Overview
Vermilion is a city in Ohio. It is in both Erie County and Lorain County. Located on the banks of the Vermilion River and Ohio's North Shore.
1 sights · 9 things to do · 4 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Vermilion
Harbor Town 1837 Historic District
Vermilion History Museum
The museum illustrates the manner in which 19th- and 20th-century letter press printing and newspaper publishing were accomplished. The building served as a print shop and a weekly newspaper from 1905 to 1964.
Mystic Belle
(off US 6). Paddle-wheel tour of historic and scenic Vermilion River. Jun-Sep: Tu-Su 2PM, 4PM and on weekends only, one-half hour before sunset.
Vermilion Family YMCA
Romp's Dairy Dock
Schoeple Garden
Schoeple Garden, near the Vermilion River, is composed of 70 acres of beautiful botanical gardens and natural woodland. Guided tours are available.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Sep and Apr. (climate data from nearby Cleveland)
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.
- CLE Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Cleveland — 27 mi away (major hub). Directions
- CAK Akron Canton Regional Airport, Akron — 59 mi away. Directions
Vermilion is located on US-6 on the southern shores of Lake Erie. It is easily accessible via the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90) and St. Rt. 2.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Mystic Belle, Main Street Beach, Romp's Dairy Dock
- Lunch Chez Francois and Touche Wine & Martini Bar
- Afternoon Harbor Town 1837 Historic District, Schoeple Garden
- Dinner Big Ed's Main Street Soda Grill
- Evening Paper Moon Vinyards
Day 2
- Morning Vermilion Family YMCA, Vermilion History Museum
- Lunch Old Prague Restaurant
- Afternoon Sherod Park, Festival of the Fish
- Dinner Martino's International Cafe
- Evening Rudy's Bar and Grill
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
The city has over a dozen restaurants and eateries.
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
The Vermilion Harbor dates to about 1840, today it is still a favorite port with over 8,000 pleasure craft at the public docks and marinas.
Visitor information
- Main Street Vermilion 685 Main St., +1 440-963-0772,
- Vermilion Chamber of Commerce 5495 Liberty Ave., +1 440-967-4477,
- Friends of Harbour Town 5741 Liberty Ave., +1 440-967-4262
- Lake Erie Shores & Islands Welcome Center +1-800-255-3743,
Get in
Vermilion is located on US-6 on the southern shores of Lake Erie. It is easily accessible via the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90) and St. Rt. 2.
By boat
Vermilion is accessible by private boat.
Boat launch ramps:
- Vermilion Municipal Docks Launch Ramp W. River Rd., +1 440-967-7087 Ramp fee is $6, operating Apr-Nov
- Bulan's Boatyard Launch Ramp 710 Vermilion Rd., +1 440-967-5785 Ramp fee is $5, rest rooms and winter storage available
- Maple Grove Mairna Launch Ramp 1120 Vermilion Rd., +1 440-967-4525
Marinas:
- Bulan's Boatyard, 710 Vermilion Rd. +1 440-967-5785
- Romp's Water Port & Dairy Dock, 5055 Liberty Ave. +1 440-967-4342
- Valley Harbor Marina, 1295 River Rd. +1 440-967-5225
By car
Vermilion is easily accessible by car.
By plane
There is no public airport nearby.
Get around
The business district is walkable. One can also rent a golf cart to get around.
See
Do
Do Mystic Belle
(off US 6). Paddle-wheel tour of historic and scenic Vermilion River. Jun-Sep: Tu-Su 2PM, 4PM and on weekends only, one-half hour before sunset.
Do Vermilion Family YMCA
Do Romp's Dairy Dock
Do Schoeple Garden
Schoeple Garden, near the Vermilion River, is composed of 70 acres of beautiful botanical gardens and natural woodland. Guided tours are available.
Beaches
Do Main Street Beach
Do Sherod Park
Festivals
Buy
There are several gift shops, antique and specialty stores in Vermilion. Most are located within close proximity of each other, making shopping a very walkable activity.
Shop Main Street Vermilion
Specialty shops, restaurants, art galleries, and well-maintained captain's homes.
Shop Brummer's Homemade Chocolates
Shop Bicycle Bill's Fitness Center
Eat
The city has over a dozen restaurants and eateries.
Eat Chez Francois and Touche Wine & Martini Bar
Drink
Drink Rudy's Bar and Grill
Offering a wide variety of beers, mixed drinks and bar food, including homemade chips and hot sandwiches. Variety of weekend entertainment.
Sleep
Stay Cottages at the Water's Edge
Stay Holiday Inn Express
Stay Lakeland Lodges
Stay Motel Plaza
Go next
- Huron
- Lorain
- Milan Birthplace of Thomas A. Edison, inventor.
- Port Clinton
- Sandusky
Nearby
Amherst
City / town · 19 listings · 8 mi away
Lorain
City / town · 20 listings · 10 mi away
Huron
City / town · 28 listings · 10 mi away
Oberlin
City / town · 26 listings · 12 mi away
Elyria
City / town · 27 listings · 14 mi away
Sheffield Lake
City / town · 6 listings · 14 mi away
Milan
City / town · 18 listings · 15 mi away
Avon
City / town · 18 listings · 18 mi away
My experience
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