A Clevelander’s Guide to Kelleys Island: 31 Must-Go Spots

In its 4.4 square miles, Kelleys Island packs a punch. Restaurants and shops are bustling with visitors in the summer and early fall months, while golf carts and bikes hustle down the main roads to get to renowned parks and sunset views.

Beyond the flashy tourist destinations, the island’s rich story is told through its Indigenous history, a once-thriving quarrying industry and its successful wine scene.

Before you go, you should figure out how you’ll get there. Kelleys Island is about a two-hour journey from Cleveland, including a short ferry ride. Head to Marblehead to take the Kelleys Island Ferry, which operates for most of the year — as long as weather and ice conditions permit. The ferry allows passengers to travel on foot ($13 per adult, each way), their bikes ($5 extra), golf carts or cars ($23 each way), with extra costs for larger vehicles and trailers.

Meanwhile, if you want a quicker ride or want to island-hop, the Jet Express takes passengers (no cars) from Sandusky to Kelleys Island, Put-In-Bay and Cedar Point, from late May through early September ($26.50 each way, with a $5.50 fee for bikes). 

Whether you're planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, use our guide to make the most of it.

Caddy Shack Pizza and Buckeye Bar

The Caddy Shack is famous for its white pizza. The pizzeria is tucked behind the mini-golf course and ice cream stand, and visitors can often hear cover bands performing at the connected outdoor Buckeye Bar. 115 Division St., Kelleys Island, caddyshacksquare.com/caddy-shack-restaurant-and-bar

Caddy Shack Putt-Putt

Hit a hole-in-one in a rousing game of Putt-Putt, centered in the Caddy Shack Square cluster of businesses in Downtown Kelleys Island. The renovated 18-hole course offers a variety of challenges, including hitting a ball over bridges, through lighthouses and at the perfect time to get through a rotating Ferris wheel. 115 Division St., Kelleys Island, caddyshacksquare.com/putt-putt

Captain’s Corner

This longtime restaurant and bar is a go-to spot for burgers, prime rib and beer, especially on game days. At the corner of Downtown Kelleys Island, the bar serves as an anchor to the many food and drink options that line Division Street. 101 W. Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, facebook.com/KICaptainsCorner

The Casino

If you take the Jet Express ferry service to get to Kelleys Island, one of the first eateries you’ll encounter is this laid-back waterfront establishment. Feast on burgers, sandwiches and fried seafood while taking in Lake Erie views. 104 Division St., Kelleys Island, casinokelleysisland.com

Charles Herndon Gallery and Sculpture Garden

While Ohio artist Charles Herndon’s galleries are open only during the summer months, the gardens are open year-round for self-guided exploration of unique stone and metal sculptures. Also visit for glass-blowing demonstrations on weekends, and shop a selection of local artists’ creations at this corner of the island. 114 Laylin Lane, Kelleys Island, charlesherndon.com

Dipper Dan’s Ice Cream

A sunny island day isn’t complete without a scoop of Toft’s ice cream from Dipper Dan’s. The ice cream stand has been an island staple since 1998. 115 Division St., Kelleys Island, caddyshacksquare.com/dippers-dan-ice-cream-stand

Dockers Waterfront Bar and Restaurant

At the Portside Marina, this restaurant hosts a dining area just feet away from boat docks and the waters of Lake Erie. Here, customers indulge in seafood specialties like lobster tail, crab cakes and scallops. 114 W. Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, portsidemarinaki.com

Groove Bar & Grill

Formerly Peeper’s and, before that, Bag the Moon, this high-energy bar and late-night hot spot is known for serving the island-famous strawberry shot. The sweet drink features a hollow strawberry filled with liquor and topped with whipped cream. 109 W. Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, grooveki.com

Island Mining Company

Along with the neighboring Putt-Putt course, a gem mining station provides an extra bit of family-friendly fun in Downtown KI. Young ones can sift through water and hunt for semiprecious stones, in a small nod to the island’s quarrying history. 115 Division St., Kelleys Island, caddyshacksquare.com/island-mining-company

Kelleys Island Coffee Co.

Grab a matcha latte or a cup of coffee at this cafe, which also serves a variety of baked goods and sweet treats. 115 Division St., Kelleys Island, facebook.com

Kelleys Island General Store

Whether you’re looking for a KI-branded mug or bumper sticker, or need to pick up gear for a beach day, the General Store’s old-timey space is well stocked. The business also offers golf cart rentals to help get around the island with ease. 118 Division St., Kelleys Island, kigeneralstore.com

Kelleys Island History Museum

Serving as a gathering place for island residents, this museum hosts events such as trivia nights and documentary screenings, while continuing its mission to preserve artifacts and documents of island history. 224 Division St., Kelleys Island, facebook.com/KelleysIslandHist

Kelleys Island House

With patio dining and table fire pits flickering on most evenings, Kelleys Island House is one of the island’s most elevated dining destinations, serving dishes such as cheese boards, Thai shrimp, lamb meatballs and caprese sandwiches. 131 Division St., Kelleys Island, facebook.com/kelleysislandhouse

Kelleys Island Parsonage Resale Shop

Thrift for unique finds and antique items, and also experience the lengthy history of this 1888-built home. Operated by the Kelleys Island Historical Association, the resale shop’s proceeds go toward restoration efforts. 224 Division St., Kelleys Island, kelleysislandhistorical.org

Kelleys Island State Park 

Complete with a large campground, sandy beaches, the North Shore Loop hiking trail and a fishing pier, the state park is worthy of multiple adventures. While here, be sure to explore the abandoned quarry stone crusher: a remnant of the island’s limestone quarrying industry. 920 Division St., Kelleys Island, ohiodnr.gov

Kelleys Island State Park: East Quarry Trails

Once an active work site, this limestone quarry naturally filled with water and is now known as Horseshoe Lake. Trails surround the eastern side of the lake, where crystal blue waters reveal one of the island’s most prized fishing locations. Other trails descend into dry, rocky parts of the former quarry. 423 Ward Road, Kelleys Island, kelleysislandchamber.com

Kelleys Island State Park: Glacial Grooves Geologic Preserve

Some of the largest glacial grooves in the world are preserved at the state park, creating one of the most popular geologic destinations in all of Ohio. In 2023, the park unveiled a major improvement project that included a new bridge over the grooves, plazas and educational signage. 739 Division St., Kelleys Island, ohiodnr.gov

Kelleys Island Venture Resort

If camping isn’t your thing, this hotel offers a more comfortable stay, complete with an in-ground pool and views of Lake Erie. 441 W. Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, kiventureresort.com

Kelleys Island Wine Co.

Since the ’80s, the Zettler family has produced and bottled a variety of wines made from local grapes, reviving the island’s storied winemaking industry. In more recent years, the Kelleys Island Wine Co. owners have tended a small vineyard to use in future production. The winery’s restaurant, along with its sister concept KI Cantina, also uses vegetables and fruit grown in its garden for dishes on the menu. 418 Woodford Road, Kelleys Island, kelleysislandwineco.com

KI Cantina

Kelleys Island got its first Mexican restaurant in 2015, bringing even more flavor to the Lake Erie destination. Open only during the warm weather months, the popular spot serves tacos, burritos, bowls and nachos. Its biggest menu standout is fresh margaritas. 418 Woodford Road, Kelleys Island, kicantina.com

The Little Healing Room

This small wellness center opened in 2011, offering massage, acupuncture and sound bath sessions to residents and tourists alike. 123 Division St., Kelleys Island, facebook.com/kihealingroom

Monarch Winery

Fans of fruit wines flutter to this outpost that’s known for its frozen wine slushies. The space also hosts a small gift shop, a greenhouse and a “Wag and Wine” dog park for four-legged friends. 604 Division St., Kelleys Island, facebook.com/MonarchWinery

Papa T’s Ice Cream

This food truck, stationed outside of Kelleys Island Wine Co., slings frozen sweet treats including ice cream, milkshakes and sundaes. 418 Woodford Road, Kelleys Island, instagram.com/ki_papat

Sand Trap Tiki Bar

Tropical vibes arrive on the island at this sandy oasis in Caddy Shack Square, which is adjacent to the mini golf course. The open-air bar serves sweet tiki beverages to the tune of live music performances. 123 Division St., Kelleys Island, facebook.com/sandtrap2018

Scheele Preserve

Maintained by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Scheele Preserve is open to the public and has become a favorite among birdwatchers. A trail winds through swamp forest and a meadow before ending at the beach. Scheele Preserve: Monaghan Road, north of Hamilton Road, Kelleys Island, cmnh.org

Seaway Marina

If you take the Kelleys Island Ferry, you’ll be greeted by the blue-roofed Seaway Marina, which hosts restrooms, a laundromat, a convenience store, a small cafe and golf cart rentals. It’s a short walk away from beaches, including Pebble Beach, and Inscription Rock, a weathered stone covered in ancient Native American petroglyphs. 240 E. Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, kelleysislandseawaymarina.com

Unc’l Dik’s

Across from the campgrounds at Kelleys Island State Park, this small shop conveniently sells a variety of camping goods, snacks and drinks, along with a sizable selection of Kelleys Island memorabilia. Head to the stand in the back of the shop to order ice cream. 833 Division St., Kelleys Island, facebook.com/uncldiks

The Villa Eatery & Bar

While many of the restaurants on Kelleys Island are more casual, The Villa offers a slightly more upscale option with a menu of steak, fish, entree salads and oysters. 503 W. Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, thevillaatkelleys.com

The Village Peddler

Open since 1985, the Village Peddler started in a small Downtown storefront and later expanded to its current location. Find a selection of Kelleys Island-branded apparel, along with accessories and eclectic finds, at the local boutique. 130 Division St., Kelleys Island, villagepeddlerkioh.com

The Village Pump

A classic, for a reason: For more than 40 years, this island staple has been known for its perch dinners and brandy Alexanders, served in a homey setting in the island’s Downtown area. It’s open from March to December, outlasting some of its summertime-only counterparts and catering to tourists and island residents. 103 W. Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, villagepumpkioh.com

West Bay Inn

On the west side of the island, this pet-friendly restaurant and bar has a pristine view of Lake Erie sunsets, which are accompanied by a nightly cannon blast once the sun hits the horizon. A straightforward food menu offers flatbread pizzas, sandwiches, salads and shareable apps, while cocktail options include margaritas and rum punch. Beyond the food and drinks, a large yard hosts volleyball courts and cornhole for customers to enjoy. 1230 W. Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, westbaykelleysisland.com

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