South Bass Island

Tips for Birding

South Bass Island State Park, Perry’s Memorial, and Scheef East Point Nature Preserve are stops on the the Lake Erie Birding Trail.

About South Bass Island

See all hotspots at South Bass Island

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.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

Content from South Bass Island Official Website