Lake Erie Islands

Canal Experience at Providence Metropark

13827 RT. 24 W. (AT RT. 578), GRAND RAPIDS (WOOD COUNTY)

It’s always 1876 on the Canal Experience at Providence Metropark. Located in what was once the canal town of Providence, today the park has one of the greatest concentrations of canal-era features in the country, including a muledrawn canal boat, costumed tour guides, one of the last working 19th-century limestone locks and the Isaac Ludwig Mill, a working waterpowered saw and gristmill. (419-407-9700, www.metro parkstoledo.com for ticket prices and hours of operation)

Cedar Point

1 CEDAR POINT DR., SANDUSKY (ERIE COUNTY)

No trip to northwestern Ohio is complete without a visit to the roller-coaster capital of the world. Cedar Point, which sits on a Lake Erie peninsula, features more than 150 rides, indoor and outdoor water parks, an area known as Challenge Park, two marinas and several nearby resorts.

This year, two new rides made their debut at the park: the Pipe Scream, a thrill ride that soars 43 feet above the midway at 43 mph, and Lake Erie Eagles, a rider- controlled experience that spins and swings outward. Cedar Point attracts more than 3 million visitors annually. For ticket prices, see below. (419-6272350, www.cedarpoint. com)

Whether you prefer a getaway filled with lazy days at the beach, fishing and bicycling around an island or the excitement of water slides and parasailing, the Lake Erie Islands have something for everyone.

The tiny 2-by-4-mile Bass islands are dotted with historic homes, quaint restaurants and pubs. You’ll also find some of the best walleye and perch fishing in the United States.

Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island is also home to an antique car museum, a winery, butterfly house, chocolate museum, wildlife center and the nation’s third-tallest monument: Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, at 352 feet. Jet skiing, charter-boat fishing and many other water excursions are available. (www.putinbay.com)

Nearby Kelleys Island offers miles of self-guided nature and hiking trails. The entire island is on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can walk the perimeter of the