Overview
Middle Bass Island is part of the Lake Erie Islands system. It is located in the center of Lake Erie, a couple of miles north of South Bass Island.
2 sights · 1 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Middle Bass Island
Lonz Winery
The former winery is a castle-like structure which is now part of the State Park.
East Point Nature Preserve
Shore-front nature preserve. Accessible by kayak. There is a walking trail.
Middle Bass Island State Park
Offers camping, a marina, and wifi
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.
- DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Detroit — 48 mi away (major hub). Directions
- TOL Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, Toledo — 51 mi away. Directions
Ferries from the mainland originate from Catawba Island and arrive at Middle Bass Dock. During the summer, ferries operate several times per day. There are also some scheduled trips during the spring and fall, as weather allows.
Full “Get in” guide ↓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 Lonz Winery, Middle Bass Island State Park
- Lunch Uncle Joe's Pizza
- Afternoon East Point Nature Preserve
- Dinner J.F. Walleyes
- Evening St. Hazard's Resort
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
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.
Get in
By boat
Ferries from the mainland originate from Catawba Island and arrive at Middle Bass Dock. During the summer, ferries operate several times per day. There are also some scheduled trips during the spring and fall, as weather allows.
Middle Bass may be reached by pleasure boats, but it lacks the fine natural harbor found at South Bass. A new marina with more than 300 slips is planned to open soon, and 50 slips are available at the State Park.
A small ferry, the Sonny-S, takes passengers to/from nearby Put-in-Bay, a town on a nearby island with a grocery store and a few other services.
By plane
Go Middle Bass Island Airport
A small (2085 x 67 ft.) General aviation airport. No regular scheduled passenger flights, but some companies may let you charter flights to here.
Get around
Given the small size of the island, Golf carts are popular as transportation. Cars are permitted on island roads, though speed limits are low. Bikes are a common means of transportation and the island can easily be walked as well.
See
See Lonz Winery
The former winery is a castle-like structure which is now part of the State Park.
Do
There are few scheduled activities on the small island.
Buy
Shop Middle Bass General Store
Eat
Eat J.F. Walleyes
Salads, sandwiches, burgers, and flatbreads.
Drink
Middle Bass Island is much less "touristy" than South Bass/Put-in-Bay, and has far fewer drinking establishments.
Drink St. Hazard's Resort
Offers a well-stocked tiki bar and microbrewery. Serves burgers, steak-and-cheese, fish sandwiches, pizza, and appetizers. Entertainment on weekends.
Sleep
Camping
Stay Middle Bass Island State Park Campground
Offers 21 camping sites that are available by reservation only. Camp sites are available from May to October, depending on weather conditions. Each camping sites has a fire ring and a picnic table. Showers are available in the harbormaster building. Toilets, electricity, and potable water are not available on-site. It is also possible to dock a boat overnight here.
Resort
Go next
A small ferry (Sonny S ) travels to Put-in-Bay/South Bass Island. This ferry only runs until 7PM on weekdays and Midnight on weekends.
Nearby
Put-in-Bay
City / town · 33 listings · 0 mi away
Catawba Island
City / town · 25 listings · 5 mi away
Kelleys Island
City / town · 30 listings · 7 mi away
Lakeside
City / town · 9 listings · 8 mi away
Marblehead
City / town · 24 listings · 9 mi away
Port Clinton
City / town · 36 listings · 11 mi away
Cedar Point
Park · 5 listings · 15 mi away
Sandusky
City / town · 50 listings · 15 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.