The Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve is a stop on the Lake Erie Birding Trail.

The 9-acre Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve is located on the northeastern tip of South Bass Island at the northern terminus of OH-357 (Columbus Avenue).

The preserve is a passive-use site that features a walking path around its perimeter, access to a beach, and benches. Rocky shores and upland vegetation provide ample habitat for the Lake Erie water snake, migratory songbirds, waterfowl, and butterflies. A complex of purple martin gourd homes is located near the parking area and tree swallow boxes are spaced along the trail and throughout the preserve’s meadows.

The preserve offers fishing and birding opportunities, shore access for paddlers, and scenic views of Lake Erie and surrounding islands. A natural sandbar provides access to Buckeye Island (east) when water levels are low.

Dedicated in 2009, Scheeff East Point was the Put-in-Bay Township Park District’s first property. The land was purchased with federal Endangered Species Act funding and donations from numerous partners and many community members, including the Scheeff family.

The Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve offers shoreline fishing, excellent birdwatching, and access for kayakers. Visit in the fall to experience great areas for walleye fishing. Traverse stunning trails through grasslands and young forests to reach the rocky shore, which is home to the state-threatened Lake Erie water snake. This beautiful location is also a key stopover for two major eastern migratory bird flyways.

The 1,588-acre South Bass Island is only eclipsed by Kelleys Island in size among the Ohio Lake Erie islands. It receives the heaviest visitation of any island in the lake, Ohio, or otherwise, thanks to the popular Put-in-Bay community. The year-round residents only number about 130, but their ranks are swollen by thousands of visitors from April through October.

As with the nearby islands, birding can be fabulous on South Bass Island, especially during migration when the trees can be full of songbirds. Tourist traffic is also lighter in early to mid-May and September when migrant numbers and diversity peak. The island is too large to readily cover by foot, but golf carts can be rented, or autos can be brought over via ferry.

Restrooms at South Bass Island State Park and Perry’s Memorial.