BY LINDA HUBER

PORT CLINTON – America 250-Ohio, the official state commission responsible for spearheading Ohio’s celebrations and commemorations relating to America’s semiquincentennial in 2026, launched on Aug. 8 at the Geneva State Park Marina in Geneva the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail, an experiential driving trail of more than 150 sites across Ohio. The trail showcases the crucial role that water has played in moving people, goods and ideas across the state. It is the third of six planned experiential trails for America 250-Ohio’s signature Trails & Tales program. The Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail sites are grouped into seven categories: Boat Rides & Ferryboats; Lake Erie Lighthouses; Lake Erie Museums & Historic Sites; Ohio Canal Museums, Locks, & Natural Areas; Ohio River Museums & Historic Sites; Natural Areas & Overlooks; and Aquatic Science & Research Sites.

A full list of trail sites with an interactive map that can be filtered by category can be found at https://america250-ohio.org/lake-erie-to-ohio-river/.

The 19 sites in Ottawa County are:

Lake Erie Lighthouses (lighthouses, Fresnel lenses, keepers’ homes):

• South Base Island Lighthouse
• Port Clinton Lighthouse
• Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
• Wolcott Keeper’s House

Boat Rides & Ferry Boats (narrated cruises, ferryboats, canal boats):

• Jet Express
• Miller Boat Line
• Kelleys Island Ferryboat Lines

Lake Erie Museums & Historic Sites (maritime museums, museum ships, War of 1812 sites)

• Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
• Lake Erie Islands Historical Society and Museum
• Oak Harbor Public Library/Local History & Museum
• Lakeside Chautauqua

Natural Sites & Overlooks (parks, nature preserves, scenic views)

• Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
• Magee Marsh Wildlife Area & Visitor Center
• East Harbor State Park
• Daisy State Nature Preserve
• Middle Bass Island State Park
• South Bass Island State Park

Aquatic Science & Research Sites (science centers, aquariums, environmental education)

• Put-in-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center
• Stone Laboratory

“Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and the canals were highways of hope,” said Melinda Huntley, Executive Director of the Ohio Travel Association, America 250-Ohio Commissioner, and co-project leader for the Trails & Tales program. “They built towns, attracted inventors, created jobs, and brought people together. Today, their legacy flows through every scenic overlook, preserved towpath, and community that still thrives along their shores. The Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail will help all Ohioans explore and connect with the waters that moved a nation.”

Ohioans can use the interactive map on the America 250-Ohio website to create custom itineraries of drivable routes to see multiple sites on the trail. A printable version is also available. With over 150 sites, guests will be able to get a true picture of these waterways either by theme or geographic region.

The Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail is the third of America 250-Ohio’s planned Trails & Tales program, which aims to establish three additional thematic experiential trails over the next year. Additional details on these trails will be announced in the coming months. The first trail, the Ohio Air & Space Trail, launched in May 2024. The second trail, the Ohio Creativity Trail, launched in February 2025.

For more information on Ottawa County-America 250, visit www.ottawacountyhistory.org/america-250/. To learn more about the America 250-Ohio Trails & Tales Program, and the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail, visit https://america250-ohio.org/lake-erie-to-ohio-river/.