Kelleys is first and foremost a fresh water fisherman’s paradise.


Located in the Western Basin of Lake Erie, Kelleys Island is commonly known as the Walleye Capital of the World. Smallmouth bass and perch are also abundant in the numerous reefs and shoals which were carved by the glaciers during the Ice Age.

On the island the glaciers left behind the largest display of glacial grooves in the world. An amazing array of fossils remain in the limestone base of the island.

The various species of birds which migrate through the island is incredible. Monarch butterflies also migrate through in the fall en route to Mexico and California. The State of Ohio owns about 700 acres on Kelleys, letting nature take its course...swimming...hiking trails...a beautiful sandy beach... There are several abandoned quarries on the island.

Besides natural beauty, Kelleys Island offers gift shops, a winery, a brew pub, restaurants, bars, stores, a historical museum, a butterfly museum, a miniature golf course, golf cart and bicycle rentals, an arcade and tours via excursion boats to the neighboring islands and sailing, fishing, evening boat charters. There are many historical buildings and sites on the island. All these attractions and much more make Kelleys Island the perfect spot for a vacation or a weekend escape.