COLUMBUS, OH - Rare plant life hugs the coast of Lake Erie's Kelleys Island, clinging to the grayish-white limestone exposed thousands of years ago by southward moving glaciers. Hiking trails meander through wetlands, providing a front row seat to the aerial ballet of dozens of bird species that call this island home.
If you're looking for a great getaway destination this summer, then consider visiting Kelleys Island State Park and two nearby nature preserves. Take a day trip, or make a weekend of it, utilizing the state park's campground and yurt facilities, and see this island in its prime.
"Kelleys Island is a jewel in Lake Erie, a truly fascinating place to visit," said Sam Speck, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. "Here you can find unusual plant life, plenty of bird watching opportunities, miles of trails to hike, geologic wonders, and a great family campground on the island's edge." North Pond State Nature Preserve is a relatively untouched wetland with a channel leading to Lake Erie at the North Bay on Kelleys Island. The pond was formed as the lake receded from its ancient shoreline. The preserve represents one of the very few natural wetlands directly connected to Lake Erie, which remains in a natural system. Virtually all of the wetlands in Lake Erie's western basin have been impounded by dikes and are artificially controlled.
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| Top, North Shore Alvar. Above, North Pond. Below, Kelley's Island Glacial Grooves. |
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North Shore Alvar State Nature Preserve on Kelleys Island is the finest example of such a site in Ohio. Alvars are horizontal exposures of nearly barren limestone or dolomite exposed by glaciers. On Kelleys Island, the alvar remains exposed as it is scoured by wind, waves, and ice. Only a few specially adapted plants can survive in this hostile terrain. Those species include the endangered northern bog violet, balsam squaw-weed, Kalm's lobelia, and Pringle's aster.
The island offers six miles of hiking trails that lead visitors to scenic vistas, two nature preserves, as well as geologic wonders like the glacial grooves. The grooves- at 15 feet deep and 35 feet wide -- are believed to be the largest glacial striations in the world.
Kelleys Island State Park is a great place for recreation with its 100-foot swimming beach, as well as overnight accommodations on the family campground.
Enjoy the park's volleyball court, playground, picnic areas, launch ramps, and fishing access areas. The family campground contains 45 non-electric and 82 electric sites, showers, flush toilets, and a dump station. The camp office loans games and sports equipment to registered campers. Two premium yurts, complete with efficiency kitchens, baths with showers and furnished living areas, along with two Rent-A-Camp units are available during the summer season. To make reservations and check campground availability call 1-866-OHIOPARKS or go online at ohiodnr.com
Kelleys Island can be reached by ferry from Sandusky or Marblehead Peninsula. Both state nature preserves are located within Kelleys Island State Park and are accessible from Division Street. For more information about activities on Lake Erie's islands, contact the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau at 1-800-441-1271 or visit www.lake-erie.com .
For more information on Kelleys Island State Park, call 419-746-2546.