Things to Do in Port Clinton Ohio

Cedar Point's world-class roller coasters, golf-cart cruising on the Lake Erie islands, mini golf, waterparks, golf, ice fishing, waterfront dining, beaches, boating, historical sites and natural destinations for hiking, biking and exploring all make the Port Clinton area one of the best vacation spots in the Midwest.

To find out more about local events and offerings, please visit our links page or ask us for suggestions—we live here all year long and can tell you about lots of fun things you can do indoors and outdoors.

Ottawa County is also home to Ohio's only National Wildlife Refuge, the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, and the State of Ohio's Magee Marsh. Wildlife Area, Toussaint Creek Wildlife Area, Little Portage Wildlife Area, Crane Creek State Park, and East Harbor State Park. This makes Ottawa County home to a great wealth of wetlands, marshes, woodlands, grasslands, boardwalks, and beaches ideal for attracting migratory birds, nesting birds, and other watchable wildlife.

Ottawa County is also home to one of Ohio's largest Bald Eagle populations. Once nearly extirpated from the state due to habitat loss and toxic contamination, Bald Eagles can now be seen regularly.

Species include: Canada Geese, snow geese, speckled geese, Mallard ducks, teal, wood ducks, Scaups, golden eye, and many more.

Crane Creek Waterfowl festival is scheduled for August 21 and 22, 2010. It is open to the public.

Book now and take advantage of our low fall prices for rooms.

You can bring your own blind boat. We have docks available and free ramp facilities.

The fishing on Lake Erie is great year-round, and Port Clinton offers a large selection of experienced charter captains and walk-on head boats for the individual or group looking for sportfishing.

The White Caps is located directly on the Portage River which is just minutes by water to Lake Erie. Immediately next door to our motel is a large state-managed boat launch, so you can bring your boat by land or by water. This makes it very convenient for our guests to launch their boats and personal watercraft (jet-skis) into the water quickly. Our river front dockage is also a convenience to our guests, they can choose to keep their boat or personal watercraft in the water their entire stay.

Brief History of the Civilian Marksmanship Program

The lack of marksmanship skills during the Spanish-American War persuaded Congress to pass a Congressional Act in 1903 to give federal funding to state militias to provide marksmanship instruction camps and practice rifle ranges. In 1906 the Ohio State Legislature appropriated $25,000 to purchase over 300 acres of land for a state rifle range and camp. By the summer of 1907 Camp Perry Training Site was home to a 200 yd., a 600 yd., and a 800 yd. rifle range. By 1909, Camp Perry had evolved into the largest and best rifle ranges in the United States. During World War I, Camp Perry was used as a training center for officers and marksmanship instructors. During World War II, Camp Perry was used as a new recruit reception center, and in 1943 became a prisoner of war camp housing 2500 German and 200 Italian POW's.