Getting to Know Marblehead, Ohio
Ah, sweet summertime! Finally, warm weather and all the fun to be had. Oh, wait….
There is no denying that the coronavirus pandemic has put a major damper on all our usual summer plans: amusement parks, public pools, fairs, concerts, family vacations, the list goes on. It is all too easy to grab a bag of Doritos, camp out on the couch and think about how your summer should have gone. Believe me – been there, done that.
However, with an open mind and a little bit of imagination, I think you will be surprised at what this summer has in store. Join me as we explore Marblehead, Ohio and all it has to offer.
Marblehead Lighthouse
Do you consider yourself a history buff? If so, the Marblehead Lighthouse is the perfect spot for you. Built in 1821, the lighthouse was home to the first female lighthouse keeper and is known for its rare Fresnel lens and iron staircase. In 2019, renovation of the lighthouse began and now, nearly one million people visit each year.
Fun fact: The Marblehead Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes!
Outdoor Adventuring
Being outdoors makes you healthier and happier. Lucky for you, Marblehead is home to some of the best parks in the state including East Harbor State Park and Lake Point Park. In our increasingly digital world, unplugging is more important than ever and you don’t need to travel far or spend a fortune to enjoy that much needed getaway. For a list of steps to follow to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 while at the park, click here.
Danbury Local Schools
Danbury Local Schools is an above average, public school district located in Marblehead, Ohio that serves students in pre-school through 12th grade. With more than 70% of students proficient in both math and reading, Danbury ranks #1 in Best Places to Teach in Ottawa County and #2 in Districts with the Best Teachers in Ottawa County by Niche. Danbury is known for providing excellent opportunities for students both in and outside of the classroom.
Visit a Gallery
Browse through showrooms of local artwork and craftsmanship. Marblehead is known for their quaint little galleries including Ferguson’s Gallery and Desdemona’s Art Gallery. Keep an eye out for upcoming events such as painting and glassblowing workshops!
Kelley’s Island Ferry Boat Line
Looking to get out on the water and soak in some great views? Kelley’s Island Ferry is the perfect choice for you! The ferry offers daily rides to and from Kelley’s Island and provides views of the Marblehead Lighthouse, Cedar Point, Put-in-Bay and the Lake Erie Islands.
Support the Local Businesses
Now more than ever, it’s important to support small, locally owned businesses. Due to the impacts of the pandemic, some businesses have been forced to shut their doors. For those that are still open, many are limited to the number of customers they can service at a time. Among a variety of advantages, eating and shopping locally ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong – into the community!
Here are some ways you can support the local businesses of Marblehead during COVID-19:
- Order takeout or curbside delivery
- Buy a gift card to use later
- Shop their online stores
- Write a good review
Check out a Museum
Take a step back in time by visiting the many museums located in Marblehead, Ohio. Learn about the history of Marblehead, as well as the creation of its famous lighthouse. A few noteworthy museums include Lifesaving Station Museum, The Keeper’s House Museum and Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society.
Dive into Local History
Looking to explore the history of the coastal Ohio area? Take the bridge to Johnson’s Island to visit The Johnson’s Island Confederate Prison Cemetery. This historic spot is the final resting place for 206 Confederate officers who died in captivity during the period when the island was used as a prisoner of war facility from 1862 to 1865. The cemetery is open year-round and admission is free.
About Marblehead, Ohio
Incorporated in 1891 and embraced by the rocky limestone coast of the great Lake Erie, Marblehead is a thriving small-town characteristic of true Americana. They are rich in history with a strong, diverse Eastern European culture. Their picturesque setting, friendly people, quaint shops and restful nature beckons travelers seeking to escape the chaos of big cities and bright lights.
About Ottawa County It’s All Here
The Business Advisory Counsel of Ottawa County, Ohio is excited to continue our Ottawa County It’s All Here campaign. This campaign focuses on showcasing everything that our region has to offer, with the goal of promoting employment, local businesses, and economic development. The Villages of Ottawa County Campaign is part of this initiative to highlight the places that make our community special. You can learn more by visiting our about page.