Sandusky Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Sandusky is a city located in Erie County, Ohio. Listed below are the best attractions and things to do in Sandusky.
1. Cedar Point
AMUSEMENT PARK | SANDUSKY OH
Cedar Point is a world-renowned amusement park known as "America's Roller Coast." The park features 17 roller coasters, including some of the tallest and fastest in the world. Cedar Point also offers over 70 rides, live shows, and a mile-long beach along Lake Erie. With its mix of record-breaking thrill rides and family-friendly attractions, Cedar Point provides an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
2. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
INDOOR WATERPARK | SANDUSKY OH
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is America's largest indoor waterpark resort. This African-themed complex features a massive indoor waterpark with thrilling slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. Beyond water attractions, Kalahari offers an outdoor waterpark, spa, restaurants, and an indoor adventure park. The resort also includes convention facilities, making it a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers.
3. Merry-Go-Round Museum
CAROUSEL HISTORY | SANDUSKY OH
The Merry-Go-Round Museum celebrates the history and artistry of carousels. Housed in a historic post office building, the museum showcases beautifully restored carousel figures, antique carving tools, and a working carousel. Visitors can learn about the golden age of carousels and even watch skilled artisans restore vintage pieces. The museum's centerpiece is a fully operational Allan Herschell carousel that guests can ride.
4. Maritime Museum of Sandusky
LAKE ERIE HISTORY | SANDUSKY OH
The Maritime Museum of Sandusky offers a fascinating journey through Lake Erie's maritime history. Exhibits showcase the area's rich nautical heritage, including shipwrecks, commercial fishing, and boat building. Interactive displays, artifacts, and model ships bring the stories of Lake Erie's past to life for visitors of all ages. The museum also features a boat-building workshop and an exhibit on Sandusky's role in the Underground Railroad.
5. Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
YEAR-ROUND HAUNTED ATTRACTION | SANDUSKY OH
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is a year-round haunted attraction offering spine-tingling scares. This multi-faceted entertainment complex features a haunted house, 4D theater, roller skating rink, and bounce houses. With its mix of thrills and family-friendly activities, Ghostly Manor provides excitement for visitors seeking both scares and fun. The center also includes a virtual roller coaster and interactive 3D blacklight mini-golf course.
6. Firelands Winery
HISTORIC VINEYARD | SANDUSKY OH
Firelands Winery is one of Ohio's oldest wineries, established in 1880. The winery produces a variety of wines, including Firelands 1880 Estate Reserve, Firelands, Mon Ami, Lonz, and Mantey brands. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the historic cellar, and a restaurant showcasing local cuisine. The winery's estate vineyard features both Vitis vinifera and Vitis labrusca grape varieties, offering a unique taste of Ohio's wine heritage.
7. Great Wolf Lodge
FAMILY RESORT | SANDUSKY OH
Great Wolf Lodge is a family-friendly resort featuring an expansive indoor waterpark. The lodge offers a variety of themed suites, dining options, and activities for all ages. From thrilling water slides to interactive games and a spa, Great Wolf Lodge provides a complete entertainment experience. The resort also includes a ropes course, bowling alley, and the MagiQuest interactive adventure game.
8. Sandusky Speedway
AUTO RACING | SANDUSKY OH
Sandusky Speedway is a historic half-mile paved oval racetrack offering high-octane entertainment. Since 1950, this venue has hosted thrilling stock car races, featuring both local and national racing events. Spectators can enjoy the excitement of various racing classes, concessions, and a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the racing season. The speedway also hosts special events and motorsports competitions throughout the year.
9. Toft's Ice Cream Parlor
DAIRY DELIGHTS | SANDUSKY OH
Toft's Ice Cream Parlor is Ohio's oldest dairy, serving delicious ice cream since 1900. The parlor offers over 70 flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sherbet made from their own dairy products. Visitors can enjoy classic sundaes, milkshakes, and unique seasonal flavors in a nostalgic setting. Toft's also produces a variety of other dairy products, including milk, butter, and cheese, available for purchase.
10. Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve
COASTAL WETLANDS | HURON OH
Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve is a pristine coastal wetland ecosystem along Lake Erie. This 472-acre sanctuary offers hiking trails through diverse habitats, including marshes, beaches, and forests. Birdwatchers flock here to observe over 300 species of migratory birds, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The preserve also features a barrier beach and provides important habitat for rare and endangered plant species.
11. Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE | MARBLEHEAD OH
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park features the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of Lake Erie and nearby islands. The park offers picnic areas, fishing spots, and a museum showcasing the lighthouse's history and the region's maritime heritage. Guided tours are available during the summer months, providing insight into the lighthouse's crucial role in Great Lakes navigation.
12. African Safari Wildlife Park
DRIVE-THRU SAFARI | PORT CLINTON OH
African Safari Wildlife Park offers a unique drive-thru safari experience near Lake Erie. Visitors can observe and feed exotic animals like bison, alpacas, and zebras from their vehicles. The park also features walk-through exhibits, educational shows, and a petting zoo, providing an interactive wildlife adventure for all ages. Seasonal events and special encounters, such as camel rides, enhance the park's offerings throughout the year.