Summer on Lake Erie

There is still plenty of time to enjoy summer fun at Lorain County’s crowning jewel, Lake Erie!  Thanks to Lorain County’s prime location along the coast, its easy access to the lake provides many family fun activities to area visitors. Multiple fishing charters, marinas, and public boat launches are hoppin' and so are events like: kayaking, water skiing, river and lighthouse tours, Jet Express cruises, and much more. 

Limiting out with Reel Thrill Charters

Fishing: Feeling the desire to open your tackle box? Lake Erie is known strongly for its walleye, perch, steelhead and bass catches. To ensure your big catch, check out the following great charter services. Docked in the small nautical town of Vermilion are two of our popular fishing charters: Bad Boy and Lucky Duck Sport Fishing.  The “Bad Boy” is a 30-foot Sports craft with the finest equipment to help you bring in the big ones. Or take a chance with Lucky Duck’s customized trips and friendly service.  Other Charters in the area include Fishin’ Boat Charters at Beaver Park North in Lorain and Reel Thrill Sport Fishing Charters at Spitzer Lakeside Marina.  Grab your fishing pole, hang up the ‘Gone Fishin’ sign, come on out and discover beautiful Lake Erie. 

Paddle Power:  Lake Erie is the pride and joy of North Central Ohio; it is the 12^th largest freshwater lake with plenty of multi sport activity opportunities.  It’s the shallowest and warmest of all the Great Lakes which has increased its popularity and made its recreation limitless. Its large variety of water trails allows for kayaking, canoeing, and boating.  Take advantage of the well known Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail by choosing from one of nine popular access points including Mill Hollow, Lakeview Park and Beach, or French Creek. Need to rent a kayak? West River Kayak and Canoe is a great place to start, with hourly and day rates for kayaks, canoes, and bikes. Or paddle the Black River into Lake Erie with assistance from Great Lakes Kayaking.   

Tours: Lake Erie is full of recreation, energy and nature.  The Lorain Port Authority offers a detailed tour of the Lorain Lighthouse along with Black River Nature Tours. Tours are offered weekly at a variety of times to squeeze into you busy summer schedule. Explore Lake Erie by boat and experience a guided tour of its unique treasures. The Jet Express features weekly shuttles to the Lake Erie Islands as well as downtown Cleveland. The Jet Express still has sunset wine tasting cruises and more along with shuttles to upcoming Cleveland Browns games on their calendar. Ease on down the Vermilion River on the Mystic Belle, a tour designed for the whole family! This 55 minute river tour gives you a glimpse of Vermilion's history as well as a taste of the local wildlife.

Don't let summer slip by without taking in the great Lake Erie breeze! Check out great lodging options as well and spend a few days with us.  

Fourth of July weekend is upon us! Time for picnics, backyard barbeque's, family and friends, and of course FIREWORKS! To make sure you get the most out of your holiday weekend we’ve put together a listing of all the local favorite attractions and their weekend plans.

Friday, July 1^st

There is no better way to celebrate American culture then by gathering the family for exciting evening of baseball! The Lake Erie Crushers take to their home field for a thrilling challenge against the Gateway Grizzlies. The game throws its first pitch at 7:00pm and will conclude the evening with a fireworks display overlooking the field.  With general admission starting at $6 this is an American classic the whole family can enjoy.  For ticket information call 440-934-3636.

Saturday, July 2^nd

The Lorain County Speedway is getting ready to light up the track and the sky! Races begin at 7:00pm with the grandstands opening at 3:00pm.  Experience a rush of excitement from this fast pace event then relax and celebrate Independence Day weekend with fireworks. For ticket information call 440-986-223.

Sunday, July 3^rd

The city of Oberlin is welcoming the fourth with a display of light and color that is sure to brighten everyone’s evening.  Fireworks will be displayed at the Oberlin Recreation Complex on Hamilton Street just past Splash Zone. This American favorite will start at dusk. In the case of bad weather, fireworks will be moved to Monday.

Add music to your weekend by visiting the Port Fest at the Black River Landing in Lorain.  The Port Fest starts at 10am on Sunday with a canoe/kayak race.  Spend the rest of the day enjoying the car show, crafts, great food, and games for kids. Music for the evening includes The Drifters (Motown) at 8pm and The Rat Pack (Frank, Dean, and Sammy) at 9pm. Finally, the Black River Landing provides a unique firework show starting at 10:00pm.

Looking for great family fun? The North Ridgeville Parks and Recreation Department is having a Party in the Park! The party is set to occur at South Central Park starting at 5:30pm, and will have food concessions with a full menu. Free family activities including live music, face painting, magic shows and more will occur from 6 to 8:30pm. The party will conclude with a fireworks display at dusk, provided by the North Ridgeville Fire Department. 

ArtsFest is a free outdoor festival celebrating the arts in Northeast Ohio.  The event will take place at Miller Road Park in Avon Lake, starting at 2:00pm. Artists and vendors from the area will be on hand to showcase and sell their art, and there is live music and free entertainment throughout the day. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day, so be sure to stay through the end of the evening!

Wellington adds more excitement to Independence weekend with two days of family festivities.  Starting on Sunday evening head over to the town hall lawn for the Patriots community Band Concert and Ice Cream Social.  Stick around for fireworks at the fairgrounds beginning at dusk. 

Monday, July 4^th

Wellington continues their celebrations on July Fourth with food, games, and family activities starting at 11:30am. The celebration in the park will feature the area’s largest Independence Day Parade starting at 3pm. Grab a spot along the curb of South Main Street and experience this patriotic event.

Cedar Point will celebrate the Fourth with two nights of fireworks and other events. 

Happy Independence Day!