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Oak Point State Park

4.7
·178 reviews·Put-in-Bay, United States

Ohio's smallest state park, offering serene Lake Erie views and birdwatching opportunities near Put-In-Bay.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Ideal for birdwatching

CrowdLow
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water view

Oak Point State Park

Best Time

Spring mornings

Ideal for birdwatching

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ohio's smallest state park, offering serene Lake Erie views and birdwatching opportunities near Put-In-Bay.

4.7
(178 reviews)

"Tiny park, but the views here are amazing."

Vertical photo
TIP

Look for the Sign!

This tiny park is easy to miss. Keep an eye out for the state park sign near the boardwalk. :pushpin:

Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a peaceful meal with stunning lake views. Perfect for a quiet escape. :sandwich:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Erie Vistas

Lake Erie Vistas

Panoramic views of Lake Erie and Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial.

Birdwatching Haven

Birdwatching Haven

A surprisingly rich spot for birdwatching, with diverse avian life frequenting the area.

Peaceful Picnic Spot

Peaceful Picnic Spot

Enjoy a quiet meal or relax on a blanket away from the hustle and bustle of Put-In-Bay.

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Planning Your Visit

Tiny Park, Big Views

Oak Point State Park is Ohio's smallest, but don't let its size fool you. It offers stunning lake views and a peaceful escape from the Put-In-Bay crowds. Perfect for a quick stop to enjoy the scenery and birdwatching.

Finding This Hidden Gem

Tucked away near the Put-In-Bay boardwalk, this park is easy to miss. Keep an eye out for the sign! It's a great spot for a quiet picnic or to simply soak in the lake vistas.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Ideal for birdwatching
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour lake views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Put-in-Bay & Kelleys Island are two of my favorite places in Ohio. Island vibes, golf carts, pools, boats. Doesn’t get better than that 👏🏻. #ohio #ohiocheck #island #islandvibes @Shores & Islands Ohio @saucybrewworks @SeasonUpOfficial
@ohioplacestogo
84.4K likes • 820.2K views

Look for the Sign!

This tiny park is easy to miss. Keep an eye out for the state park sign near the boardwalk. :pushpin:

Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a peaceful meal with stunning lake views. Perfect for a quiet escape. :sandwich:

Our little touch of Florida😭🏝️ #fyp #putinbay #thingstodoinohio #minivacay #summervibes #for #vlogs #dayinthelifevlog #ditlvlog #vacationmode
@kyliaxkyomi
72.3K likes • 903.8K views
📍Deception Pass State Park - Oak Harbor, WA Take Lighthouse Point Trail out to see views of Deception Pass bridge from afar first! Then drive over to the bridge, park, and walk halfway (not for the faint of heart if you don’t like heights!) to get to the steps underneath. Stunning views & a fun adventure 🙌🏽 #deceptionpassstatepark #deceptionpass #deceptionpassbridge #washingtonstate #washingtons...
viewsbrewsandfoods
51 likes • 440 views

Bring Binoculars

Great spot for birdwatching! You might see a variety of local and migratory birds. :bird:

Small but Mighty

Don't expect vast trails, but do expect beautiful scenery and a tranquil atmosphere. :sparkles:

Check out this huge rattlesnake spotted at Oak Mountain State Park. This is why it’s important to stay on the trails while hiking because snakes can blend into their surroundings so well. Footage courtesy of @davidgraves_ #thisisalabama #oakmountainstatepark #hiking #rattlesnake #explorealabama #stateparks
thisisalabama
5.8K likes • 290.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Look for the Sign!

This tiny park is easy to miss. Keep an eye out for the state park sign near the boardwalk. :pushpin:

Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a peaceful meal with stunning lake views. Perfect for a quiet escape. :sandwich:

Bring Binoculars

Great spot for birdwatching! You might see a variety of local and migratory birds. :bird:

Small but Mighty

Don't expect vast trails, but do expect beautiful scenery and a tranquil atmosphere. :sparkles:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(178 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Oak Point State Park for its stunning lake views and peaceful atmosphere, despite its small size. It's a hidden gem offering a tranquil escape and good birdwatching opportunities, though some note it's easy to miss and not extensively featured in official guides.

"Tucked away in a corner you will miss it if you aren't looking for it. Super tiny little park. However the views here are amazing"

Lucija Christine

"I didn’t believe this was a state park until I saw the sign. It’s not in the Ohio passport book or ODNR’s website. It might be the smallest state park ever. There is a nice view of the lake and Perry’s Victory national monument. Lots of birds in the area as well."

Thirteendays

"Beautiful location near the boardwalk in putin bay."

Debsankar Das

What People Like

Beautiful lake views
Peaceful atmosphere
Birdwatching opportunities

What People Dislike

Very small size
Easy to miss

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Oak Point State Park is located near the boardwalk in Put-In-Bay. It's Ohio's smallest state park and can be easily missed if you're not looking for it. Access is typically via car or by walking from the main Put-In-Bay area. TikTok

While Oak Point State Park itself is not directly accessible by ferry, you would take a ferry to reach Put-In-Bay island, and then make your way to the park. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Oak Point State Park is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to visit and enjoy the scenic views. Reddit

As a public park, Oak Point State Park is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific hours may vary, but it's typically open from dawn until dusk. Reddit

According to visitor feedback, Oak Point State Park may not be listed in the Ohio Passport Book or on the ODNR website, suggesting it might be a lesser-known or smaller designation. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Oak Point State Park is ideal for relaxing, enjoying scenic lake views, picnicking, and birdwatching. It's a peaceful spot to get away from the busier attractions on Put-In-Bay. Reddit

Oak Point State Park is very small and does not feature extensive hiking trails. Its primary appeal lies in its scenic overlooks and peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

Yes, Oak Point State Park has a fishing area, making it a suitable spot for anglers looking for a quiet place to cast a line. Reddit

Yes, public restrooms are available at Oak Point State Park, which is a convenient amenity for visitors. Reddit

Oak Point State Park is known for being Ohio's smallest state park, offering a compact but beautiful bayside experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The park offers excellent photo opportunities of Lake Erie, the surrounding natural beauty, and a clear view of Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. The sunsets here can be particularly stunning. Reddit

Absolutely! The park is a haven for birds, so bringing a camera with a zoom lens can yield fantastic shots of various avian species. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Oak Point State Park is a great, low-key stop for families visiting Put-In-Bay. Its small size means kids can't wander too far, and the public restrooms are a definite plus. It's an ideal spot for a quick picnic lunch with a beautiful view, offering a moment of calm before or after exploring the island's more active attractions. Reddit

While there aren't playgrounds or extensive play areas, the open space by the lake allows children to run around a bit. The main draw for families will be the scenic beauty and the chance to see boats on the lake. It's a simple, enjoyable stop that adds a touch of nature to your island itinerary without requiring a lot of time or energy. Reddit

🎣 Anglers

For those who enjoy fishing, Oak Point State Park offers a convenient and scenic spot to cast a line. The park features a designated fishing area, providing easy access to the waters of Lake Erie. It's a peaceful alternative to some of the more crowded fishing spots on the mainland or other parts of the island. Reddit

Anglers can expect to find a tranquil environment to enjoy their hobby. While the park's size limits extensive exploration, the accessible shoreline makes it easy to set up and fish. It's a great place to relax and try your luck at catching some local Lake Erie species. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Ohio's Smallest State Park

Oak Point State Park might be small in acreage, but it packs a punch with its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Unlike larger parks, its charm lies in its intimacy and accessibility. It's the perfect spot for a brief respite, offering stunning views of Lake Erie and a clear line of sight to the iconic Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. Visitors often remark on how it feels like a hidden gem, tucked away yet offering a significant visual reward. Reddit

This park is a testament to the idea that size isn't everything. It provides essential amenities like public restrooms and a fishing area, making it a convenient stop for those exploring Put-In-Bay. The lack of extensive trails means it's not a destination for a long hike, but rather a place to pause, reflect, and appreciate the natural surroundings. The birdwatching opportunities are a significant draw for nature enthusiasts, with many species frequenting the park's shores. Reddit

For photographers and nature lovers, Oak Point State Park offers a unique perspective. The unobstructed views of the lake and the memorial are particularly striking during sunrise and sunset. It's a place where you can spread out a blanket, enjoy a picnic, and simply soak in the peaceful ambiance, a welcome contrast to the lively energy of nearby Put-In-Bay attractions. Reddit

Birdwatching at Oak Point State Park

Oak Point State Park, despite its small size, is a surprisingly rewarding location for birdwatching. Its strategic position along Lake Erie makes it a point of interest for various avian species, including migratory birds. Visitors often report seeing a diverse range of birds, making it a must-visit for any avid birder exploring the islands. Reddit

To make the most of your birdwatching experience, it's recommended to bring binoculars. The open views of the lake and shoreline provide excellent vantage points for spotting waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds. Early mornings are often the most active periods for bird activity, offering the best chances to observe a variety of species in their natural habitat. Reddit

While the park itself doesn't offer specific birding trails, its accessible layout allows for easy observation from various points. The peaceful environment ensures that you can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature without significant disturbance, enhancing the overall birdwatching experience. Reddit

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