12 BEST Outdoor Things to Do in Sandusky Ohio
Sandusky Ohio is a popular tourist destination, drawing millions of visitors every year. It’s widely known for its amusement parks and water parks, both indoors and out. But the truth is that there are countless reasons to visit Sandusky!
The climate of Lake Erie makes this a popular summertime destination, perfect for enjoying the sun and sand. In this article, you’ll learn all about the top outdoor things to do in Sandusky Ohio.
Cedar Point Amusement Park
You can’t mention Sandusky without talking about Cedar Point, one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Midwest. This family-friendly amusement park first opened in 1870, making it the second-oldest continuously operating park in the United States.
Today, Cedar Point covers 364 acres and features 70 rides, including 16 roller coasters. If you’re aiming to visit this year, you’re not alone. The park draws 3.5 million visitors annually!
A century and a half of summer memories have been made at Cedar Point, which can be seen from many other tourist attractions in and around Sandusky.
Lake Erie Cruise
Lake Erie is the centerpiece of all the activities in Sandusky, and it’s well worth it to take a cruise! You’ll find several companies offering cruises of the lake, allowing you to see some of the most beautiful sights of Lake Erie, as well as learn fascinating facts about the history and geology of the area.
The cruises may feature some exciting ports of call too, including Cleveland, Port Stanley, and Niagara Falls. It’s a one-of-a-kind chance to enjoy the beautiful vistas over one of America’s greatest lakes and learn about its history and influence.
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park is the site of a 200-year-old lighthouse that stands proudly on the shores of Lake Erie, the oldest continually used lighthouse in the country.
First erected in 1821, the lighthouse became fully operational for the first time in the summer of 1822. In the two centuries since, Marblehead has undergone renovations, adopted new technologies, and been the home of 16 keepers and their families. It was even the home of the first female lighthouse keepers on the Great Lakes!
Today, the site is not just a historic property but also a museum about the history of the structure and the area.
North Coast Parasail
If parasailing is on your bucket list, your trip to Sandusky is the perfect time to do it! This safe, fun activity doesn’t require any training, and kids as young as five can take part.
During your ride, you’ll get to see a side of Lake Erie that you’ve never seen before, all while flying high above the waves. You can make your ascent on your own or go up with two friends. If you want, finish your adventure with a dip in the cool lake — or glide back down to the boat if you prefer not to get wet.
Lagoon Deer Park
Lagoon Deer Park is a gorgeous animal preserve and petting zoo hidden along the northern shores of Lake Erie. You can interact with animals of all kinds — the park is home to more than 200 animals.
Children and adults alike will enjoy petting and feeding the six species of deer that greet them at the gate. You’ll also find emus, miniature donkeys, goats, sheep, llamas, miniature horses, and elk, as well as peacocks, rheas, and emus.
On top of that, people flock to the park to enjoy fishing for bass, carp, and more in one of its four ponds.
Safari Outdoor Adventure Park
Kalahari Resort is one of the most famous and popular attractions in Sandusky, offering activities both inside and out. But its Safari Outdoor Adventure Park is one the best outdoor things to do in Sandusky Ohio.
This amazing park includes fun and challenging outdoor games, as well as an expedition with animals from across the globe. Play a round of mini golf, and test your limits on the ropes course before meeting the animals — camels, kangaroos, giraffes, lemurs, goats, and porcupines.
You can drive through the park and get up close with many of the animals!
Sandusky Speedway Motorsports Park
If you enjoy car races — or just love to be part of a cheering crowd — pay a visit to the Sandusky Speedway Motorsports Park. This half-mile racetrack hosts races almost every day from April to October, so you’ll have plenty of time to catch your favorite event.
Spectators can watch stocks and modifieds from the stands. But, perhaps even more fascinating is the Speedway’s Rusty Wallace Driving Experience. During this event, you get the chance to drive a race car. This is an unmissable experience for car and racing enthusiasts on a Sandusky vacation.
Battery Park Marina
Battery Park Marina isn’t just the perfect place to admire the view over Sandusky Bay. It’s a full complex of activities, including a 5-acre lakeside park, heated swimming pool, tennis courts, and even shopping!
Part of the proceeds from the park go toward supporting marine conservation efforts, so you can feel good during your visit. If you want to leave the marina, it’s only a short walk to Sandusky’s restaurant and retail districts. And, the marina is the perfect place to dock your boat before you set off on adventures.
Pipe Creek Wildlife Area
The ecosystem around Lake Erie is unique and complex thanks to the climate and surrounding wetlands. This makes for some fascinating wildlife areas, where you can spot plants and animals that you won’t see most elsewhere!
One of the best is Pipe Creek Wildlife Area, which looks out over Sandusky Bay. This stretch of wetlands encompasses 97 acres of alternating marshland and channels.
It’s an extremely popular spot for bird-watching since you can spot bald eagles, Canada geese, ducks, sandpipers, terns, and more. You may also catch a glimpse of muskrats, carp, and other game fish.
Jackson Street Pier
Jackson Street Pier is one of the newest outdoor things to do in Sandusky Ohio. It’s the result of a multimillion-dollar renovation by the city in the late 2010s.
The pier, which is open to both foot and vehicle traffic, offers stunning views of Lake Erie. You can enjoy these views from trellis swing benches, sun stairs, picnic tables, and a stage. The pier is a favorite spot for photography, picnics, or simply strolling along the water too.
Also, you’ll find many events going on there throughout the year, including festivals and concerts. Past events have included Christmas in July Holiday Pops and weekly free concerts on Thursday nights.
Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay is an island village off the coast of Lake Erie. It’s a popular day-trip destination for tourists, offering unique sights and events, as well as museums, wineries, nature centers, and state parks.
The village is fondly referred to as the “Key West of the North” thanks to its lively entertainment scene. There’s something for everyone on the island, such as the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center, Stonehenge Historic Estate, Antique Car Museum, and Crystal Cave.
Even if you’re staying in Sandusky proper, you might find yourself wanting to linger on this lively and beautiful island.
Kelley’s Island Wine Co.
Kelleys Island is the site of another village on Lake Erie, just a short distance from Sandusky. You can reach the island via ferry, where you’ll find stunning nature preserves, hiking trails, pristine beaches, and more.
But among these offerings, Kelleys Island is also known for its wineries, and none is worth visiting more than Kelley’s Island Wine Co. This winery and restaurant serves estate-grown vintages and fresh, delicious food. It has been a family-owned winery since it first opened its doors in 1982.
The winery is the perfect place for a romantic meal overlooking the beautiful waters of Lake Erie!
Explore More Outdoor Things to Do in Sandusky Ohio
Sandusky might be in Northwest Ohio, but its unique climate makes it a beautiful place — especially when summer rolls around. You won’t want to restrict yourself to experiencing Sandusky’s indoor things to do while visiting this fascinating place.
Luckily, there are endless things to do out in the sunshine, from hiking nature trails to learning about history, enjoying a delicious meal, and more. When it comes to outdoor things to do in Sandusky Ohio, nature lovers will need more than one visit to enjoy them all.