Exploring Sandusky, Ohio: A Guide to Free and Affordable Activities
Ohio’s north central region, including Sandusky, offers an abundance of exciting and interesting activities that are free or nearly free. Although visiting Cedar Point, one of America’s beloved amusement parks, can be costly, there are many additional activities available in the area. You can explore wine tastings, delve into a bit of Civil War history, ride a carousel, and enjoy the beach, among other things.
See the Glacial Grooves
Address: 739 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438, USA
Phone: +1 866-921-5710
The glacial grooves are remnants of the Ice Age and are the largest accessible grooves of their kind in the world. Carved into native limestone by receding glaciers over 18,000 years ago, the grooves on the north side of Kelleys Island can be viewed from a visitor staircase and a walkway.
Visit Johnson’s Island Cemetery
Address: Johnson’s Island Causeway, Marblehead, OH 43440, USA
Phone: +1 330-335-3069
Over 9,000 Confederate prisoners of war were once held on Johnson’s Island, located just off the south coast of Marblehead, near the ferry docks. Between 206 and 267 of these soldiers are buried at the Johnson’s Island Confederate Officers Prison Cemetery.
Managed by the U.S. Veteran’s Administration, the site is accessible year-round from dusk to dawn. A toll of $1 is charged each way across the causeway connecting the island to the mainland. No remnants of the POW camp remain on the island.
Sip Some Wine
The central Ohio Lake Erie coastline and Lake Erie Islands feature excellent soil and climate conditions for growing wine grapes. During the summer, the lake breezes moderate temperatures, while in winter, the lake and snow provide insulation for crops.
Most wineries offer tastings for the minimum state-required fee of $1 each, with many also providing complimentary tours.
Relax on Lake Erie Beaches
Address: 1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440-9610, USA
Phone: +1 419-734-4424
In addition to Cedar Point Amusement Park’s beach, central Ohio’s Lake Erie coastline is home to several public access beaches. Notably, East Harbor State Park features a beautiful 1,500-foot stretch of sand, and Catawba Island State Park has a dog-friendly beach.
East Harbor State Park is well-loved and boasts some of the finest beaches on Lake Erie. Facilities include a marina, picnic tables, a concession stand, camping areas, and hiking trails.
Ohio is among the few states that does not impose a general admission or parking fee at state parks, allowing visitors to enjoy day-use facilities, including trails, beaches, picnic areas, boating, and fishing without charge.
Visit the Follett House Museum
Admission is free to the Follett House Museum, which houses documents and collections that illustrate Sandusky’s rich history. The Greek Revival home’s museum allows visitors to learn about the Battle of Lake Erie and Johnson’s Island Prison. The museum features four floors, and the top floor offers stunning views from the Widow’s Walk.
Enjoy the Merry Go Round Museum
The Merry-Go-Round Museum is open every day of the week, with the exception of January closure. The museum showcases an impressive collection of carousels and carousel animals and has an active restoration program for antique carousel figures, allowing visitors to see carvers at work and engage with them.
Many believe that some donated items are haunted, leading to reports of paranormal activity among visitors. A highlight of the experience is riding the Allan Herschell Carousel with the band organ playing.
The entry fee is reasonable; adults pay $6.00, seniors $5.00, children ages 4-14 $4.00, and kids under four are free. Admission includes one carousel ride token.
Learn Military History
The Ohio Veterans Homes Museum showcases memorabilia from various conflicts including the Civil War, Johnson’s Island, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, as well as conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. These collections are housed in the I. F. Mack Building at the Ohio Veterans Home.
Savor Some Ice Cream
Visit the ice cream parlor operated by Ohio’s oldest dairy, Toft Dairy. This dairy has evolved from a small family farm established in the early 1900s to a modern 76,000 square foot facility on Venice Road, making it part of Ohio’s storied history.
A scoop of their famous ice cream is affordably priced, and the parlor is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Enjoy the Arts
Housed within Sandusky High School, the Sandusky Cultural Center presents educational exhibits designed to foster an interest in fine arts and culture. The displays and exhibits change frequently, and the museum is closed on Saturdays, holidays, and during school snow days, remaining accessible only during scheduled exhibits.
Other venues for enjoying free art include Sandusky’s Brick Gallery, Carrington Arts, and the Vermilion Art Guild’s exhibit at the Main Street Vermilion office.
Walk Through History
The Erie County Historical Society offers five unique walking tours, which cover downtown Sandusky, Washington Park, and sites linked to the Underground Railroad. Visitors can follow these routes on their smartphones. Detailed walking tour information can be downloaded online for free.
The Erie County Historical Society also includes the History Center, located in Erie’s nationally recognized West Sixth Street Historic District, which includes the Watson-Curtze Mansion and Museum, the Carriage House Visitor Center, and the King-Martens Archive Building. While there is an entry fee for the Hagen History Center (adults $10, seniors $7.50, and children 6 and older $5), visitors can explore the Historic District and enjoy its sights and historically significant buildings at no cost.
