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If you have a hankering to explore a town with historical significance while experiencing some of the wonders Lake Erie has to offer, you’d do well to consider docking at Shrock’s Marina in Marblehead, Ohio.
From the moment the flowers bloom in the spring until the leaves turn the color of rust in autumn, Marblehead attracts visitors who enjoy nature, boating and history. Sitting comfortably on the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula, this destination delivers both beauty and delight to all travelers.
The Marina
Natalie Gottron has worked at Shrock’s Marina for the past four years, and she loves the atmosphere and friendly people she gets to work with every day.
“The marina’s pretty popular,” explained Gottron, “especially on the weekends. There are always people here and always boats coming in.”
It’s little wonder that Shrock’s is doing so well since the marina is family-owned with a campground and offers direct access to Lake Erie. They also offer a variety of services and specialize in indoor heated storage and outdoor storage.
Shrock’s Marina has all the equipment necessary to lift and store boats up to 35 tons with 17-feet-wide beams. They even offer winterization and shrinkwrap for the cold months of winter. Then of course they also offer overnight dockage and can accommodate boats up to 60 feet long.
If you need to fuel up, you can count on Shrock’s Marina since they offer 90 octane gasoline that’s ethanol-free, which is some of the best fuel you can get for boats. They also sell diesel if you find yourself in need.
The dock shop is also a fun place to visit for a little browsing and shopping. They sell some of the coolest gear from top brands such as Costa Del Mar sunglasses, Stormr rain gear and Engel coolers. You’ll also find a large variety of boat parts and accessories.
Hidden Beach Bar
It isn’t often that you get to taste some of the best Yellow Perch in the area alongside a full bar and dozens of beer options, but the Hidden Beach Bar promises just that. This restaurant is conveniently located right next door to Shrock’s Marina, so you won’t have to go too far after you dock your boat. Gottron highly suggested giving it a try.
“The restaurant is really fun and always has things going on,” added Gottron. “There’s always something to do there.”
Hidden Beach Bar has some great island views of Kelleys Island, and Shrock’s Marina offers free hourly docking for restaurant customers. As aforementioned, this joint has a full bar, 30 different kinds of beer, local wine, great sandwiches and tacos, and some of the best Lake Erie Perch you’ll ever taste.
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
Once you’ve satisfied your hunger at the Hidden Beach Bar, you’ll definitely want to explore the rest of Marblehead.
“There are a lot of things to see in the town,” attested Gottron.
One of the main attractions in Marblehead is their historic lighthouse. The Marblehead Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes, and it was also the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes to have a female lighthouse keeper. The Marblehead Lighthouse has made quite a name for itself over the course of time and has even appeared on a U.S. postage stamp.
You can visit this historic landmark in the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. During your visit, you’ll get the opportunity to see the lighthouse as well as the former light keeper’s home. You can climb the 77 steps to the top of the lighthouse and witness the breathtaking view of Lake Erie which is sure to be a treat. There is something for everyone at this park since it also features picnic facilities, fishing and walking trails.
Additionally, if you want a more in-depth tour of the history and workings of the lighthouse, the park offers guided tours of the lighthouse and the keeper’s home in the summer.
Kelleys Island
Something else Gottron suggested for marina guests to do while they’re staying at Shrock’s would be to visit Kelleys Island. Kelleys Island sits in the western basin of Lake Erie, only about four miles north of Marblehead. The entire island measures over four square miles and is considered to be the largest American island in Lake Erie.
The island offers a myriad of activities that range from birding to playing putt putt on their 18-hole mini golf course. You can even rent a golf cart or a bike and cruise around the island while enjoying the views of the lake and the surrounding nature.
So Many Options
When you dock at Shrock’s Marina you’ll have so many options that you won’t have time to be bored. We’ve only just skimmed the surface with these few highlights, but the fact is that this marina is right in the middle of everything Lake Erie has to offer.
“We are also only one mile down the road from Lakeside Chataqua and a 20-minute car or boat ride to Cedar Point,” added Emily Dunfee, the co-owner of Shrock’s Marina, Hidden Beach Bar, and water boat towing company Rescue Marine. “Put-In-Bay is also a close boat ride or ferry ride. We are really in the middle of all things Lake Erie Shores and Islands!”
With the friendly marina staff, the excellent food choices at the Hidden Beach Bar, and all the surrounding wonders of Lake Erie, you’ll be completely set with a full itinerary of fun things to do for days to come.
For More Information:
Marblehead Village
www.marbleheadvillageohio.com
Kelleys Island
www.kelleysisland.com
Shores and Islands: Ohio’s Lake Erie
www.shoresandislands.com
Shrock’s Marina
www.facebook.com/shrocksmarina
