This Lake Erie Itinerary at a Glance
Celebrate the season with a festive three-day journey through the charming lakeside communities of Shores & Islands, Ohio, where holiday traditions, local history, and scenic beauty come together for a memorable group getaway. From historic presidential estates and small-town museums to artisan markets and cozy wineries, this itinerary blends seasonal charm with unique cultural experiences. Along the way, groups will discover the welcoming spirit of the region while enjoying lakeside views, creative arts spaces, festive light displays, and delicious local flavors.
Enjoy these great attractions and more!
- Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library
- Edison Birthplace Museum
- Merry-Go-Round Museum
- Liberty Aviation Museum
Looking for expert insights and fresh travel ideas? Download the latest issue of Leisure Group Travel for free and start planning your next unforgettable group adventure.
This Lake Erie Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day One of Things To Do in Lake Erie
Begin your trip with a tour of The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums at Spiegel Grove. Once home to the 19th President of the United States, the 25-acre wooded estate has horse-drawn trolley rides, the 31-room Victorian Hayes family home decorated with period pieces, and the museum showcases “Hayes Train Special,” which is a model train display featuring a Victorian village scene.
Enjoy lunch from the Live Edge Center in downtown Fremont, where you can create your perfect holiday meal.
Tap into your creative side with a post-lunch visit to The Arts Garage in Port Clinton. The former city service building was transformed into an art cooperative with almost 20 residents. While perusing the booths, take in artwork made from a variety of mediums and speak with the artists. Speakers, demonstrations, and special receptions are available for groups with advance notice.
Brave the cold for a quick stop at one of the coolest views of Lake Erie. Snap a picture of the water and Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes, at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. After a fun-filled afternoon, take a short break to check in to your hotel and freshen up for dinner. Tonight’s dinner takes place at Twin Oast. This local brewery decks the halls with lights galore, private igloos for small groups, and a cozy winter “lodge” perfect for private events. Participate in a guided tasting while dining on pizza, sandwiches, or salads.
Day Two of Lake Erie Attractions
Start your day in charming Milan, Ohio. The Edison Birthplace Museum and the Milan Museum work together to share the history of the area, highlighting Thomas Edison and all of his accomplishments. Be sure to drive around the decorated town square before going to Cherry City Honey. At Cherry City Honey, hear from the queen beekeeper herself about bees while exploring the Discovery Center, sampling honey, and doing a bit of shopping.
It’s time to “eat, drink, think…local” at today’s lunch stop. Sandusky Bay Pancake House has been locally owned and operated since 1966. Serving up breakfast and lunch options, their goal is to incorporate local farmers, small businesses, and purveyors in as many ways as they can.
Spend time at the Merry-Go-Round Museum, where you can take a spin on a working 1939 carousel. The museum highlights 200 carousel figures ranging in dates from 1865 to 1935. Also, located inside is the Downtown Sandusky Cedar Point Historical Museum featuring memorabilia of Cedar Point, a local amusement park.
While in downtown Sandusky, be sure to visit the Sandusky Christmas Market. The market features a number of vendors selling handcrafted gifts, gourmet treats, holiday décor, and more. Settle in for a relaxing evening at Firelands Winery. As one of Ohio’s oldest wineries, pair a wine tasting with your meal. Be sure to stop by the gift shop on your way out.
Evening: End the night with a drive-thru light show. Lights on the Northcoast is set up at Erie County Fairgrounds with over a million lights.
Day Three of Final Lake Erie Activities
Before you leave for home, enjoy one last stop at Liberty Aviation Museum with a guided tour. See operational, historical aircraft and vehicles, including Georgie’s Gal (a WWII B-25 Mitchell Bomber), a U.S. Navy WWII TBM Avenger, a WWII PT-boat, along with the renovation of a 1929 Ford Tri-Motor, and other historical paraphernalia.
Looking for expert insights and fresh travel ideas? Download the latest issue of Leisure Group Travel for free and start planning your next unforgettable group adventure.
Contact SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO
- Joe Sugalski, Partner Accounts Manager
- Joe@shoresandislands.com
- www.shoresandislands.com
