Marblehead & Lakeside Chautauqua
The Marblehead Peninsula sits at the entrance to Sandusky Bay, with historic lighthouses, Victorian Chautauqua gates, state park beaches, and the main ferry dock for Kelleys Island.
Top Marblehead Peninsula Destinations
| Attraction | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Marblehead Lighthouse State Park | 110 N. Coast Pkwy, Marblehead | Oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes (1821). Tower tours and museum. |
| Lakeside Chautauqua | 236 Walnut Ave, Lakeside | Historic gated Victorian Chautauqua community with pier, concerts, arts, and family programming. |
| East Harbor State Park | 3111 E. Harbor Rd, Lakeside-Marblehead | 7-mile beach, disc golf, boat ramps, and over 500 campsites. |
| Kelleys Island Ferry Dock | 510 W. Main St, Marblehead | Daily passenger & vehicle ferry service from Marblehead directly to Kelleys Island. |
Ferry Connections & Island Access
Marblehead Peninsula is the primary mainland dock for reaching Kelleys Island via the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line; see our Kelleys Island Ferry fares and schedule before you go. For Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island), the Miller Ferry dock is located just 10 minutes west on Catawba Island.
Lighthouse Festival: Saturday, October 10, 2026
The 30th Lakeside-Marblehead Lighthouse Festival runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, across Lakeside Chautauqua and the Village of Marblehead. Admission and parking are free, with more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, a farmers' market and hayrides. It is the one fall day the lighthouse tower opens: tours cost $3 cash (6 and under free), weather permitting, since regular tower tours end on Labor Day. Park at the South Gate lot off State Route 163 and ride the free golf cart shuttle. Put-in-Bay's Oktoberfest is the same weekend; see what else is on around the islands in October.
Where to Stay in Marblehead & Lakeside
Lodging on the peninsula ranges from historic Victorian inns inside Lakeside Chautauqua to waterfront resorts, cottage rentals, and East Harbor State Park camping. See our Lake Erie Lodging Guide for partner rates and availability.
Stay on the Marblehead Peninsula
Waterfront inns, East Harbor camping, and bases for the Kelleys ferry. Compare live rates.
Check Marblehead & Lakeside hotelsMarblehead & Lakeside FAQ
Can you climb Marblehead Lighthouse?
Yes, Marblehead Lighthouse tower tours are open daily during the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). The grounds, keeper’s house museum, and US Life-Saving Service station are open for visitors.
Do you need a gate pass for Lakeside Chautauqua?
During the summer Chautauqua season (mid-June through Labor Day), Lakeside requires a gate pass for entry. Off-season access is free.