Last Updated on June 18, 2026 by Betsy Ramsey
Most of the year, we love to explore destinations throughout the United States and abroad, but during the summer months, we stay close to home because one of America’s best fun-time destinations is less than an hour outside of Cleveland!
You may be familiar with some of the larger sights in the Sandusky region, like the Lake Erie Islands and Cedar Point, but there is SO MUCH more to do than just that. Last week, I attended a familiarization (FAM) tour with Shores & Islands and discovered the places I’ll share today.
These locales are just the tip of the iceberg! Stay tuned to my social media as I’ll be sharing even more Shores & Islands destinations throughout the coming months.
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5 Must-See Attractions Near Sandusky
Every one of the places we visited on our FAM trip was new to me, and I’m guessing they may be new to you, too. Come along as we explore five unique things to do near Sandusky, Ohio!
Beagle Bay Knot Works
Our first stop was at Beagle Bay Knot Works in Huron, and as I stepped inside, I was immediately wowed by their wonderful assortment of jewelry and home goods. Rope bowls, wreaths, trivets, and mug mats would all make fantastic gift items for the boater in your life or anyone with nautical-inspired decor. I treated myself to one of the charming rope bowls shown below!
Shop owners Christine and Randy led us in a class where we made fender key fobs using a centuries-old mariner’s technique. They are incredibly patient teachers, and I just may have discovered a new hobby in the process.
If you are eager to learn the art of rope-tying, contact the store about private classes. They offer Tie It & Take It sessions for small groups and have a full range of rope, cotton cord, etc. in stock so that you can further hone your skills at home.
You can keep up with Beagle Bay’s latest offerings on Facebook and Instagram.
Downtown Sandusky Cedar Point Historical Museum
This incredible treasure trove is the brainchild of David Kaman, a memorabilia collector who fell in love with the park while working there as a youth. If you catch him at the museum, his stories about the park are just as fascinating as the memorabilia!
As David guided us around the displays, we learned that the park was founded in 1870 and that some of the oldest artifacts displayed are also from the late 1800s. This is especially impressive when you realize that many of those first souvenirs were made entirely of glass!
The areas devoted to the 70s and 80s provided an incredible trip down memory lane. From the ride height stick of my very first roller coaster (The Blue Streak) to old park maps, and photos of the marina and Jungle Larry show, I was tearing up a bit as I recalled so many happy childhood moments.
2025 marks the first full year of operation for this museum, which is located inside another fun sight, the Merry-Go-Round Museum in downtown Sandusky. Be sure to admire the many handcrafted animals and take a spin on the historic carousel before you leave the grounds.
Find the Cedar Point Historical Museum on Instagram and Facebook. If you have memorabilia to share or wish to make a cash contribution in support of this important slice of history, reach out via PayPal or to Sandusky CP Museum, PO Box 1699, Sandusky, OH 44870.
Lodging Inspo
Looking to make a long weekend out of your Sandusky Getaway? Three of our favorite lodging options are:
Big Ship Salvage
I became obsessed with nautical antiques after being given a Chelsea Shipstrike clock from my dad, and was so excited to see that Big Ship Salvage had a whole ship’s clock display on-site. Beyond the clocks, theyāve got tons of other beautiful pieces, including nautical lighting, ship wheels, anchors, and more. What great Fatherās Day gifts for the maritime-loving dad!
As we explored their warehouse space in Milan, we learned that their artifacts come from ships all around the world, and their wares have been seen in mega-hit movies and TV shows like Top Gun Maverick, The Right Stuff, and Deadliest Catch.
Soon they’ll be opening a second location for you to explore! The Nautical Trading Company is opening up in early June in Port Clinton, Ohio. This new retail space will feature their best curation of nautical antiques, authentic ship lighting and maritime fixtures, and nautical furniture and decor.
Stay connected with Big Ship Salvage via Facebook and Instagram.
Lake Erie Arms
Would you have guessed that one of the country’s top “Guntry Clubs”, as well as the only indoor skeet shooting range in the US, is located right here in Ohio?
Lake Erie Arms of Milan is top-of-the-line! Beyond the clay house and two other ranges, a retail shop and a cafe, Lake Erie Arms also offers private memberships. And the amenities that come with memberships are super-posh!
As a member, you’ll have access to a VIP bar & restaurant (The Caliber Club), a dedicated cigar room, locker rooms with saunas and steam rooms, a gun storage vault, and a new outdoor patio opening later this year.
After our tour, we enjoyed a fantastic lunch in their cafeteria. The food was all freshly prepared, delicious, and original – can you say Beast Burger (a mixture of bison, wild boar, antelope & wagyu) anyone?
Next, it was time to shoot. Safety is paramount here, and the helpful staff explained how to prepare and handle each weapon, including an automatic AR-15. Classes are available for those seeking more in-depth knowledge. Current offerings include basics, CCW, clays, and tactical training.
Once again, a day out here or a full membership would make a stellar Father’s Day gift! Find Lake Erie Arms on both Facebook and Instagram.
Quarry Hill Winery
A visit to Quarry Hill Winery in Berlin Heights was the perfect way to wrap up our day. Beautifully situated on the highest point in Erie County, youāll enjoy spectacular views while taste-testing your way through their lovely selection of wines. The crisp white Vidal Blanc was a favorite of mine!
Owned by the Gammie family, the winery exists in partnership with Quarry Hill Orchards, which grows many of the fruits featured in the winery’s fruit wines. I havenāt explored fruit wines much, but I tried both the semi-dry apple and cherry wines and found them pleasantly impressive.
Located near the Edison Woods Metroparks with its many hiking trails, the orchard offers āpick your ownā hours (reserve in advance), local produce, farm-made products, and real fruit ice cream. An outing to both spots is a wonderful half or full day adventure that all family members can enjoy!
Click here to keep informed about live music nights and the latest happenings at the orchard and winery on Instagram. Both also have pages on Facebook: Quarry Hill Orchards and Quarry Hill Vineyards.
What’s your favorite destination in the Shores & Islands region of Ohio? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
