Sandusky Ohio | Cheaper Airtickets

A- Overview:
Best known for being the home of Cedar Point, many of the Sandusky’s other fine features are often overlooked. First, there is its ideal location on Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie, making it the perfect spot for fishing, boating and sailing. Sandusky is also known for its elegant Victorian architecture and has over 30 buildings that are listed on the historic register. A national survey ranked Sandusky as one of the top 5 favorite family vacation destinations in America.

Sandusky’s fame is, of course, justifiably due in great part to Cedar Point Amusement Park. This major amusement center has consistently been voted the number one amusement park in the United States, and features more spectacular roller coasters and total rides than virtually any other park in the world. It’s one of the main reasons the park draws millions of visitors annually. Hopefully you will be one of them.

The city borders beautiful Lake Erie. This has added to Sandusky’s unique identity and heritage. Take a walk along the waterfront, and you will know why. You will walk amid renovated historic buildings as well as new, modern structures.

While no visit to Sandusky is complete without visiting Cedar Point, there are plenty of other sites, attractions, and things to do. You can visit the African Safari Wildlife Park and view exotic animals, tour Thomas Edison’s birthplace and see some of his greatest inventions, or even take a ride on an antique carousel at the Merry-Go-Round Museum. If culture is more to your liking, be sure to visit the Hayes Presidential Center. It’s the home of the first Presidential library in the country.

If you happen to be visiting in the summer, be sure get wet at Soak City. This 18-acre water park offers splashing fun for the whole family. It will be a sure fire hit with the kids.

Be prepared for the weather while visiting as Sandusky has four distinct seasons with temperatures always getting cooler at night. Be sure to dress accordingly.

Sandusky continues its renaissance as a cultural and recreational destination with quality shopping, dining and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. The distinctive historic architecture, beautifully landscaped parks, friendly atmosphere, world class attractions, and seasonal beauty offer a charm that makes Sandusky a truly memorable place to visit.

B- City Information:
Population: 27,844

Elevation: 600 Feet Above Sea Level

Land Area: 10 Square Miles

Location: Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Sandusky has over 22 miles of shoreline within the city limits.

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time and observes Daylight Savings Time

Weather:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Average temp. (°F)
25.6
28.0
36.9
47.8
59.4
69.2
73.8
72.0
65.2
53.8
42.6
31.2

High temperature (°F)
32.2
35.0
44.3
55.9
67.4
77.2
81.8
79.9
73.4
61.8
49.1
37.2

Low temperature (°F)
18.9
21.0
29.5
39.6
51.3
61.2
65.7
64.0
56.9
45.7
36.0
25.1

Precipitation (in)
1.9
1.7
2.5
3.0
3.4
4.2
3.3
3.7
3.2
2.3
2.7
2.5

Climate:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Days with precip.
15
13
14
14
13
11
10
10
10
10
13
15

Wind speed (mph)
12.1
11.6
11.7
11.3
9.9
9.0
8.2
7.9
8.5
9.7
11.3
11.6

Morning humidity (%)
80
79
80
78
79
81
83
88
87
83
80
80

Afternoon humidity (%)
71
68
62
57
57
57
57
60
59
59
66
72

Sunshine (%)
34
40
47
52
59
65
67
63
60
52
33
28

Days clear of clouds
4
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
8
8
3
3

Partly cloudy days
6
6
6
8
10
11
12
11
10
8
6
5

Cloudy days
22
19
20
17
15
12
11
11
12
15
20
23

Snowfall (in)
12.3
10.5
9.0
2.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.4
4.0
10.4

Local Seasons:

Sandusky has four very distinct seasons. The winter can be cold, but bearable, as temperatures average below freezing from December through February. Snow can be seen as early as October and as late as April. It makes this season the perfect time for enjoying a warm fire and hot chocolate as well as Mother Nature in Her “white phase”. Spring brings a welcome change of season as the abundant foliage comes alive. It’s a perfect time to get out of doors and enjoy some of the many sites and events in the city. Summer is the season for Sandusky due to its nationally known theme park and access to Lake Erie. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy this beautiful lake as it is usually dotted with a variety of boats throughout the summer. Fall is a time of beauty as the leaves turn and Nature puts on a beautiful and enticing show of colors. Whenever your visit is planned, Sandusky will inspire you with its weather for each and every season.

Getting There:

By Air:

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
5300 Riverside Dr.
Cleveland, OH 44135

216- 265-6000

Sandusky is 55 miles west of Cleveland Hopkins Int’l. Airport and 65 miles east of Toledo Municipal Airport. There is also a local Sandusky airport if you have a private plane.

By Car:

Located midway between Cleveland and Toledo in Sandusky, Ohio. Take the Ohio Turnpike (I-80) or I-90 (from Cleveland) follow the signs north on U.S. 250 or follow Route 4 north.

By Bus:

Greyhound
800-231-2222
6513 Milan Rd. (U.S. Rt. 250) Sandusky

Call for schedule information

By Train:

Amtrak
1-800-USA-RAIL
Sandusky and Erie County are linked to the entire United States by daily Amtrak trains.

Getting around:

Due to the variety of things to do and see outside of Sandusky, the easiest way to get around is by car.

C- Attractions/Things To Do:
African Safari Wildlife Park

Sandusky, Ohio

800-521-2660

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

This drive-thru safari has exotic animals, camel and pony rides, entertaining and educational animal shows, pig races, a gift shop, picnic facilities, a snack bar, and a cafe & grill.

Cedar Downs

1935 Cleveland Rd. (U.S. Rt. 6)

Sandusky, Ohio
419-626-6761

Open daily, year-round, from noon until the last race after midnight.

Admission Charged
Ohio’s first off-track gaming and entertainment establishment where you can bet on live horse races from tracks around the country, at such noted venues as Churchill Downs, Gulf Stream, Santa Anita, Saratoga, the Meadowlands, and many more. Food, cocktails, bowling, billiards, and arcade games available.

Cedar Point Amusement Park
1 Cedar Point Dr.

Sandusky, Ohio

419-627-2350

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
Located on a scenic Lake Erie peninsula, Cedar Point amusement park/resort is currently home to more rides (67) and roller coasters (16) than any other park in the world. Opened in 1870, the historic amusement park also features a wide variety of live entertainment, merchandise gift shops, restaurants, kid’s areas, and much more! Cedar Point is also home to an 18-acre water park, family activity complex, mile-long beach, and two large marinas. Cedar Point has received the prestigious “Golden Ticket Award” for being named the “Best Amusement Park in the World” for many consecutive years in an international survey conducted by Amusement Today, an industry publication that covers amusement and water park news and trends. Top Thrill Dragster, is one of the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world!

Challenge Parkat Cedar Point

1 Cedar Point Dr.

Sandusky, Ohio

419-627-2350

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
Challenge Park is an action-packed activity center that features a RipCord Skycoaster, two high-speed go-kart tracks, two challenging 18-hole miniature golf courses and X-Treme Trampoline. Challenge Park also offers a popular arcade with state-of-the-art video games and a food stand that features hot dogs, popcorn and soft drinks.

Eleutheros Cooke House
1415 Columbus Ave.

Sandusky, Ohio

419-627-0640

Open Apr. – Dec.; by appointment only Jan. – Mar., call for hours of operation

Admission Charged
Sandusky is known for its collection of limestone buildings, including this Greek revival. It includes a ruby and cranberry glass collection, antique furnishings, garden, greenhouse, and gift shop.

Follett House Museum
404 Wayne St. (off U.S. Rt. 6)

Sandusky, Ohio

419-627-9608

Open Apr. – Dec.; by appointment only Jan. – Mar., call for hours of operation

Admission Free
Tour a 1830s home filled with Victorian house wares, toys, clothing, and furnishings. This museum has Civil War artifacts from the nearby Johnson’s Island Confederate Officers Prison.

Ghostly Manor
3319 Milan Rd. (U.S. Rt. 250)

Sandusky, Ohio

419-626-4467

Open Jun. – Oct. Handicap accessible; call for hours of operation

Admission Charged
Ghostly Manor is a non-stop event that contains the best in “Haunted House” technology. Ghosts lurk in every corner as you wander through this old mansion. Nightmares become reality.

Lagoon Deer Park
St. Rt. 269 (between U.S. Rt. 6 & St. Rt. 2)

Sandusky, Ohio
419-684-5701 or 419-84-5627

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
Pet and hand-feed deer and view over 200 exotic animals. Feed the hungry fish or, for a fee, fish in a stocked lagoon. The gift shop features Native American items. Picnic areas available; open May to mid-Oct.

Lyman Harbor
1615 First St. (off U.S. Rt. 6)

Sandusky, Ohio
419-626-6545

Call for schedule

Admission Charged for Events
Sandusky’s premier waterfront entertainment complex with a million dollar view once housed the acclaimed Lyman Boat Works. After extensive renovation, Lyman Harbor will offer scheduled events throughout the year. One can enjoy waterfront fine dining or casual outdoor dining along the pier. Take in a live concert or evening at the nite club; attend a trade-show. Transient boat dockage and services available.

Maritime Museum of Sandusky
125 Meigs St.

Sandusky, Ohio

419-624-0274

Open year-round, call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
Explore Sandusky’s rich maritime history through local artifacts, photos, and maps; view displays of Lyman Boat Works, local passenger boats and freighters, and many other boats built in Sandusky.

Merry-Go-Round Museum
Corner of U.S. Rt. 6 and Jackson St.

Sandusky, Ohio

419-626-6111

Open daily, Memorial Day-Labor Day; weekends only in Jan. and Feb.; and Wed – Sun all other times, call for hours of operation.

Admission Charged
Affordable family fun! Ride into history on an antique carousel, enjoy visiting with wood carvers as they create new carousel horses, listen to the familiar music of band organs, take a guided tour, and learn about the art and history of carousels. Exhibits change annually. Unique carousel-
themed items can be found in the museum gift store.

North Coast Parasail & Water Sports
At the Cedar Point Beach

Sandusky, Ohio

419-627-2279

Open Memorial Day – Labor Day., call for schedule and reservations

Admission Charged
Visit North Coast Parasail, on the beach in back of the Cedar Point Aquatic Stadium. Experience the thrills of WaveRunner riding and parasailing. Early bird discounts are available. Park admission is not required.

Soak City
at Cedar Point, 1 Cedar Point Dr.

Sandusky, Ohio

419-627-2350

Open daily May 22 – Sept 6, and Sept 11, 12, 18 & 19, call for hours of operation

Admission Charged
This 18-acre water park offers splashing fun for the whole family with a wave action pool, body and tube slides, inner tube rivers, special areas for small children, and an adults-only area. New this summer is Splash Zone, a multi-story interactive play area.

Sandusky State Theatre
107 Columbus Ave. (off U.S. Rt. 6)

Sandusky, Ohio

419-626-1950 or 877-378-2150

Call for schedule

Admission Charged for Events
This beautiful, fully-restored, 1,550-seat historic venue presents top-name entertainment including touring Broadway musicals, popular and country music stars, stage productions for youth audiences, weekend film screenings.

Other Nearby Attractions

Bellevue

Historic Lyme Village
St. Rt. 4 (south of St. Rt. 113)

Bellevue, Ohio
419-483-6052

Open Jun. – Aug., and Sundays only in May and Sept., call for a schedule of special events.

Admission Charged
Visit this 19th century village of historic homes, barns, and buildings. A 1880s mansion serves as the village museum.

Mad River & NKP Railroad Society Museum
Southwest St. (south of U.S. Rt. 20)

Bellevue, Ohio

419-483-2222

Open daily Memorial Day – Labor Day, and weekends only in May, Sept., and Oct., call for hours of operation

Admission Charged
Tour a station house, museum, and a railroad yard loaded with engines, passenger cars, freight cars, and cabooses. Gift shop, bus parking, and picnic area available.

Seneca Caverns – Natural Landmark
St. Rt. 269 S.

Bellevue, Ohio

419-483-6711

Call for hours of operation

Open daily Memorial Day – Labor Day and weekends only in May, Sept., and through mid-Oct.

Admission Charged
Discovered in 1872, Seneca Caverns allows you to explore the earth’s depths. Take an hour-long guided tour, pan for gemstones at Seneca Mining Company, shop at Hollow Rock Gifts, and picnic in the shade.

Sorrowful Mother Shrine
4106 St. Rt. 269,

Bellevue, Ohio

419-483-3435

Open year-round, call for hours of operation

Admission Charged

Walk through 140 wooded acres featuring the Stations of the Cross. Either an open-air or historic chapel hosts mass Mon – Sat at 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and Sun 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Berlin Heights

Samuel Patterson® Baskets
51 Mechanic St. (off St. Rt. 61)

Berlin Heights, Ohio
888-905-1858

Open year-round, Mon – Fri, except holidays

Admission Charged
Visit the oldest basket making business in Ohio (and third oldest in the nation). Established in 1858 by Samuel Patterson, the family-run company makes wooden fruit & vegetable baskets for growers and farmers, and beautiful hardwood maple decorative baskets for the home.

Fremont

Hayes Presidential Center
Spiegel Grove

Fremont, Ohio

419-332-2081or 800-998-PRES

Open daily, year-round, except major holidays, call for hours of operation

Admission Charged
Tour the 31-room Hayes Victorian Mansion and visit the nation’s first presidential library. The 25-acre center includes tombs of our 19th president, Rutherford B. Hayes, and his wife, Lucy.

Huron

Huron Playhouse
In McCormick School on Ohio St. (off U.S. Rt. 6)

Huron, Ohio
419-433-4744 (summer only) or 419/433-3503

Call for schedule

Admission Charged
Ohio’s oldest continuing summer theatre will bring five, fully-staged productions this summer season. Don’t miss out on all the exciting musicals, comedies, mysteries, and melodramas.

Kellys Island

Glacial Grooves
Kelleys Island

Admission Free to View

Located adjacent to the Kelleys Island State Park on the north side of Kelleys Island, the Glacial Grooves are the largest in the world. The bedrock which was sculpted by the Pleistocene Glaciers to form the magnificent grooves of Kelleys Island were caused as heavy glaciers, which had rocks and boulders embedded in it’s base, moved south carving out the relatively soft island limestone.

Inscription Rock

Admission Free to View
This large limestone rock is on the south shore of Kelleys Island just east of downtown. The remains of at least two Native American villages were found very near the rock. The 32 x 21’ surface of the rock is covered with one of the finest examples of aboriginal art in the Great Lakes region. Known as a petroglyph, no one is sure what the unusual drawings depicted. The most widely accepted theory is that the large rock was used as a “message stone” where various Native Americans would make drawings noting that they’d been there, how the hunting or fishing had been and/or where they were headed next.

Marblehead

Prehistoric Forest and Mystery Hill
8232 East Harbor Rd. (St. Rt. 163 E)

Marblehead, Ohio

419-798-5230

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
Prehistoric Forest includes a forest filled with 15 life-sized dinosaurs, a 40-foot waterfall, an erupting volcano, and an archeological site. Take great photos of exotic animals. Experience Mystery Hill and defy the laws of nature in this hands-on attraction! Visit the gift shop, arcade, miniature golf, cabins, and playground.

Milan

Edison Birthplace
9 Edison Dr. (off St. Rt. 113)

Milan, Ohio

419-499-2135

Open Feb. – Dec., call for hours of operation

Admission Charged
Visit Thomas Edison’s 1847 birthplace. Tour his boyhood home, and see displays of some of his accomplishments as the world’s greatest inventor.

Milan Historical Museum
10 Edison Dr. (off St. Rt. 113)

Milan, Ohio
419-499-2968

Open Tues – Sun, May – Sept., call for hours of operation

Admission Charged
Tour one acre of beautiful grounds and gardens along with seven historic buildings. Visit the 1846 Galpin House with Mowry Glass exhibit, a Doll House with 400 beautiful dolls,
or the 1843 Sayles House, a restored Victorian home. Explore Milan’s unique canal history. Located one block from Thomas Edison’s Birthplace.

Port Clinton

Monsoon Lagoon Water Park & Family Fun Center
1530 S. Danbury Rd. N (St. Rt. 269 N)

Port Clinton, Ohio

419-732-6671

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
Monsoon Lagoon is a fantastic outdoor water park and family fun complex. Affordable water and thrill rides! WOW what a drenching you’ll receive under the gigantic tipping bucket or zooming down the Typhoon Rush slide tower. Mom and Dad can enjoy the afternoon relaxing at the tiki swim-up bar with a favorite tropical drink.

Put-In-Bay

Island Transportation
Toledo and Delaware Sts., P.O. Box 190

Put-in-Bay, Ohio
419-285-4855

Call for additional information

Admission Charged
Island tours of historic Put-in-Bay. This tour train departs frequently from downtown Put-in-Bay for a narrated tour of island attractions including Perry’s Cave, Heineman’s Winery & Crystal Cave, an island historical museum, and Perry’s Monument. The Island Fun Pack Tour is interesting, educational, and fun for the entire family.

Tiffin

Crystal Traditions of Tiffin
145 Madison St.

Tiffin, Ohio

419-448-4286 or 888-298-7236

Showroom and outlet open year-round, call for hours of operation

Admission Charged
The glass industry came to Tiffin in 1889. Tour a facility continuing to keep the tradition of glass blowing and hand wheel engraving alive. Crystal Traditions has a growing reputation as a maker of quality crystal giftware, awards, and trophies.

Tiffin University / Chisholm Auditorium
155 Miami St. (off St. Rt. 53)

Tiffin, Ohio

419-447-6442

Call for schedule

Admission Charged for Events
Recognized as a cultural center for the performing arts and art exhibitions in northwest Ohio, visitors enjoy a range of productions in TU’s Performing Arts Series featuring music, comedy, lectures..

Tiffin Glass Museum & Shoppe
25-27 S. Washington St.

Tiffin, Ohio

419-448-0200

Open year-round, Tues-Sat 1-5 p.m.; other times by appointment.

Admission Charged
Tours and retail sales of Tiffin Glass and other fine glassware and collectibles. See a display of original Tiffin glass produced at the Tiffin Glass Factory from 1889-1980.

The Ritz Theatre
30 S. Washington St. (off St. Rt. 53)

Tiffin, Ohio

419-648-8544

Call for schedule

Admission Charged for Events
The Ritz Theatre presents professional singers and musicians, Broadway productions, community theatre, and children’s productions in a restored 1928 Italian Renaissance landmark.

Heidelberg College
310 E. Market St.

Tiffin, Ohio

419-448-2000

Call for schedule

Admission Charged for Events
One of the best small, private liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, Heidelberg College is home to 1,600 graduate and undergraduate students. The college annually provides a variety of cultural, arts, and academic offerings, from large- and small-scale music recitals and theatre performances to lectures and presentations, most of which are free and open to the public.

Vermilion

Inland Seas Maritime Museum
480 Main St. (off U.S. Rt. 6)

Vermilion, Ohio
440-967-3467 or 1-800-893-1485

Open daily, year-round, call for days and hours of operation.

Admission Charged
Experience the history of the Great Lakes through interactive and hands-on exhibits, ship models, maritime art, and an authentic 1910 steamship pilot house. Explore shipwrecks, steam engines, original timbers from the Niagara, and models of Great Lakes vessels.

Underground Railroad Tour

Western Reserve Alpaca Farm
13010 West Lake Rd. (U.S. Rt. 6)

Vermilion, Ohio

440-967-6267 or 877-987-7988

Call for hours of operation

Admission Charged
Home to over 100 alpaca on the shores of Lake Erie. Guests welcome daily to view our animals.

D- Family Fun Attractions:
African Safari Wildlife Park

Sandusky, Ohio

800-521-2660

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

This drive-thru safari has exotic animals, camel and pony rides, entertaining and educational animal shows, pig races, a gift shop, picnic facilities, a snack bar, and a cafe & grill.

Cedar Point Amusement Park/Resort
1 Cedar Point Dr.

Sandusky, Ohio

419-627-2350

Call for days and hours of operation

Ghostly Manor
3319 Milan Rd. (U.S. Rt. 250)

Sandusky, Ohio

419-626-4467

Open Jun. – Oct. Handicap accessible; call for hours of operation

Admission Charged
Ghostly Manor is a non-stop, very high startle event that contains the best in “Haunted House” technology. Ghosts lurk in every corner as you wander through this old mansion. Nightmares become reality.

Merry-Go-Round Museum
Corner of U.S. Rt. 6 and Jackson St.

Sandusky, Ohio

419-626-6111

Open daily, Memorial Day-Labor Day; weekends only in Jan. and Feb.; and Wed – Sun all other times, call for hours of operation.

Soak City
at Cedar Point, 1 Cedar Point Dr.

Sandusky, Ohio

Open daily May 22 – Sept 6, and Sept 11, 12, 18 & 19, call for hours of operation

419-627-2350

Halloweekends – Monster Fun

1 Cedar Point Dr.

Sandusky, Ohio

419-627-2350

Call for exact dates (usually late September through October) and hours of operation

Admission Charged

E- Events & Entertainment:
Events

Summer

Sandusky’s Gazebo Concert Series

Weekly at Washington Park in downtown Sandusky

Harbor Concert Series

Weekly at Lyman Harbor

1615 First Street Sandusky

July 4th weekend

Stars and Stripes Celebration

Washington Park, Downtown Sandusky

Mid-July

Tall Ships Festival

A major weekend event featuring the arrival of the Tall Ships, musical entertainment, and a party at the Plaza. (Schade-Mylander Plaza)

September

Early September

Cruisin’ By the Bay

Annual Car and Truck Show with auto-related contests, street vendors, drag races, and fun for all in downtown Sandusky.

Annual North American Sail & Power Boat Show

440-899-5009 Cedar Point

EST at The In-Water Boat Show at Cedar Point showcases more than $50 million in boats and boating equipment. Taking center stage will be over 700 new and pre-enjoyed boats up to 65′. The newest motor yachts, runabouts, cruisers, fishing boats, jet skis, pontoons, ski boats, and sailboats from all the top manufacturers will be showcased for the first time. Plus, show goers will catch the latest wave of new products at hundreds of accessory, equipment and service displays including marine electronics, sailing gear, nautical clothing, jewelry, marinas, boat lettering and more.

Call for exact dates and hours of operation

Late September through October

Halloweekends – Monster Fun

419-627-2350 Cedar Point

Coaster thrills combine with spine-tingling chills at HalloWeekends! Experience unearthly entertainment, haunted houses, a children’s funhouse, Werewolf Canyon and terrifying Fright Zone, where Screamsters lurk in the fog. This is a fun, family-friendly event! Call for exact dates (usually late September through October) and hours of operation

Arts and Entertainment

Huron Playhouse

419-433-4744

Call for schedule
Admission Charged.

The oldest continually running summer theatre in the area, and located in nearby Huron, the Huron Playhouse generally offers around five productions each summer, which include musicals, comedies, mysteries and melodramas.

Chrisholm Auditorium

155 Miami Street
Tiffin University— Tiffin, OH
Tiffin, OH 44883-2109

Located in nearby Tiffin, Ohio, on the campus of Tiffin University, the Chisholm Theatre has garnered a reputation as the cultural centre of Northwest Ohio, by hosting an ever changing array of art exhibitions.

Sandusky State Theatre

Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870-2503

The Sandusky State Theatre offers a venue for concerts, musical productions and other plays, and is host to many touring national acts and productions. This historic theatre has served as a gathering place through the years.

Outdoor Activities

Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve

2715 Cleveland Road West, Huron

Woussickett Golf Course

6311 Mason Road, Sandusky, OH 44870-9323

This golf course offers all that the golfer may want or need, with a driving range, a full-service bar and grill, a pro shop, sixty five covered gas carts, and tee times seven days a week.

Sawmill Creek Gold Course

300 Sawmill Creek
Huron

This Tom Fazio designed course, first opened in 1973, offers a unique eighteen-hole lakeshore course that features rolling and undulating greens that supply aesthetic pleasure as well as varied levels…