'''Catawba Island''' [http://www.catawbaislandtownship.com/] 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 a not an island as its name implies. 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.
Understand
<listing name="Lake Erie Islands Regional Welcome Center" alt="" address="Route 53N (Catawba Island Exit just north of Route 2)" directions="" phone="1-800-441-1271" url="http://www.lake-erie.com" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Free maps, brochures, discount tickets, restrooms.</listing>
Get in
By air
By boat
'''Millers Ferries''', Catawba Point, tel. 800-500-2412 [http://www.millerferry.com/] To Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass Island. Passenger and vehicle ferries. Free Parking.
Boat launch
'''Catawba Island State Park''', off W. Catawba Rd.
'''West Harbor Public Boat Launch'''1955 NE Catawba Rd.
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 2 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.
See
Do
'''Boat-Ski-Jet Ski Rentals'''
'''Catawba Island State Park''', 4049 E Moore_fs Dock Rd., [http://www.stateparks.com/catawba_island.html].
''' Miller Ferry Catawba Dock''' [http://www.millerferry.com]. At the end of Route 53 North. Known as Catawba Point. Ferries to Middle and South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay).
'''Golf''' Plenty of choices.
'''Fishing Charters & Head Boats'''
'''Scuba Diving'''
Eat
Catawba Island has a 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 some of this land for other uses, but much of its agricultural heritage remains. In the warmer months you will find no lack of local vegetables and fruits for sale at the road side.
'''Bergman Orchards''', Route 53, peaches, apples, strawberries, sweet corn, melons, tomatoes, pumkins, baked goods, ice dream and much more.
The Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery. 845 East Wine Cellar Road. 1 419-797-4445 or 1-800-777-4266. nfo@monamiwinery.com. ttp://www.monamiwinery.com.
Sleep
Campgrounds
'''East Harbor State Park''', Northeast part of Ottawa County on the north part of Catawba Island, off of Route 63, on the shores of Lake Erie. 365 electric sites, 205 non-electric sites, showers, flush toilets, dump station, launch ramp, camp store, pet camping, two Rent-A-RV units on full-service sites, two deluxe camper cabins, dock rentals, restaurant, marina, fishing, hunting, 7-mile trail, volleyball, basketball, horseshoe courts, playground equipment and a 1,500-foot sand beach.
'''Lake Erie Islands State Park''' Catawba Island 419-797-4530 - Kelleys Island 419-746-2546 seasonally - Middle Bass Island 419-285-0311 seasonally - South Bass Island - Oak Point 419-285-2112 seasonally. These five state parks offer island retreats both festive and casual. Fishing, boating and swimming and camping.
Drink
The Catawba Inn. 112 N CROGAN ST. 419) 797-2501. Hole in the wall bar/restaurant. They have an excellent 1lb Lake Erie Perch Platter. If you are in the area, I say step on in.
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.
<listing name="Ottawa County Sheriff's Office" address="315 Madison Street" phone="+1 419-734-4404" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.ottawacountysheriff.org"></listing>
<listing name="Catawba Island Township Police Department" address="4822 East Cemetery Road" phone="911 (life threatening emergencies) or +1 419-797-2422" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url=""></listing>
<listing name="Magruder Hospital" address="615 Fulton Street" phone="+1 419-734-3131" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.magruderhospital.com"></listing>
Cope
<listing name="Gem Beach Marina" address="3000 N Carolina St." phone="+1 419-797-4451" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.gembeach.com"></listing>
<listing name="Winke's Boat Storage, Inc. & Landing" address="3072 NE Catawba Rd." phone="+1 419-797-4618 or 419-797-4412" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.winkeboat.com">Full Service Marina, Storage, & Repair Facility.</listing>
Get out
'''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.