Welcome to Catawba Island on Lake Erie!
Looking for a one-day itinerary and what makes the island so special?
Discover it below!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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🛶 Outdoor adventures: Kayaking, walking nature trails, or fishing at Catawba Island State Park for a relaxing day in the great outdoors.
- 🍽️ Local dining: Savor fresh, seasonal meals at Ørchard Bar & Table or sip craft brews at Twin Oast Brewing.
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🛏️ Where to stay: Choose from cozy lakefront cottages, boutique inns, or upscale stays like the Catawba Island Club for a comfortable overnight visit.
👉 KEEP IN MIND: Catawba Island is NOT AN ACTUAL ISLAND. It used to be completely surrounded by water, but now it is connected to the mainland through a causeway, making the island a PENINSULA!
Best activities on Catawba Island for 1 day
If you live in Cleveland, Ohio, spending one day on Catawba Island is a must-do!
Below, we list the best activities for couples and families.
Visit Catawba Island State Park
Catawba Island State Park is perfect to start your visit to the island.
It’s FREE TO ENTER and easily accessible by car, just off E. Moores Dock Road.
This small but scenic 10-acre park sits on Lake Erie’s shoreline and offers:
- Four boat launch ramps (ideal if you want to rent a boat)
- Cobblestone beach from where you can take a kayak
- Picnic areas with tables
- Easy access to fishing spots along the rocky breakwaters (expect to catch some yellow perch, smallmouth bass, white bass, channel catfish, and walleye).
👉 INSIDER TIP: Early mornings are best for lakefront views, and there’s also a small gravel beach where you can relax.
Water activities on Lake Erie
One of the highlights of visiting Catawba Island in the warmer months is exploring Lake Erie.
We highly recommend doing at least one of the following water activities on Lake Erie, where Catawba Island can be your take-off point!
Top water activities:
- Kayaking and paddleboarding: Bring your own gear or rent from Portage River Paddling Company (20 minutes away). The calm bay areas are ideal for beginners.
- Fishing: Spring and summer are peak walleye and yellow perch fishing seasons. The public docks and piers are near the state park.
- Boat tours: For a quick side trip, you can hop on a Miller ferry from Catawba Dock to Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island, or Middle Bass Island (adult tickets cost $9 USD / €8.5 one way, excluding cars).
👉 INSIDER TIP: Book boat tours in advance, especially on weekends or holidays. Sunset cruises are a local favorite.
Walking at Catawba Island
There are a few scenic and easy walks on the island.
Walking routes:
Chasse Creek Reserve
- A peaceful wetland trail tucked away off Wine Cellar Road
- Features boardwalks, native wildflowers, and a short 1-mile (1.6 km) loop
- Great for birdwatching, especially in the early morning or dusk
Cedar Meadow Preserve
- Just off State Route 53, about 2 miles (3.2 km) south of the island
- Offers a wooded trail with interpretive signs, ideal for families
- Managed by the Black Swamp Conservancy
👉 INSIDER TIP: Watch for the famous bald eagles and songbirds during spring and fall.
Winter activities on Catawba Island
Visiting Catawba Island in winter is a different experience. There are almost no tourists.
Things to do in winter:
- Ice fishing on Lake Erie (if ice thickness is confirmed)
- Scenic winter walks at Catawba Island State Park. You’ll have a chance to see snow-covered lake views.
- Cozy up at Twin Oast Brewing, a 60-acre farm estate that brews local crafts and homegrown drinks.
- PAY ATTENTION, they have updated their business hours to:
- Mon-Thurs 4 pm to 9 pm
- Fri-Sat 12 pm to 10 pm
- Sun 10 am to 7 pm (brunch 10 am to 2 pm)
- PAY ATTENTION, they have updated their business hours to:
INSIDER TIP: Always be insured when you’re traveling! There’s a company called SafetyWing that we swear by. It’s insurance designed with digital nomads in mind. It covers you in over 180 countries, and it’s quite affordable, starting at $56.28 (ages 18-39) per month. It covers not just emergency situations, but you can, for example, visit a doctor if you have the flu, and it also includes the prescribed drugs. Use the widget below to discover your price!
Nature
Although Catawba Island is often overlooked in favor of Put-in-Bay or Kelleys Island (with beautiful accommodations like Water’s Edge retreat), it also offers a lot of natural beauty.
Wildflowers and native plants
In spring and early summer, you’ll find a lot of wildflowers along many of Catawba Island’s roadside edges and nature paths.
Keep an eye out for:
- Virginia bluebells
- Trillium
- Goldenrod in late summer
👉 INSIDER TIP: The limestone-rich soil creates perfect conditions for native species. Don’t pick the flowers; they are protected by Ohio state law.
Dining at Catawba Island
Catawba Island has a lot of food choices!
Ørchard Bar & Table
We recommend you start here if you’re looking for the best dining experience on Catawba Island.
Located on NE Catawba Road, Ørchard Bar & Table mixes a fancy kitchen with a laid-back, rustic vibe.
What to expect:
- Seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients
- Signature dishes like Lake Erie perch, their cauliflower steak, and craft cocktails
- A large outdoor patio overlooking orchards—perfect for golden hour
👉 INSIDER TIP: Make a reservation if you visit in summer or on weekends. Try the rosemary sparkler; it’s our favorite!
Prices are in the mid-to-high range: expect mains to cost $20–$35 USD (€18–€32).
Ørchard Farm Stand
Right next to the restaurant, Ørchard Farm Stand offers a casual, quick-stop experience with serious charm.
What you’ll find:
- Locally grown produce and fresh flowers
- Coffee, smoothies, and baked goods
👉 INSIDER TIP: It’s a great breakfast or mid-morning stop where you can get breakfast and a coffee for only $5 before heading out to explore Lake Erie.
Twin Oast Brewing
Cozy up at Twin Oast Brewing, a spot set on a 60-acre farm estate minutes from Catawba Island.
Known for its beers brewed on-site and a focus on locally grown ingredients, this is an experience.
The outdoor beer garden is surrounded by orchards, stonework, and an amphitheater that hosts live music in summer.
What to try:
- Signature Oast House Ale
- Seasonal fruit-forward brews made with ingredients grown right on the farm
- Farm-inspired small plates and wood-fired dishes
👉 INSIDER TIP: Arrive late afternoon to grab a picnic table with views of the stage or fields.
📍 Located at 3630 NE Catawba Rd, Port Clinton
💵 Main dishes range from $10–USD 18 (€9–€17)
Local events and festivals
Catawba Island may be quiet most of the year, but several local events unite the community (and visitors).
Catawba Island Boat Show
Held every April at the Catawba Island Club, this event showcases luxury boats, lake gear, and Ohio-based vendors.
Even if you’re not in the market for a yacht, walking the docks and enjoying food tents and waterfront views is fun.
🎟️ Admission: USD 10 (€9.20)
History of Catawba Island
Indigenous heritage and early settlement
Before European contact, Catawba Island was home to Indigenous peoples of the Great Lakes, including groups from the Ottawa and Wyandot tribes.
The name “Catawba” comes from the Catawba grape, which was grown in the 1800s.
👉 INSIDER TIP: No current heritage sites exist on the island. However, nearby Johnson’s Island Confederate Cemetery (6 miles / 10 km away) and Marblehead Lighthouse State Park (20 minutes by car) provide historical context to the area’s past.
19th-century grape and peach farming
By the mid-1800s, Catawba Island became known for its fertile soil and ideal conditions for fruit farming, particularly grapes and peaches.
The locally grown Catawba grape became a key crop for Ohio’s wine industry, with vineyards lining the lakeshore.
- The island was considered prime vineyard land, attracting farmers and winemakers from as far as Germany.
- Peach orchards thrived thanks to the lake’s moderating effect on the climate.
This agricultural tradition is still alive today, with modern nods like Ørchard Farm Stand and nearby wineries continuing the legacy.
Transformation into a leisure destination
In the 20th century, Catawba Island evolved from farmland to a retreat area as more Ohioans began building summer cottages, and marinas replaced some of the orchards.
It became a boater’s paradise, with quick ferry access to Put-in-Bay and Kelle’s Island.
Today, it’s a mix of:
- Year-round residents
- Summer homeowners
- Travelers seeking a quieter alternative to busier Lake Erie islands
👉 INSIDER TIP: The Catawba Island Historical Society Museum, located in the Union Chapel on E. Porter Street, opens during summer.
Accommodations at Catawba Island
Catawba Island offers many places to stay, perfect for a weekend escape or a relaxing stop on your Lake Erie road trip.
The Orchard on Catawba
Located near Ørchard Bar & Table, The Orchard on Catawba is a charming, family-run inn with a relaxed atmosphere and proximity to local dining and nature.
Why stay here:
- Rustic décor and vineyard views
- Walking distance to Ørchard Farm Stand and hiking paths
- Quiet setting, especially ideal for couples or solo travelers
Rates range from $120–$160 USD (€111–€148) per night depending on the season.
Catawba Island Township
Founded in 1861, Catawba Island Township is home to more than 3,711 people, but many more visit yearly.
The township operates its own local government and services, including zoning, road maintenance, a compost facility, and fire/rescue operations.
It’sIt also has official jurisdiction over areas such as Catawba Island State Park, Chasse Creek Reserve, and various private neighborhoods and marinas.
👉 FUN FACT: Rattlesnake Island falls under the jurisdiction of Catawba Island Township. It is privately owned and operated by the Rattlesnake Island Club, an exclusive retreat with a heliport, marina, and luxury villas.
