Sandusky, Ohio, is a stunning city, teeming with many attractions.
Here, you’ll find Cedar Point, home to Steel Vengeance, America’s best roller coaster.
But Sandusky has much more to offer than roller coasters and waterparks.
It’s also home to the world’s largest geode, ancient lighthouses, classic theaters, wine tastings, ferry rides, and many more!
Interested to know more about this place?
Here are the 22 best things to do in Sandusky, Ohio:
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Cedar Point is the ultimate destination for thrill-seeking individuals.
If there’s one thing that makes this place unique, it’s their fantastic roller coasters.
From a dragster that goes 120 miles/hr to extreme adventure rides like Frontier Fling and Power Tower and around 18 different rides of varying difficulty levels, this place tops the list for its adrenaline-filled theme alone.
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For those who prefer a kid-friendly environment, there are water parks, slides, wave pools, diners, and plenty of other attractions that are just as good.
For sports junkies, Cedar Point has a sports force spark, best known for its innovative collection of games involving tracks, ropes, and trampolines.
If you have teen kids with you, it’s safe to assume they’ll love it!
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Cedar Point offers so many things to enjoy that it’s almost impossible to try them all in one day.
To truly enjoy the theme park’s attractions, try to make it a multi-day trip.
There are hotels in the area of the compound.
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Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is famously known for its top-of-the-line wave pools, water slides, and lazy rivers.
It has a range of indoor and outdoor attractions of so many different types, difficulty levels, and themes—you might never want to leave!
There are also other attractions, such as adventure parks and an interactive animal park where you can see some birds or camels.
On top of that, there’s the outdoor safari adventure park, which offers fun activities like wall climbing and a sweat-inducing challenging rope course.
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Merry-Go-Round Museum is entirely dedicated to collecting and renovating merry-go-rounds and related artifacts.
Nostalgia can be a powerful driving force, proved by the fact that it is a prominent tourist spot for people who want to remember the good old days.
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In the museum, you’ll find miniature carousels, colorfully painted horses, and a half or fully-restored merry-go-rounds.
You can buy some souvenirs in the gift shop.
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Suppose you’re looking for major attractions around Sandusky.
In that case, there are two incredible islands nearby, which you can visit by taking an exciting ferry trip through Jet Express: Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island.
The ferry takes you to the old lighthouse, water sports hubs, and resort-themed restaurants.
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You can also choose to visit the location in the bird migration path, Point Pelee if birdwatching is your thing.
Ask any tourist who’s been to Sandusky—a ferry trip to these islands is undoubtedly one of their top five things to do in the city.
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Great Wolf Lodge Water Park offers a comfortable lodging experience for your family, ranging from lodge cabins to family suites with all the basic and luxury facilities you may require.
As you might have figured out while researching for your trip, the weather in Ohio can be moody—and the indoor water park at this lodge is the perfect solution.
It has your traditional slides, pools to dip in, and a four-story tall tube slide.
For sports enthusiasts, this is one of the top amusement attractions in the city.
Despite what the name might make you think, the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center focuses not only on horror shows.
It’s a major tourist spot for its adventure-filled recreational activities.
From a 4D theatre and roller skating services to an arcade for kids and a bouncy house, there’s a range of activities that tourists can enjoy.
There’s a miniature golf course called Wizard’s Journey that goes through obstacles and waterfalls.
The most important feature of the thrill hub is the escape room, a thrill-filled activity where you must solve various clues to find the exit from the room.
Some places are best to be explored slowly, and some travelers take pride in jumping from one attraction to another and finding hidden gems that other tourists might have missed.
Sandusky has rental bike services that you can find everywhere.
If you’re a dedicated traveler, then checking out unexplored nooks and crannies is much more efficient with a handy bike by your side.
From April through October, Sandusky’s speed racing season takes place.
During this time, exciting events are held at the Sandusky Speedway.
From modifier cars to mainstream ones, all varieties participate eagerly.
If you like watching or participating in races, you will definitely enjoy this season.
Be sure to check the events in advance on their site.
As the name suggests, the Maritime Museum of Sandusky is dedicated to all things related to the city’s maritime history.
While you learn about the area’s commercial fishing and maritime industry, there is some unusual excitement mixed into the exhibition— take the floating prison, for example.
The floating prison used to be a ship with convicts on board; it ended up near Sandusky after getting wrecked.
The museum discloses the credible artifacts related to that shipwreck.
Do not forget to buy a marine-themed souvenir at the end of your visit!
Some restaurants are famous for their local specialties, with rich history and tradition incorporated into their menu.
Enjoy the Sicilian cuisine at Sortino’s.
Founded by two immigrant brothers, this is a popular destination for foodies that love genuine Sicilian cuisine.
Their menu offers authentic Sicilian cuisine and a variety of delicious dishes from their special family recipes.
From a 6,000-foot arcade center to 50-person hot tubs, Castaway Bay is a one-of-a-kind, Caribbean-themed indoor waterpark.
Unlike Sandusky’s other lodges and tourist attractions, Castaway Bay is wholly dedicated to various water slides, wave pools, lagoons, and themed recreational facilities.
Many extraordinary events are held here daily.
Nothing beats the view from the sea on an airboat cruise driven by an original US Coast Guard captain.
You could either take a 40-minute day trip through the Bay or an evening cruise lasting around two hours.
The cruise works best for a romantic date, wherein you can enjoy the sights of Sandusky bathed in urban lights.
If you are planning your trip in the winter, check out their ice fishing trips as well.
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Sandusky is comparatively lacking in dance clubs, but don’t underestimate the small city’s charm.
There are homely bars with great views and fantastic classic events at night that attract many tourists.
Are you a wine connoisseur?
Then it would be best if you had a taste of some of the best wine samples this place has to offer.
Taste-test wines at Firelands Winery, an ancient veteran of the field established in 1880.
Are you in the mood for a classic movie or an art performance?
Open up yourself to artistic creativity at State Theater.
This relic from a bygone era offers a peek behind the curtain of the history of the entertainment world.
If you want to go dancing, Baci nightclub might be good for you.
It’s an adults-only club, ideal for those traveling with a partner or looking to meet someone new.
Free to the public, Sandusky Skatepark is a popular location in Erie County for those wanting to sharpen their skating, rollerblading, and scooter skills.
The outfitted facility features modular ramps of differing lengths, perfect for working on beginner to intermediate-level tricks.
Located in Battery Park near the tennis courts and the Police department/City Building, Sandusky Skatepark is available so long as there is reasonably dry weather, which means it’s not open when there’s rain or snow or some maintenance going on.
As fun as BMX freestyle biking, roller skating, in-line skating, or skateboarding can be, it’s essential to wear proper safety gear when doing these activities at the skateboard park.
Nearby Sandusky Skatepark, you’ll find fishing piers, boat clubs, the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, and Bait House Brewery.
The fun and excitement of bowling is a great way to spend free time with good friends or family, and Twin Star Centers have provided this entertainment to the people of Sandusky and Port Clinton, regardless of skill level, for years.
As far as bowling alleys go, Twin Star Entertainment has got to be one of the cleanest, brightest, and equipped with some of the unique minigames around.
Their track record of exceptional customer service and excellent pricing also makes this Sandusky entertainment space worth visiting.
This bowling center has a light-hearted atmosphere that gives it an easygoing feel, and TV animations to watch your bowling match give it a unique twist compared to other bowling alleys.
Despite its out-of-the-way location far from the central tourist district, this part of Sandusky still manages to pull in a respectable number of customers every day.
Because they know that when you need to work off some stress or have some fun while you’re in Sandusky, it’s one of the best places around.
An exceptional local history collection tracing the development of Sandusky and Erie County is housed at the Follett House Museum.
The Museum has developed into a magnificent collection thanks to kind benefactors who sought to preserve local history, growing from its modest origins in 1902 to its current position in the old residence of Oran Follett.
Four levels of the Museum have displays portraying Sandusky’s history.
The Greek Revival-style home has a widow’s walk from which visitors can take a spectacular view of Sandusky, Cedar Point, and Johnson’s Island.
Explore and browse the impressive list of historical textiles stored at the Museum.
Sandusky Goofy Golf Miniature Golf Course was created to be enjoyable for people of all ages while still providing a challenge that will entice even the most seasoned golfer to return for more.
Anyone looking to spend the night with friends and family may do so on the lit-up course.
The Bumper Boats are entertaining for people of all ages and a great family activity.
You may catch a wave, splash your buddies on their bumper boats, or savor a relaxed, leisurely ride through the summer heat.
With over 50 cutting-edge high-tech arcades and redeemable reward games, the air-conditioned arcade completes your excitement.
Check out Goofy Golf’s specialized packages, which are ideal for a special occasion like a birthday, graduation, or family gathering.
Since 1880, Firelands Winery has been producing exceptional wines at affordable rates.
Due to their reputation for crafting high-quality wines that are popular both inside the region and throughout the country, wine enthusiasts in the Midwest genuinely appreciate what they have around.
Their diversified portfolio covers makers of Spirits, Wine, Ready-to-Drinks, and Non-Alcoholic beverages.
Visit Firelands Winery to celebrate your birthday, a holiday, or an occasion.
They provide a variety of unique items and services that might make your life easier and free up more time so you can enjoy the festivities with friends and family.
The Sandusky Children’s Museum is a hub for educational resources that can illustrate scientific ideas that are difficult to explain in a classroom.
Its goal is to engage and inspire young learners by providing them with engaging, practical learning opportunities rich in STEAM material.
It is a kind and welcoming method of educating kids.
The guided tours’ purpose is to teach visitors how to employ a range of science-related activities, which deepens their comprehension of the environment.
Children between the ages of 4 to 14 are the target audience.
To provide a thrilling, enjoyable, and informative experience, they customize the tours to meet the ages of the attendees.
The history of Toft Dairy is a tale of a dedication to quality and ideals of the future, from a modest family dairy farm in the earlier 1900s to a cutting-edge 76,000-square-foot operation on Venice Road.
The oldest dairy in Ohio, this family-run business has been operating for more than 120 years.
Toft’s delivers its dairy and ice cream products to the public within a 100-mile radius of the Sandusky factory.
They can assure their customers that they utilize only the finest milk available by entering into contracts with nearby farms.
Additionally, Toft’s is pleased to sell its products at local fairs and festivals.
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The Kelleys Island Winery Ruins is a scenic spot with historical significance.
Once upon a time, Ohio Valley was recognized as a fine place for grape farming.
Diseases riddled the vineyards of the Ohio Valley, and all that was left were the ruins of a bygone era.
If you like geology, check out the world’s largest naturally formed geode.
Although known as a crystal cave, it is a giant crevice in a single rock.
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It was discovered in 1887 by the digging workforce of Gustav Heinman, who was laboring for the construction of a well.
Learn about the deep marks left by the Ice Age.
The Glacial Grooves of Kelleys Island are the vastest and most conveniently approachable worldwide.
It is a national natural landmark protected by fences.
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There are some tourists who always look for zoos, national parks, and wildlife areas before anything else.
If you’re one of them, Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area should be on your itinerary.
Sandusky is not only a coastal area filled with waterparks—with only a 20-mile drive, you also get to visit this wildlife area that boasts a beautiful natural landscape.
There are wooden boardwalks available that provide you with panoramic views of surrounding protected forests.
Filled with wildlife and the scenic beauty of nature, Pickerel Creek is a great spot to visit when in Sandusky.
Sandusky is building itself up as a prime destination for summer getaways.
With Kalahari Resorts, Put-in-Bay, Cedar Point amusement park, and many other great places to visit, there’s never a shortage of activities in which to partake or sights you can see once you get here!
It’s important to note that each location is unique in its special way, but this guide will outline some of the best spots for the next time you choose to come and visit!
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