Put-in-Bay Township Park District

The Middle Bass Island East Point Preserve consists of exceptional Lake Erie Islands shoreline and interior island habitat on Middle Bass Island. The property hosts a diversity of habitats including natural beach lands, hardwood forest, and grasslands, which attract large numbers of migrating birds and provides shelter and nesting space for resident songbirds. Over 120 species of birds have been identified at this site, as well as more than 30 unique plant and tree species. Trout lilies bloom in the preserve each spring.

The preserve also provides critical habitat for the Lake Erie watersnake. As a result of the success of the habitat protection effort at this preserve and other Park District preserves, the Lake Erie Watersnake has been removed from the list of federally endangered and threatened species. The Lake Erie Watersnake remains on the State of Ohio Threatened Species List.

Located near the tip of the island’s northeastern peninsula, the preserve overlooks Schoolhouse Bay, a popular destination for boaters and swimmers. The preserve contains a shallow-water dock for canoes and kayaks. Middle Bass Island East Point Preserve was one of the first kayak-only accessible parks in Ohio. A walking path circles through the preserve.

View or download the trail map here:

Middle Bass East Point Preserve Trail Map

Location:

Middle Bass Island, North Shore Road

Parcel:

7.8 acres

Access:

Canoe and kayak only

Trail:

Rugged, natural hazards

Hope you visit and enjoy the Middle Bass Island East Point Preserve!