While most people are familiar with Ohio’s island life and the popular vacation destination of Put-In-Bay in the summer months, the quaint fishing town of Port Clinton has a unique charm all its own year-round. As a safe harbor for Lake Erie boaters and the “Walleye Capital of the World,” Port Clinton eats, sleeps and breathes fishing.
During the colder months, the quiet fishing town almost seems frozen in time. Check it out:
What is now the county seat of Ottawa County was first established as a town along the shores of Lake Erie in 1828.
Vicki Timman/Flickr
Today, the tiny city covers a total area of just 2.28 square miles and is home to a population of approximately 5,098.
Emily/Flickr
During the summer months, it’s bustling with tourists passing through on their way to the Lake Erie Islands. Ferries are a common sight to see near the shore.
Vicki Timman/Flickr
But during the colder months, the sleepy fishing town is much more quiet.
Vicki Timman/Flickr
Port Clinton is nicknamed the “Walleye Capital of the World” for its abundance of walleye. And on New Year’s Eve at midnight, the town drops a giant fiberglass walleye in celebration, similar to the Times Square ball drop.
Vicki Timman/Flickr
The town also prides itself in its rich history and fishing and boating industries.
Vicki Timman/Flickr
No matter the time of year, you’re likely to see marina after marina packed with fishing boats, people fishing from the pier and the catch of the day being sold at local restaurants and markets.
Vicki Timman/Flickr
To get a true sense of this charming fishing town’s culture and day-to-day life, visit when the tourists are gone and they days are cooler.
Ohio Redevelopment Project/Flickr
Have you ever been to Port Clinton before? What time of year did you go? What was your experience like? Let us know!
Vicki Timman/Flickr
Emily/Flickr
Ohio Redevelopment Project/Flickr
For more charming towns and places to explore in Ohio, be sure to check out our previous articles, The One Enchanting Place In Ohio That Must Go On Your Bucket List Immediately and 14 Slow-Paced Small Towns In Ohio Where Life Is Still Simple.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
