A serene green space right in the heart of downtown Put-in-Bay, DeRivera Park covers over 5 acres of waterfront property. The park is named after South Bass Island’s original owner, Joseph DeRivera St. Jurgo. The park is a great place to enjoy some people watching on a sunny summer day. You can also enjoy some great sites on a walk through the park itself. Additionally, you can learn quite a bit about the island through the park’s memorials.

What You’ll Find At DeRivera Park

• The wishing fountain in DeRivera Park is a place where you can flip a couple of coins into the water, make a wish, and feel good about it. The change from the fountain is donated to Put-in-Bay EMS, so even if your wish doesn’t come true, your coins will do some good.
• DeRivera Park makes the gazebo available for public use, and you can also rent it out for your event. There have been many weddings at the gazebo.
• Have a cookout in the park with the grills available for use. The kids can play on DeRivera Park’s playground and swings.
• If you’ve taken part in any of the watersports that launch from the downtown dock, like jet skis or kayaking, you can rinse off at the public bathhouse at DeRivera Park. There are also lockers here, so if you’re downtown shopping, you can stop by and store your haul if you want to grab dinner or drinks in downtown Put-in-Bay.

Cannonball Memorial

Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of DeRivera Park is the memorial made of cannonballs. This famous landmark is also one of Put-in-Bay’s most interesting spots. It was the original resting place of three American and three British officers who perished in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Officials buried them here as a symbol of unity between the American and British people. During the construction of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, the bodies were exhumed and moved to the memorial. The cannonballs serve as a marker for the original gravesite. Stop by the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society to learn more about this island’s rich history. 

Put-in-Bay Bars and Restaurants

There is so much to do downtown Put-in-Bay Ohio. The Jet Express docks just across the street from DeRivera Park. If you are looking for a golf cart stop by one of the many Put-in Bay golf cart rental agencies within walking distance. You can also find golf rental angecies at the Put-in-Bay Ferry. Golf carts are the best way to get around the island. All Put-in-Bay hotels are a short golf cart ride away. This includes Put-in-Bay Resort and Bay Lodging!

Looking for a bite to eat? There are some amazing restaurants on Put-in-Bay island. Some these restaurants include but are not limited to Boardwalk, The Boathouse Bar, and the Goat Soup. Try the Boathouse’s Walleye! Ready to get your drink on? Swing by one of the many Put-in-Bay restaurants and bars located all around DeRivera Park. Looking for something a little more classy? Then take a tasting tour at Put-in-Bay Winery. Heineman’s Winery is another place for a tasting tour. They even serve grape juice for the kids! Need to satisfy your sweet tooth? Then stop by the Chocolate Museum for some ice cream. 

Put-in-Bay Attractions

Just came in on the Miller Ferry and looking to take a tour of the island? Stop by the visitors center and grab an island guide. This will give you a small idea of what the island has to offer. We highly recommend you take one off the many great tours during your visit. The most popular option when it comes to guided tours is the Put-in-Bay Tour Train. The tour train will take past all of the islands attractions. First, you will stop the islands national park South Bass Island State Park. From there you should able to see all the way to Port Clinton, Sandusky and even Toledo. You will also be able to see the South Bass Island Lighthouse. Perry ‘s Monument is also a must see. Take the elevator up to the observation deck while you are there. You can see Middle Bass and Canada from up there! Another great tour for sightseeing is the helicopter tour. This is found at the Put-in-Bay Airport off of Langram Road.

Put-in-Bay has an abundance of attractions making it the perfect getaway from Cleveland. One of the more popular things to do while on the island is the Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center found Catawba Avenue. There you can check their beautiful butterfly=s at their Butterfly House or find a geode at their Gemstone Mining attraction. Once you are done with that check out their mini golf course War of 18 Holes or explore Fort Amaze’n. We almost forgot to mention their Rock Wall and Antique Car Museum! Make sure to stop by the gift shop on the way out. That is just of one of the many activities you can do while you are on the island. Check out Kimberly’s Carousel on Delaware Ave and the Crystal Cave. 

Boating and watersports are very popular on the island. You will hundreds of boaters docked around Gibraltar Island. Want to rent some kayaks or go parasailing? Then stop Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rental for all of your watersport needs. Visit Put-in-Bay today!