Things to Do

East Harbor State Park Weekly Nature Programs
Many activities are presented for the enjoyment of the general public and the campers here at East Harbor. During the summer season there will be several programs each week by our Naturalist. Our Nature center is open for anyone who wishes to visit, and everyone is invited to take part in the programs and nature hikes.

Click Here to view weekly Programs

East Harbor State Park Region Events 2010

Marblehead Lighthouse Tours, Marblehead Lighthouse – June 1-Sept.3, Mon, thru Fri., 1-4:45, Sat. tours on May 8, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11 & Oct. 9, 10AM-3PM. (419) 734-4424 x2.

APRIL 2010

Family Fishing Day, East Harbor - April 24 – In celebration of Earth Day held worldwide on April 22, we invite families to bring their children to the pond by Lockwood Shelter House for the opportunity to catch some trout to be released into the pond by the Division of Wildlife. Kids only may fish from 10am to 2pm. Adults may fish the pond after 2pm. (419) 734-4424 x2.

MAY 2010

Lilac Walk, Kelleys Island – May 9-16. Self-guided Lilac Trail. (419) 746-2546.

Nest with the Birds, Kelleys Island – May 10-15. Guided bird walks. (419) 746-2546 or information@kelleysislandnature.com.

Memorial Weekend Dance, East Harbor – May 29. Join us in front of the Nature Center for a dance to kick off the camping season. 7-10 PM at the Nature Center. (419) 734-4424 x2.

JUNE 2010

5K Run /Walk in the Park, East Harbor – June 5. This event is sponsored by the Friends of East Harbor State Park in conjunction with the Firelands Area Runners. For more info, call Jody Geyer at 419-656-7144.

Civil War Encampment, East Harbor – June 11-13. The Civil War comes back to life during this weekend! Wander through the settlers’ shops as they ply their wares, talk with General Grant and other notaries, and wander through the various encampments. Everyone will find something to appreciate, not to mention a battle or two between Confederate and Federal troops! (419) 734-4424 x2.

JULY 2010

Summer Dance, East Harbor – July 3. Join us for a summer dance party on Saturday night as we celebrate the holiday from 7pm-10pm. Fireworks put on by the local communities can be viewed from our beach on Sunday, July 4th. (419) 734-4424 x2.

AUGUST 2010

Family Football Tailgate, East Harbor – August 13 & 14. Whether your team is College or NFL, everyone is invited to decorate their campsite accordingly. A campsite decorating contest will be held. Additional details to come. (419) 734-4424 x2.

Conservation Day, East Harbor – August 21. Celebrate Lake Erie, Ohio’s greatest natural resource with fun and educational “hands on” activities. Who knows, you might learn something about our environment at the same time! (419) 734-4424 x2.

SEPTEMBER 2010

Labor Day Weekend Activities, East Harbor - September 3 & 5. - Don’t look now, but FALL is just around the corner! Feel free to take part in the various fall activities and join us for a dance on Saturday night. (419) 734-4424 x2.

Pleasure Paddle, Kelleys Island – September 18. 9 AM at the park’s sandy beach. Experienced paddlers only. (419) 746-2546.

North Coast Walk to Cure Diabetes, East Harbor – September 19. Join us for this worthy cause. Participate in a walk at the park that will benefit those dealing with Diabetes. Call Mary Brown, the Walk Chair at 419-732-2451 for information.

Feather & Foliage Festival, Kelleys Island – September 25. 8 AM-4:30 PM. Guided hikes and bird banding. (419) 746-2546, or information@kelleysislandnature.com.

Fall Festival, Kelleys Island – September 25. Pumpkin carving, chili dinner, bonfire. (419) 746-2546.

OCTOBER 2010

11th Annual Halloween Campout (WEEKEND #1), East Harbor - October 1 & 2. Fun for all! Have a ghoulish time with a bonfire, dance, scarecrow building contest, campsite decorating contest, a cookout, a seriously spooky haunted house, kid’s crafts and games, hayrides and more! (419) 734-4424 x2.

11th Annual Halloween Campout (WEEKEND #2), East Harbor – October 8 & 9. Fun for all! Have a ghoulish time with a bonfire, dance, scarecrow building contest, campsite decorating contest, a cookout, a seriously spooky haunted house, kid’s crafts and games, hayrides and more! (419) 734-4424 x2.

Winter Recreation

East Harbor State Park offers Snowmobiling, Sledding, Ice Skating on Lake Erie, Ice Fishing, Ice Boating, and Cross-Country Skiing.

Disc Golf

Looking for a HEALTHY, FREE, OUTDOOR FAMILY Activity??!! Have you tried our NEW DISC GOLF Course??

Located near East Harbor's Lockwood Shelter House, you will find a new Disc Golf course just waiting for you to enjoy! Here's how it works:

A typical disc golf course has 18 holes, thus 18 disc golf targets are used. (Ours is 10 holes in the initial set up, with hopes of adding more holes later as contributions allow). The person throwing the disc starts at a designated area (tee-pad) on each hole. The object of the game is to throw the disc in the basket in the least number of throws. As in real golf, whoever ends up with the lowest score wins the round. This is a fun activity which combines recreation with nature!

Boating

Lake Erie offers unlimited horsepower boating opportunities. The park's marina provides seasonal and day-use dock rentals, fuel, launch ramp, supplies and restaurant which serves breakfast on the weekends only. Boats and campers can be stored year-round at the marina in a fenced enclosure.

Fishing and Hunting

Lake Erie, the walleye capital of the world, provides anglers great catches of yellow perch, channel catfish, smallmouth and white bass in addition to walleye. Both East Harbor and West Harbor are excellent for bluegill, crappie and carp. Hunting for waterfowl is permitted on the eastern side of the offshore islands. Five duck blinds in the park are awarded through a lottery drawing held on the third Saturday in August. Contact the park office for details. A valid Ohio fishing and/or hunting license is required.

Trails

East Harbor's 10-mile trail system leads through the many different habitats within the park. The Middle Harbor Trail skirts the southern edge of the Middle Harbor game sanctuary and includes a stop at a bird observation blind. The short Blackberry Trail near the camp check-in station invites campers to enjoy a pleasant evening stroll. Other foot trails near the swimming beach offer the opportunity to observe the flora and fauna of a beach community.

Click Here for detailed TRAIL INFORMATION

Swimming

Thousands of visitors come to East Harbor's 1,500-foot sand beach.
Vending machines are available at the beach. Pets are not permitted on the beach.

Picnicking

Picnic areas with fantastic views of the lake and marshlands are equipped with tables and grills. Three spacious shelter houses may be rented by the public. Contact the park office for details. There are many areas throughout the park which are non-fee, non-reservable picnic areas which are available on a first come first served basis.