Sandusky OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sandusky, Ohio.
1. Cedar Point
THRILLING ROLLER COASTER PARADISE
Cedar Point is an amusement park with a range of intense roller coasters and family-friendly rides on the shores of Lake Erie. The park features stunning views of the lake and a mix of thrilling and charming attractions for all ages. Cedar Point has established itself as one of the best places to visit in Ohio with its continually updated collection of roller coasters and entertainment options.
2. Merry-Go-Round Museum
HISTORIC CAROUSEL COLLECTION
The Merry-Go-Round Museum is housed in an art deco post office building, showcasing over a century of carousel art with rides available on a restored carousel. The museum features displays of painted carousel horses, restored merry-go-round memorabilia, and miniature carousels that have become part of their collection over the years. Visitors can enjoy the fully renovated New York carousel and browse unique gifts in the museum's shop.
3. Kalahari Resorts Water Park
INDOOR AQUATIC ADVENTURE
Kalahari is a popular indoor/outdoor water park featuring wave pools, slides, and an arcade, complemented by poolside cabanas. The resort offers extensive waterslides, wave pools, and lazy rivers that are as much fun for adults as for children. Beyond water attractions, Kalahari includes the Safari Outdoor Adventure Park with a challenging ropes course, zipline, and climbing wall, as well as the interactive Safari Adventures Animal Park.
4. African Safari Wildlife Park
INTERACTIVE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
African Safari Wildlife Park offers visitors an enchanting experience where animals of all nations greet and follow them throughout the grounds. Guests can feed the animals by hand, creating personal interactions with various exotic species. The park provides a unique opportunity to observe and connect with wildlife in an immersive setting.
5. Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
SPOOKY FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is a multi-attraction family entertainment venue featured on The Travel Channel's "Best Places I've Ever Been." Visitors can experience what's billed as the scariest haunted house they will ever encounter, along with various other thrilling attractions. The center offers a range of activities suitable for families seeking excitement and adventure.
6. Firelands Winery
HISTORIC WINE PRODUCTION
Firelands Winery was founded in 1880 under the name Mantey Vineyards and has been producing high-quality wines ever since. The winery offers visitors a chance to tour their facilities and learn about their winemaking process. Guests can sample a variety of locally produced wines in the tasting room.
7. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
FAMILY RESORT EXPERIENCE
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park is an indoor resort featuring loft suites with cozy fireplaces and numerous family-friendly attractions. Visitors can enjoy activities such as bowling and a game room specifically designed with young children in mind. The lodge combines comfortable accommodations with water-based entertainment for a complete family vacation experience.
8. Sandusky Speedway Motorsports Park
RACING AND MOTORSPORTS
Sandusky Speedway Motorsports Park offers exciting racing events for motorsports enthusiasts of all ages. The venue features various race categories and competitions throughout its operating season. Spectators can enjoy the thrill of live racing while taking advantage of facilities that include picnic tables and benches for comfortable viewing.
9. Maritime Museum of Sandusky
LOCAL MARITIME HERITAGE
The Maritime Museum of Sandusky showcases the rich maritime heritage of the Sandusky Bay Area through interactive exhibits and educational programs. Visitors can learn about various aspects of maritime history including boat building, ice harvesting, and other significant local maritime activities. The museum provides an engaging way to understand the importance of Lake Erie to the development and culture of the region.
10. Follett House Museum
HISTORIC LOCAL HERITAGE
Follett House Museum preserves and displays the rich history of Sandusky and the surrounding region. The museum is housed in a historic building that adds to the authentic experience of exploring local heritage. Exhibits feature artifacts and stories that showcase the development of Sandusky throughout different historical periods.
11. Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
HISTORIC LAKESIDE BEACON
Marblehead Lighthouse has served as a beacon of light to ships and mariners since its construction in 1822 near Sandusky. The tower stands 65 feet tall and offers panoramic views of Lake Erie and the surrounding shoreline. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the lighthouse and relax at picnic tables situated throughout the scenic state park grounds.
12. Castalia State Fish Hatchery
AQUATIC CONSERVATION CENTER
Castalia State Fish Hatchery is a conservation facility dedicated to breeding and raising fish for stocking Ohio's waterways. Visitors can observe the fish-raising process and learn about aquatic conservation efforts in the region. The hatchery provides educational opportunities about local fish species and the importance of maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.
13. Edison Birthplace
INVENTOR'S HISTORICAL HOME
The Edison Birthplace is the childhood home of Thomas Edison, one of America's greatest inventors, located near Sandusky in Milan. The historic house has been preserved to showcase the early life and influences of the man who would go on to develop the phonograph, electric light bulb, and numerous other innovations. Visitors can tour the home and learn about Edison's formative years through various exhibits and authentic period furnishings.
14. Heineman Winery
ISLAND WINE TRADITION
Heineman Winery offers visitors a taste of Put-in-Bay's historic wine-making tradition on South Bass Island near Sandusky. The family-owned establishment has been producing wine since 1888 and features Crystal Cave, the world's largest geode that visitors can tour. Guests can sample locally produced wines in the tasting room while learning about the island's unique viticulture history.
15. Kelley's Island
LAKE ERIE ISLAND GETAWAY
Kelley's Island is a popular Lake Erie destination accessible by ferry from Sandusky offering beaches, hiking trails, and historic sites. Visitors can explore unique geological formations including the famous Glacial Grooves, evidence of the island's ice age past. The island also features wineries, restaurants, and various outdoor recreational activities that make it a well-rounded destination for day trips or longer stays.