Kelleys Island Travel Guide

  Inscription Rock
by Stephen-KarenConn
 
  • Inscription Rock
      Inscription Rock
    by Stephen-KarenConn
  • Karen at the Glacial Grooves
      Karen at the Glacial Grooves
    by Stephen-KarenConn
  • Karen in front of Kelleys Mansion
      Karen in front of Kelleys Mansion
    by Stephen-KarenConn
  • Kelleys Island, OH
      Kelleys Island, OH
    by WILDEFLOWER
  • Kelleys Island, OH
      Kelleys Island, OH
    by WILDEFLOWER
 

Explore Kelleys Island

Things to Do  

Inscription Rock
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Stephen-KarenConn 2608 reviews
Inscription Rock

This huge flat limestone slab is located on the south shore of Kelleys Island at the edge of Lake Erie. Inscription Rock contains 122 pictographs of animals and human figures, believed to be the handiwork of prehistoric Indians. Archeologists consider it one of the finest examples of hieroglyphics in the Great Lakes area.

Discovered partially buried by early settlers in 1832, today the fully exposed 21-feet by 32-feet slab is protected with a roof built by the Ohio Historical Society. The rock is an easy walk from the docks, just east of the shopping area of Kelleys Island.

Updated Apr 4, 2011

Related to:
 Archeology
 Historical Travel

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Kelleys Mansion
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Karen in front of Kelleys Mansion

This historical landmark was built in 1861-1865, by Addison Kelley, an early settler. It is a three story structure, with widow's walk, constructed of native limestone quarried on the island. The mansion features an exquisite circular staircase which is self-supporting, high ceilings, hand-carved woodwork, a Venitian hand-cut skylite with rose colored windows, and three Italian marble fireplaces.

On a late summer Sunday afternoon when we were walking past Kelleys Mansion a hand-painted sign in front announced: "Tours Today," A man with tousled hair and wearing a long sleeved white shirt was standing on the the front lawn. He turned out to be house's current owner, Mr. Lemley - an unusual but congenial character. We joined in with three other impromptu guests, and for $2.00 each Mr. Lemley took us on a personally guided tour. It was the best two dollars we spent that day.

Updated Mar 14, 2004

Related to:
 Historical Travel
 Architecture

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Hotels  

Ohio Divison of Wildlife: Kelley's Island Campground

Ohio Divison of Wildlife: Kelley's Island Campground, Kelleys Island

 23_Raerae_23 Says:  You can go to the beach and go boatind or Jet Skiing that is what i do. It has a nice party place you can you to the many restrants on the islands. The great view of the lake. You can bike to anywhere from the campsite you go go to Uncle Dicks store at the edge of the... 

Kelleys Island State Park Campground

Kelleys Island State Park Campground, Kelleys Island

 WILDEFLOWER Says:  If your not close to the restroom, plan on taking a nice lonnnnnng walk to it. But for us older folks who get up in the middle of the night and there are no woods near by hehe! Does have a beautiful beach and is near the Glacial Grooves. There is a general store right... 

Warnings and Dangers  

Kelleys Island Police
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vagabond2009 1 reviews

The island and the islanders are great people, but beware of the police. They are unprofessional, inexperienced and poorly trained part-timers who love to misuse and abuse power. They left my dog, my purse and my computer in my vehicle over night without allowing me access or even removing them under their jurisdiction.. So were the windows left down leaving my belongings unsecured, or were the windows up and the doors locked with my dog in the vehicle in summer heat?They are ubiquitious since the island is small and they have nothing to do but look for "trouble." These officers (a term used lightly) wouldn't last a night on a real beat.

Written Aug 31, 2009

Related to:
 Family Travel
 Travel with Pets
 School Holidays

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Off The Beaten Path  

Glacial Grooves State Memorial
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Stephen-KarenConn 2608 reviews
Karen at the Glacial Grooves

Located on the north side of Kelleys Island, these are the largest and most spectacular example of glacial grooves in the entire world. A walkway, with stairs and a bridge, takes visitors around and over this fenced off international study site. Scientists believe the 400x35 feet grooves were scoured into the native limestone bedrock by the advance glaciers during the ice age, 18,000 to 30,000 years ago.

This is a small island. To find the grooves simply follow the only road which circles the island, around to the north side, and you will see a sign pointing to the grooves and a small parking area.

Updated Mar 14, 2004

Website: www.stateparks.com/glacial_grooves.html

Related to:
 Historical Travel
 National/State Park

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Map of Kelleys Island