The Most Remote Island In Ohio Is A Must-Visit This Summer

There's something about summer that stokes the appetite for adventure — especially on the water. While paddling down a river is my personal summertime recreation of choice, the Lake Erie Islands of Northern Ohio open up a whole new world of wonder — possibility. Paddling, boating, swimming... the Buckeye State has over a dozen natural islands in Lake Erie's Western Basin, but none capture the curiosity quite like Gibraltar Island. Remote and cloaked in mystery, here's what awaits when you book a summertime tour of one of the most remote places in Ohio.

At just 6.5 acres in size, Gibraltar Island is by no means large; but what it lacks in stature it more than makes up for in mystery.

See it looming there, up ahead?

Hailed as the Gem of Lake Erie, Gibraltar Island gets its name for its resemblance to the famous British fortress.

One of the best islands of Ohio is no less captivating; the island was once a retreat for Sandusky native (and Civil War financier) Jay Cooke and his family.

In 1925, Cooke's daughter, Laura Barney, sold the island to Julius Stone, who later gave it to Ohio State University.

Today, the island is still owned by OSU; its Franz Theodore Stone Laboratory named after Julius Stone's father, who was a naturalist.

Gibraltar Island is actually closed to the public for most of the year... but during the summer, science and history tours of Gibraltar Island are offered.

Visitors can meet for the tours at the Boardwalk Restaurant dock 15 minutes before the start time. The water taxi to Gibraltar Island charges a fee of $8 per round-trip, payable to the boat driver in cash only.

These tours provide visitors with the rare opportunity to explore this remote and resplendent Ohio island, its glacial grooves and natural features as well as its historic homes and the iconic Cooke Castle.

Don't forget the binoculars ... and sunscreen!

While naturally beautiful and teeming with history, there's something a bit foreboding and ominous about Gibraltar Island... a place quite literally isolated from the rest of the world.

This summer, don't miss your chance to explore Gibraltar Island - it's a place sure to get your imagination running wild... in all the best ways!

And we suggest hanging around for the free sunsets.

Gibraltar Island tour information can be found on the Ohio Sea Grant College Program website. Did you know about this remote Ohio island? Have you already visited? Please share your experience in the comments below. Gibraltar Island is a real-life treasure that brings to mind Peter Pan and Neverland ... and it's just waiting to be explored!

While you're there, visit Ohio's largest butterfly house at Put-In-Bay. Reserve a pretty spot to stay and make it a vacation.