Did you know Put-in-Bay is home to the world’s largest geode? Take a tour of Crystal Cave 40 feet below ground, and experience the Put-in-Bay in a whole new way. Just beneath the Heineman Winery, you will be able to descend through the pale blue crystals formed as far back as 15,000 years ago. Not only is the cave a beautiful sight to see, but it also holds deep history and some of the greatest tales of the island. In fact, it was accidentally discovered when winery workers were digging a well. Talk about actually finding a hidden gem!
Once you’ve explored Crystal Cave underground, make sure to visit the Heineman’s Winery above ground as well. Established in 1888 and passed down through 5 generations, this is the oldest family-operated winery in Ohio. Can you imagine having over 125 years to perfect a family recipe? The Heineman family has taken their signature grape juice and popular wines seriously for over a century and it shows.
Heineman Winery Favorites:
- Island Chablis (White)
- Niagara (White)
- Crystal Cave Spumante
- Cedar Woods Red
- Catawba Grape Juice
While most winery and distillery establishments were put out of business during Prohibition, the Heineman Winery had a solution. The winery made it through Prohibition by offering Crystal Cave Tours. The Heineman’s even cultivates over 50 acres of land for wine production. Once you’ve toured both attractions, make sure to treat yourself to a bottle of wine. Then stroll over to Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, and enjoy the energy-side side of Put-In-Bay’s attractions.
Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center
Located on Catawba Avenue, Perry’s Cave is a must stop every island getaway. From their Butterfly House to their Gemstone Mining, Perry’s has hours worth entertaining for the whole family. Climb their rock wall, check out the Antique Car Museum or navigate Fort Amaze’n. Looking for some miniature golf? War of 18 Holes is the best mini golf course on the island! Stop by the gift shop on the way out.
Crystal Cave Tour Prices:
Adults: $8.00
Children, Ages: 6-12, $4.00
Children 5 and Younger: FREE
Hours of Operation
Monday – Saturday: Tours Begin at 11:00 am
Sunday: Tours Begin at 12:00 pm
Tours Conclude Daily at 5:00 pm
Testimonials
Nathan M: “Very cool. I thought the winery would be a waste after seeing the cave, but no, the cave was incredible and the winery tour was interesting and informative. The included glass of wine(or juice)was delicious. Multiple award-winning wines from a vineyard where they still pick the grapes by hand because they have to, machines won’t fit!”
Adam R: A very cool place to visit. This is a cave that is also the world’s largest geode. There is also Perry’s Cave right across the street. Both are very cool places to visit and at very reasonable prices. It’s a short trip by ferry. The Island is pretty big for walking. You can ferry your car, motorcycle, or bikes. Taxis are available as well as golf cart and bicycle rentals. Plan on spending a full day and remember to find out when the last ferry leaves the island to the mainland. Have fun!”
Lauren B: “It’s a huge celestite geode you can walk in! I’m a rock hound, so I wish it was a longer experience. They had to drag me out to go on the wine tour. It’s a small space and they pack it tight. You’ll find it interesting if you aren’t a rock person, but one short walkthrough and you’ll be good. Be prepared for stairs. No touching!”
Ian P: “A small little cave with crystals all over the place. The name definitely does it justice! For a small amount of money, you can go on a cave tour and winery tour and get a sample of one of the wines they make there. Great deal.”
The fun doesn’t have to stop there, consider bringing some of the Heineman Winery back home to stock your collection. Purchase 12 or more bottles of wine and receive 20% off your purchase. Maybe you’d rather bring some wine home to your family and friends? What a perfect opportunity to share the story of one of the world’s best wineries, located 40 feet above the world’s largest geode, Crystal Cave!
What are you waiting for? Plan your Put-in-Bay vacation today. BOOK YOUR LODGING HERE!
Put-in-Bay Restaurants and Bars
There are so many great restaurants and bars on Put-in-Bay it is hard to choose one. For example downtown Put-in-Bay around Derivera Park there are over 15 bars and restaurants. One of the more popular restaurants on the island is Upperdeck found at the Boardwalk. There you can try their amazing walleye while enjoying the view of boaters coming and going from Gibraltar Island and Put-in-Bay Harbor. Looking for dessert? Then stop by the Chocolate Museum for ice cream. Looking for the most popular bars on the island? Then Delaware Ave is where you want to be. There you will Mr. Ed’s, Frosty Bar, and The Roundhouse Bar. All of which are great options to get your night started.
Put-in-Bay Transportation and Lodging
There are two Put-in-Bay ferries to come and go from the island. The first one, the Miller Ferry, is located the south of the island. The second, the Jet Express, is located downtown. Both of these ferries have visitor’s centers and are within walking distance of Put-in-Bay golf cart rental agencies. Golf carts are the preferred method of transportation on the island.
When it comes to Put-in-Bay hotels and lodging on the island there many options. Luckily all of them are within a golf carts ride of anywhere on the island. This is one of the many reasons golf carts are the choice of transportation as stated before. Looking for the best view on the island? Then the Put-in-Bay Waterfront Condos is the place for you. Some other great lodging options include Put-in-Bay Resort and Bay Lodging. There is even a Ohio State themed house you can rent!
Put-in-Bay Attractions and Things to do
You could spend to weeks on the island and still not do everything Put-in-Bay has to offer. One of the first things new visitors should do is take one of the many great guided tours. The most popular tour is the Put-in-Bay Tour Train. This tour will take you all over the island while a tour guide narrates your journey. Another great tour we highly suggest is the helicopter tour. This is found at the Put-in-Bay Airport found on Langram Avenue. Both are great options for sightseeing.
When it comes to attractions there are so many options in Put-in-Bay Ohio. To start off there is South Bass Island State Park. Also located at this national park is the South Bass Island Lighthouse. From there you can see Port Clinton, Sandusky, and even Toledo. On the other side of the island you will the tallest structure the island, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. Take the elevator up to the observation deck and check out the view. From there you can see Middlebass, Cleveland, and Canada! Looking to learn a little more about the history Put-in-Bay Island? Then stop by Lake Erie Islands Historical Society. There you can learn about the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812.
One of the most popular things to do on the island is boating and watersports. There a plenty places to dock if you boat for the weekend. Trying to go kayaking? Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals rents both kayaks and jet skis. Looking for something a bit more extreme? Stop by North Coast Parasail & Watersports and go parasailing. Visit Put-in-Bay today!
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