Gemstone Mining

Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center offers many fun activities under one roof visitors can easily spend the entire day here. Put-in-Bay Gemstone Mining is one of the more unusual activities. Just like prospectors of yore, you mine for treasures.

Purchase a bag of rough mix and take it over to the gemstone mining area. Let water rush over the mix and start panning. Gems and fossils will magically appear! You get to keep your treasures to remind you of this special activity.

Also offered is geode cutting. Buy an uncut geode from the gift shop and the trained staff will cut it for you with a special diamond blade saw. The cut will reveal the hidden beauty inside. Every geode is unique!

Perry’s Cave and Fun Center

There are plenty of fun things to do in Put-in-Bay and Perry’s Cave has a lot of these attractions. Gemstone mining isn’t the only thing to do at Perry’s Cave! Located about a mile from downtown Put-in-Bay, Perry’s offers everything from mini golf to rock climbing.

The main feature on the complex is Perry’s Cave. This unique limestone lies 52 feet under the surface of the earth. Visitors descend into the cave to take in this natural and see the rare underground lake. The temperature always stays at 50 degrees so make sure to bring something warm to throw on.

Commodore Perry used this lake for drinking water for his troops as did the infamous and luxurious Hotel Victory. This massive hotel burned down in 1919 and its ruins are still visible at South Bass Island Park.

The War of 18 Holes mini golf course at Perry’s is really interesting. Each hole tells a tale about a battle in the War of 1812. This course is challenging and educational.

The Rock Wall is really fun and challenging. At 25 foot straight up, the staff is on-site to help visitors learn about the ins and outs of climbing. The Butterfly House is a beautiful oasis with butterflies flying throughout the aviary to soothing music.

DanDee’s Snack Shack offers really yummy and satisfying food like mac ‘n cheese balls, mozzarella sticks, and fried perch. They have a great selection of ice cream treats to help you cool down after some healthy competition.

Close By Attractions

This part of Put-in-Bay is full of interesting and delicious attractions. Looking for a nice meal for date night at a Put-in-Bay restaurant? Goat Soup and Whiskey is always an excellent choice. The Chocolate Cafe is right next store. Stop in for a deluxe hot chocolate and a range of delicious truffles, popcorn, and chocolate covered pretzels.

Dodge Woods Preserve is a lovely, young forest full of a variety of tree and wildflower species. Take a walk on the well maintained path and take in the beautiful surroundings.

South Bass Island Park includes a boat launch, public beach, and plenty of picnic tables. The well known Put-in-Bay bar, Joe’s Bar, is an island favorite. Grab a cold one and enjoy their backyard complete with corn hole, live music, and picnic tables.

Heineman Winery provides visitors with delicious, sweet wine served at their peaceful wine garden along with their own cave, the Crystal Cave. This is home to the world’s largest geode! The sooner you get on a Put-in-Bay ferry, the sooner you can see this natural wonder!