Fun Attractions in the Port Clinton Area
Family Fun in the Port Clinton, Ohio Area
We recently spent an extended weekend in the Port Clinton and Sandusky Area. The only places we had ever visited in the past were amusement parks and indoor water parks. We decided to mix things up and experience the other attraction the area has to offer. I reached out to Lake Erie Shores and Islands for some help with my trip planning. I was provided with free admission to these attractions but all opinions are my own and I truly enjoyed exploring these fun and interesting locations.
Liberty Aviation Museum-Port Clinton
This aviation museum was established by a group of volunteers in 1991 to showcase aircraft from WWII. In 2012 they opened up in their current location at the Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport. The museum’s opening was heralded by the arrival of a newly refurbished B-52,called Georgie’s Gal. Before entering the hanger where the aircraft and automobiles (related to WWII) are housed you are invited to walk thru a small museum area. The museum has pieces of aviation history as it relates to the world and the Port Clinton Area. We enjoyed seeing the seats that they used to use on aircraft and made us thankful for the seats that are in aircraft currently.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Tin Goose Diner, inside the Museum. This authentic diner serves up food seven days a week and is a local favorite. The prices were very reasonable and all the diner’s profits go to support the Liberty Aviation Museum.
African Safari Wildlife Park-Port Clinton
Anything with animals is sure to be a family favorite and we couldn’t wait to visit the walk thru safari area as well as visit the drive thru safari featuring the larger animals. Since we were visiting off-season, we missed out on the popular shows they feature during the summer months. The monkeys made up for it by engaging in games of tag and chase for over an hour while we were there. The walk thru area does not allow for direct contact with the animals and you are not allowed to feed the animals here.
Once we visited all the adorable animals in the walk thru safari we loaded into our Ford Escape and headed over to the entrance to the Drive Thru Safari. We armed ourselves with 3 bags of carrots and 2 cups of feed. In hind sight, we should have doubled it as the animals are very accustomed to visitors and know what they bring. These do cost extra above your admission cost so if you are on a budget make sure you ration the food or it will be gone before you get past the first section.
The animals were not shy and we are convinced they set you up for ambush because more than once an animal would walk in front of our vehicle and stop and just stand there. I also warn you that if your windows are open be prepared for a surprise because they will just stick their head in an attempt to find food. Don’t worry about the mess in your car because you will find a few Car Vacuums (like the kind at the Quarter Car Wash) when you exit.
Merry Go Round Museum-Sandusky, Ohio
The museum was opened in 1990 as a way to preserve the history of the Merry Go Round. We received a tour around the museum from a volunteer who provided great information that I didn’t know. My daughter made it her mission to decipher between the different types of carousel animals. Her favorite animals are the ones in the Coney Island Style.
It was a very interesting and educational experience that we concluded with a ride on their indoor, county fair style Merry Go Round. Several of the animals on their Merry Go Round feature animals that have been carved specifically for them, by carvers who donate their time and services to the museum.
Each year they also sell raffle tickets for a hand carved Horse. The winner is drawn on New Year’s Eve and we had the opportunity to see this years and last years (since the winner had not picked up their prize.)
This was a perfect way to end our day and we will back again as everyone loves the Merry Go Round.
