Pile on the sunscreen and plan for some fun in the sun, because we’re about to embark on a journey that will take us up to the Key West of Lake Erie. South Bass Island is one of our lake’s archipelagic islands, and it’s one of the most accessible sites offshore. Its playful landscape hosts the friendly and historic community of Put-in-Bay, a destination with a culture so vibrant that it attracts a variety of tourists throughout the summer months each year. While this bay was essential to Oliver Hazard Perry’s victory over the British in the War of 1812, today’s trip is going to take on a lighter tone… we’re here for butterflies and family fun! Are you ready to visit one particularly gorgeous butterfly house near Cleveland?
Welcome to the Butterfly House!
StewbieDewbieDoo/TripAdvisor This charming destination is exactly what it sounds like: a butterfly sanctuary that invites visitors to come appreciate the beauty of nature. It’s a colorful addition to any Put-in-Bay sightseeing trip.
Address: 979 Catawba Avenue, Put-In-Bay, OH, 43456
This 4,000-square-foot aviary boasts of 50 gorgeous butterfly species in a collection that delights visitors of all ages.
Heather H/TripAdvisor There’s nothing quite as magical as interacting with these enchanting critters up close. In this enclosed environment, the power and fragility of these lovely creatures is evident.
The aviary and its gardens are totally serene, offering a vivid contrast to the island’s high energy atmosphere.
Lynnsey P/TripAdvisor Adults can tour this site for $8, and children will enjoy admission for $5 per person. You can also take advantage of combo deals to save money on your day trip.
Before entering the aviary, you’ll stroll through a gift shop full of rich beauty…
Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center Website This 5,000-square-foot shop dwarfs the adjacent aviary. It features traditional souvenirs as well as more sought-after collectibles like Fenton Glass and Belleek Fine Irish China.
…But that’s just one of several things you can enjoy before or after your visit.
Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center/Facebook As this site is located right on the campus pf Perry’s Family Fun Center, mini-golf, gem mining, a maze, a rock wall, and an antique car museum are all within walking distance of this incredible destination.
Located just next door - and 52 feet below ground - is Perry’s Cave, the largest historical cave on the island.
Nikki Rhoades This cave’s discovery is credited to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, whose men purportedly found something of a healing quality to the cave’s water. Featuring stalagmites, stalactites, and cave pearls, this cave continues to stun and fascinate visitors to this day.
The cave features a rare subterranean lake, which appears just as delicate and vivid as the butterflies next door.
Nikki Rhoades This body of water appears to rise and fall with Lake Erie, indicating that the two must be connected. The rich, clean water was even pumped to the once-famous Victory Hotel.
Across the street is a historic winery and cave that, like Perry’s Cave, remains open to the public.
Heineman Winery and Crystal Cave/Facebook Heineman’s Winery is an absolute delight, and their selection of wines and cigars is a fan favorite. Below this is Crystal Cave, the world’s largest geode.
This destination is fun for the whole family, so prepare to experience memory making at its finest.
Nikki Rhoades This is one destination where you’ll want to have the camera at the ready… you never know when a butterfly may land on you!
There’s no better time than now to visit Put-in-Bay.
Nikki Rhoades
There’s much fun to be had on South Bass Island, but this enchanting aviary is coveted by visitors and locals alike. Have you ever visited the Butterfly House? Share your experience and photos with us in the comments!
StewbieDewbieDoo/TripAdvisor
This charming destination is exactly what it sounds like: a butterfly sanctuary that invites visitors to come appreciate the beauty of nature. It’s a colorful addition to any Put-in-Bay sightseeing trip.
Address: 979 Catawba Avenue, Put-In-Bay, OH, 43456
Heather H/TripAdvisor
There’s nothing quite as magical as interacting with these enchanting critters up close. In this enclosed environment, the power and fragility of these lovely creatures is evident.
Lynnsey P/TripAdvisor
Adults can tour this site for $8, and children will enjoy admission for $5 per person. You can also take advantage of combo deals to save money on your day trip.
Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center Website
This 5,000-square-foot shop dwarfs the adjacent aviary. It features traditional souvenirs as well as more sought-after collectibles like Fenton Glass and Belleek Fine Irish China.
Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center/Facebook
As this site is located right on the campus pf Perry’s Family Fun Center, mini-golf, gem mining, a maze, a rock wall, and an antique car museum are all within walking distance of this incredible destination.
Nikki Rhoades
This cave’s discovery is credited to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, whose men purportedly found something of a healing quality to the cave’s water. Featuring stalagmites, stalactites, and cave pearls, this cave continues to stun and fascinate visitors to this day.
This body of water appears to rise and fall with Lake Erie, indicating that the two must be connected. The rich, clean water was even pumped to the once-famous Victory Hotel.
Heineman Winery and Crystal Cave/Facebook
Heineman’s Winery is an absolute delight, and their selection of wines and cigars is a fan favorite. Below this is Crystal Cave, the world’s largest geode.
This is one destination where you’ll want to have the camera at the ready… you never know when a butterfly may land on you!
Want to visit another butterfly house near Cleveland? You can visit this one surrounded by gorgeous gardens.
Consider adding these Cle’s hidden gems and attractions to your itinerary.
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