Have you ever treated yourself to a staycation? This is something of a vacation-oriented state of mind that allows you to spend your days adventuring like a tourist, yet still retire in the comfort of your own home. Staycations feature a variety of day trips and weekend trips that are fairly close to home, and Clevelanders are fortunate in that they have many to choose from. One destination where you can never go wrong is actually located just off of Lake Erie’s southern shore, and it’s a true island getaway right here in Ohio.

There’s no summertime destination quite like South Bass Island.

daveynin/Flickr South Bass Island is hiding in western Lake Erie in Ottawa County. The island is only 3.7 miles long; a tiny expanse that visitors traverse via golf carts.

Located just three miles away from Ohio’s northern shore, this island is easily accessible and full of surprises.

marada/Flickr Catch a ferry to reach the island, but be sure to check the weather before planning your trip.

One of the most darling surprises is Kimberly’s Carousel, one of the oldest original carousels in operation in the country.

marada/Flickr This wooden carousel is a true work of art. Its pleasant jingling music will provide a soundtrack as visitors take a ride back in time.

This stunning structure was built in 1917 by the Allan Herschell Company.

Lorrie C/TripAdvisor The Allan Herschell Company was known for its quality wooden carousels - structures that were produced from 1915 to 1970. Herschell, however, had been producing carousels since the founding of the Armitage Herschell Company in 1873.

Amazingly, this antique adventure has changed very little in its century of existence.

Put-in-Bay Ohio/Facebook While pieces have been damaged or disappeared over the years, you’ll still discover impeccably-restored animals dating back over a century.

The structure came to South Bass Island when Put-in-Bay native George Stoiber purchased and restored the carousel.

Andrew Borgen/Flickr The carousel was purchased in the 1980s and has entertained and delighted visitors ever since. It was in a state of disrepair, so the Stoibers breathed new life into it, adding an old-fashioned feel to Delaware Avenue.

Stoiber found that only 12 of the original 36 animals remained, so he and his wife, June, replaced and hand-painted new animals to complete the carousel.

Andrew Borgen/Flickr Some of these new additions permanently tie the carousel with the island’s history. A five-foot-long Lake Erie perch, affectionately known as “Petey the Perch,” adds local flavor to the fixture of fun.

To take a ride, you will have to visit the adjacent Carriage House.

Hoosiergadabout /TripAdvisor This charming gift shop offers a variety of must-have souvenirs, but before you shop you’ll want to pick up carousel tickets. You can find pricing information here.

Nostalgia abounds at this charming historic structure on Lake Erie’s loveliest island.

marada/Flickr Address: 160 Delaware Avenue, Put-in-Bay, OH, 43456

There’s so much charm and history alive on South Bass Island. Have you ever visited this incredible carousel? Did you enjoy that dose of nostalgia? If you’re still craving a trip through time, you’ll adore these photos of long-gone Cleveland destinations while adding these fun trips to your list.

daveynin/Flickr

South Bass Island is hiding in western Lake Erie in Ottawa County. The island is only 3.7 miles long; a tiny expanse that visitors traverse via golf carts.

marada/Flickr

Catch a ferry to reach the island, but be sure to check the weather before planning your trip.

This wooden carousel is a true work of art. Its pleasant jingling music will provide a soundtrack as visitors take a ride back in time.

Lorrie C/TripAdvisor

The Allan Herschell Company was known for its quality wooden carousels - structures that were produced from 1915 to 1970. Herschell, however, had been producing carousels since the founding of the Armitage Herschell Company in 1873.

Put-in-Bay Ohio/Facebook

While pieces have been damaged or disappeared over the years, you’ll still discover impeccably-restored animals dating back over a century.

Andrew Borgen/Flickr

The carousel was purchased in the 1980s and has entertained and delighted visitors ever since. It was in a state of disrepair, so the Stoibers breathed new life into it, adding an old-fashioned feel to Delaware Avenue.

Some of these new additions permanently tie the carousel with the island’s history. A five-foot-long Lake Erie perch, affectionately known as “Petey the Perch,” adds local flavor to the fixture of fun.

Hoosiergadabout /TripAdvisor

This charming gift shop offers a variety of must-have souvenirs, but before you shop you’ll want to pick up carousel tickets. You can find pricing information here.

Address: 160 Delaware Avenue, Put-in-Bay, OH, 43456

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