This week, we’re sailing back in time to the Lake Erie Islands, where South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay) and Kelleys Island lie just a short cruise north of Sandusky Bay. These islands have long been a draw for visitors, offering scenic views and a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty.

Lake Erie itself takes its name from the Erie, a Native American people who once thrived along its southern shore. Their legacy remains woven into the landscape and waters of this great lake, a reminder of the area’s deep cultural roots.

In the 19th century, Sandusky blossomed into a bustling Great Lakes hub, where ships carried coal, lumber, and ice across the region. This era of growth and trade helped shape the community we know today, with echoes of that history still present along the waterfront.