Betcha Haven’t Heard of Kelleys Island!

Kelleys Island is both a village in Erie County, Ohio and an island in Lake Erie. Originally known simply as Island Number 6 and later Cunningham Island, it was renamed in 1840 for brothers Datus and Irad Kelley, who were largely responsible for cultivating the island’s quarrying, logging and winemaking industries. Today, Kelleys Island is primarily a vacation destination, and sees thousands of senior visitors each summer.

It’s not large… as of the most recent census, there were 367 people, 183 households, and 112 families residing in the village. Although it is only a short drive from many large metropolitan areas, this largest American island in Lake Erie is almost within sight of the Canadian border. Its year-round population swells up to 5,000 from June to August.

Seniors Go To Lake Erie

Kelleys Island is located in the western basin of Lake Erie about four miles north of Marblehead and twelve miles from Sandusky on the Ohio mainland. The entire island measures little more than four square miles and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Seniors can tour the island by bicycle, golf cart, or stroll through historic neighborhoods and view restored architectural styles, scenic treasures and natural wonders.

Considered the Walleye Fishing Destination of the world, I’m ready to go! Kelleys Island State Park, on the northern shores, takes up much of the island. It’s a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts, and a relaxing retreat for senior vacationers.

The island is renowned for its unique geological, ecological, and archaeological features, and popular for its recreational offerings and picturesque landscapes. Kelleys Island Ferry offers the only daily auto/passenger ferry service to the Island with a short enjoyable 20 minute boat ride from Marblehead Ohio.

The ride offers seniors great views of the Marblehead Lighthouse, Put-in-Bay, Cedar Point and the Lake Erie Islands along the way.

Small As It Be, Seniors Love It

The Glacial Grooves State Memorial on the north side of the Island contains the largest easily accessible deep glacial grooves in the world. They were scoured into solid limestone bedrock about 18,000 years ago by the great ice sheet which covered part of North America. The Grooves are the #1 site for visitors.

First settled by the Erie Indians nearly a millennium ago, its first Anglo-American settlers arrived during the first decade of the 19th Century. However, the “Historic” era did not begin until the 1830s when the entire island was purchased by Datus and Irad Kelley (two brothers from the Cleveland area).

In the 19th century, Kelleys was filled with limestone quarries and became the leading producer of limestone and lime products in the world. The businessmen of the era built grand Victorian homes on the island, many of which still remain. Tourism began to develop on the island in the mid-1950s.

I think you will really enjoy your visit there.  jeb