9 Fun Things to Do Around Sandusky, Ohio, Year Round

Most people associate Sandusky with Cedar Point Amusement Park, but the area also offers additional adventures all year round.

The Shores and Islands Region in Northern Ohio along Lake Erie has a lot to offer for fun things to do around Sandusky.

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1. Appreciate History and Craftsmanship at the Merry-Go-Round Museum

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301 Jackson St, Sandusky, OH

The historic building that houses the museum was a former post office.

The museum’s post office roots came into a literal full circle. The inspiration for the museum came from four carousel postage stamps issued in 1988.

MerryGoRoundMuseum Post Office in Sandusky

Inside the museum, you’ll see a beautiful collection of artifacts and memorabilia from amusement parks and carousels around the world.

Bonus: You can ride on the merry-go-round while you’re there.

indoor wavepool at Kalahari Waterpark in Sandusky Ohio

2. Enjoy swimming in warm water all year round at amazing Indoor Waterparks in Sandusky

7000 Kalahari Dr, Sandusky, OH

Sandusky offers several indoor waterpark options with perfect swimming conditions all year long.

How to make the most of your time at Kalahari Resorts

Kalahari is one of the largest indoor waterparks in the United States.

Your experience doesn’t have to stop at the waterpark.

Kalahari offers Spa Treatments, indoor mini golf, and a variety of other activities for the whole family.

Learn more about how to make the most out of your visit to Kalahari here.

exhibits at the Sandusky Maritime Museum

3. Learn about the History of the Sandusky Area at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky

125 Meigs St, Sandusky, OH

This museum offers activities for kids, informational documentaries, and hands-on exhibits.

exhibits at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky

You will also learn about the ice harvesting industry and Sandusky’s role in the Underground Railroad.

Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve in Sandusky

4. Take a hike at Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve

2715 Cleveland Rd W, Huron, OH

This nature preserve has incredible views year-round. You can hike trails and see an assortment of birds and animals here.

The area draws close to 300 bird species, plants, and animals associated with its marsh ego system.

This is a beautiful spot to take scenic nature photos during each season and there is no fee to visit the preserve.

5. Participate in a variety of outdoor activities at Sawmill Creek Resort

400 Sawmill Creek Dr W, Huron, OH

friends snowshoeing at Sawmill Creek Resort

You don’t have to stay here to enjoy year-round activities like snowshoeing, ice skating, golf, and ziplines.

Sawmill Creek Resort also has a restaurant that offers special-themed events.

There’s a good chance you might want to stay overnight after you spend a little time by the fireplace.

Guests can take in beautiful sunset views of Lake Erie on their private beach.

The resort has 239 guest rooms and suites, an 18-hole championship golf course, an indoor and outdoor pool, and a 176-slip marina.

7. Drink Eat and Drink Locally

Sandusky has several great local establishments where you can enjoy a great meal or your beverage of choice.

Enjoy a Great Breakfast at Sandusky Bay Pancake House

4710 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH

If you’re looking for an incredible breakfast to start your day, you definitely need to check out Sandusky Bay Pancake House.

country fried steak eggs benedict Sandusky Bay Pancake House

The menu has plenty of delicious options for savory and sweet preferences.

cinnamon swirl pancake Sandusky Bay Pancake House

I’d recommend sharing both for the best of both worlds.

Wine Tasting at Firelands Winery

917 Bardshar Rd, Sandusky, OH

Savor a wine tasting in a relaxed atmosphere that also happens to be one of Ohio’s largest wineries.

Firelands Winery is also one of the state’s oldest wineries, dating back to 1880.

Enjoy a Drink at a Speakeasy- Volstead Bar

316 E Water St, Sandusky, OH

This unique bar has a lighting system above the door to let patrons know how many seats are available.

A green light above the door means that 5 or more seats are open and a red light means there’s no seating available.

This little craft cocktail gem is a must when you are in Sandusky.

You can read more about Volstead Bar here.

Enjoy a Frozen Drink at Paddle Bar Waterfront Tiki Bar

305 E Water St, Sandusky, OH

Paddle Bar is an island-style vibe tiki bar featuring fresh squeezed cocktails and a great beer list.

They have tons of outside seating with amazing views of Sandusky Bay.

During the summer there is live music and a Daiquiri Dock has frozen drinks for adults and children.

Visit Ohio’s Oldest Dairy – Toft’s Dairy Ice Cream Parlor

3717 Venice Road, Sandusky Ohio

Toft’s Ice Cream has bragging rights as the oldest dairy in Ohio, dating back to the early 1900s.

The dairy farm has evolved to a 74,500 sq ft dairy plant.

At the ice cream parlor, guests can choose from 50 flavors of ice cream along with other dairy products available for sale.

feeding a bison at African Safari Wildlife Park in Ohio

8. Go on a Drive Thru Animal Safari at African Safari Wildlife Park

267 S Lightner Rd, Port Clinton, OH

You can visit this destination for the majority of the year. It’s open from sometime in March until late November.

Drive thru safari at African Safari Wildlife Park

You can see and feed animals during the drive-thru experience at Ohio’s safari park.

Admission for the drive-thru safari includes unlimited trips that day and 1 cup of feed. Guests can purchase additional food to feed the animals from their vehicles. (You can’t feed the animals any outside food.)

Learn more about what we loved during our adventure at African Safari Wildlife Park.

There is also a walk-through safari open throughout spring and summer.

9. Admire the Views at Marblehead Lighthouse

110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH

Marblehead Lighthouse is one of the most photographed landmarks along Lake Erie. During the summer guests can climb 77 steps to the top of the lighthouse for great views.

Marblehead Lighthouse has bragging rights as the oldest continuously run lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse was built in 1821 and was originally known as Sandusky Bay Light.