lake Erie are accessible via ferry.
The islands listed below are either in Ottawa County or close to it. Some like Pelee, are in Canada, different fishing license required.
- Hen Island - Property of the Quinnebog Club.
- Green Island Lighthouse.
- Kelleys Island. Tourist destination (Erie County)
- Middle Bass Island. Tourist destination
- North Bass Island. Tourist destination
- Pelee Island. Tourist destination - Canada.
- Rattlesnake Island. Private island owned by a club, membership required
- South Bass Island. The most significant tourist destination containing the town of Put-in-Bay.
- Sugar Island.
- Turtle Island. Privately owned vacation homes
- West Sister Island Wildlife Refuge.
- Pelee Point Ontario, Canada mainland.
Nearby
Middle Bass Island
City / town · 12 listings · 5 mi away
Put-in-Bay
City / town · 33 listings · 5 mi away
Lakeside
City / town · 9 listings · 5 mi away
Marblehead
City / town · 24 listings · 6 mi away
Kelleys Island
City / town · 30 listings · 7 mi away
Port Clinton
City / town · 36 listings · 7 mi away
Sandusky
City / town · 50 listings · 11 mi away
Cedar Point
Park · 5 listings · 11 mi away
My experience
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