Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial

Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial

Travelers stopping in Ohio will find Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial listed as a national memorial, a designation that shapes the character of every visit. Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial was established to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the War of 1812, and to celebrate the long-lasting peace among Great Britain, Canada and the U.S. The Memorial, a Doric column, rising 352 feet over Lake Erie is situated 5 miles from the longest undefended border in the world.

Memorials ask something specific of visitors: time, attention, and a willingness to read context. Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial repays all three.

The memorial designation at Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial is more than a label. It tells you how the site is organized, what the interpretation focuses on, and what kind of visit makes sense here.

Key Highlights

• African American Heritage
• Arts
• Sculpture
• Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
• Historic Weapons Demonstration
• Birdwatching
• Cultural Demonstrations

Getting There

Reaching Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial is straightforward once you know the route. Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial is located within the Village of Put-In-Bay, Ohio on South Bass Island. The most common way to reach the island is by the Jet Express or Miller Boat Line ferries. When traveling east, use Ohio Turnpike to US 250 north to SR 2 west. When traveling west, use Ohio Turnpike to SR 53 north to SR 2 east. From SR 2 take the SR 163 exit OR the ST 250 exit for the Jet Express passenger ferry, Or take the SR 53 exit for Miller Boat Line vehicle and passenger ferry.

By Car

Most visitors arrive by private vehicle or rental car. Road conditions vary with weather and construction, so check the park's alerts page the day before you travel. Pay attention to GPS directions in rural stretches—some apps route drivers onto unmaintained service roads rather than the signed park entrance.

Nearest Airports

Regional airports provide the most convenient access for long-distance travelers. For the most current airline service and driving distances, cross-reference flight options with the park's contact page. Budget extra drive time from any airport, especially if you arrive after dark or during winter weather.

Public Transit and Tours

Direct public transit is limited at most National Park Service sites, but guided day tours and shuttles sometimes operate from nearby cities during peak season. Rideshare options are often reliable in gateway towns but may drop off outside the park boundary rather than at specific trailheads or visitor centers.

For turn-by-turn directions and current road status, consult the park's official directions page: http://www.nps.gov/pevi/planyourvisit/directions.htm.

Best Time to Visit

Weather shapes every visit. Summer months can be extremely hot and humid, with occasional and sudden severe thunderstorms. Fall and spring are pleasant with cool temperatures but brisk winds can make a 60° day feel much colder. In winter the memorial and visitor center are closed.

Spring (March – May)

Spring offers comfortable weather and longer daylight hours for contemplative visits, with fewer crowds than peak summer months.

Summer (June – August)

Summer is peak visitation, with extended hours and more staffed programs. Arrive early to avoid both heat and the largest tour groups.

Fall (September – November)

Fall delivers some of the best conditions—cool air, clear skies, and lighter foot traffic—well suited to a thoughtful visit.

Winter (December – February)

Winter brings quiet and sometimes dramatic light. Bundle up for outdoor portions and confirm indoor facility hours before arriving.

Activities and Adventures

Activities at Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial reflect the character of the site. The options below are drawn from the park's current published list—confirm availability and any required reservations before planning around a specific activity.

• Arts and Culture — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Craft Demonstrations — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Cultural Demonstrations — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Live Music — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Astronomy — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Stargazing — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Biking — confirm which roads and paths allow bikes and whether rentals are available in the gateway community.
• Boating — water levels and wind shift quickly—plan around weather and consult rangers about current conditions.
• Fishing — a state fishing license is typically required; check current regulations for species and gear limits.
• Freshwater Fishing — a state fishing license is typically required; check current regulations for species and gear limits.
• Living History — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Historic Weapons Demonstration — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• First Person Interpretation — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Paddling — water levels and wind shift quickly—plan around weather and consult rangers about current conditions.
• Canoeing — water levels and wind shift quickly—plan around weather and consult rangers about current conditions.
• Kayaking — water levels and wind shift quickly—plan around weather and consult rangers about current conditions.
• Stand Up Paddleboarding — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Junior Ranger Program — schedules rotate seasonally; check the visitor center board on arrival for the current lineup.
• Wildlife Watching — dawn and dusk are the most productive viewing windows; bring binoculars and maintain a respectful distance.
• Birdwatching — dawn and dusk are the most productive viewing windows; bring binoculars and maintain a respectful distance.
• Park Film — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Museum Exhibits — the visitor center is the best first stop for context, maps, and current program information.

Ranger-led programs are often the highest-value activity for first-time visitors, combining interpretation with access you might miss on your own. Check program schedules at the visitor center on arrival.

History and What to See

Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial is primarily a site of historical and cultural significance. Beyond the headline landmarks, the park preserves smaller details—inscriptions, outbuildings, period plantings, wayside exhibits—that repay an unhurried visit.

Featured interpretive themes include African American Heritage, Arts, Sculpture, Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite, Colonization and Settlement, Forts.

Interpretation and Programs

Ranger talks, living-history demonstrations, and self-guided audio tours bring the story to life. If your schedule allows, time your visit to catch at least one ranger-led program; the added context transforms what you see on the grounds.

Preserved Structures and Landscape

The National Park Service preserves the physical setting as faithfully as possible. Walking the grounds gives you a sense of scale—distances, sightlines, elevation—that is hard to appreciate from photos alone.

Research and Archives

Many historic sites maintain libraries, archives, or partnered research centers. If you have a specific interest, contact the park in advance; staff can often point you toward documents, oral histories, or special collections.

Lodging and Camping

Lodging strategy depends on how long you plan to stay at Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial and what you want to do when you are not at the park.

On-Site Stays

Overnight accommodations inside the park's boundary are limited or not offered here. Most visitors stay in nearby towns and commute in each day.

Gateway Towns and Nearby Lodging

Communities close to the park offer a mix of chain hotels, independent inns, vacation rentals, and—depending on location—bed-and-breakfasts. Several Ohio towns serve as convenient bases, with restaurants, fuel, and grocery resupply. Book well ahead for summer weekends and major holidays.

Operating Hours and Seasons

Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial—Rotunda and Observation Deck: ** The Plazas, Rotunda, and the Observation Deck of the Memorial will be inaccessible for the 2026 and 2027 seasons due to the Upper Plaza Rehabilitation. **

Operating hours for the rotunda and observation deck are modified for special events and adjusted for staffing reductions as seen below. Prepare to purchase tickets or passes from the visitor center before that time.

Essential Information

Fees and Passes

• Timed Entry Reservation - Location — $10.00: The Observation Deck will be inaccessible for 2026 and 2027 seasons. A ticket is required to visit the observation deck at the top of the Memorial. Tickets are sold daily in the visitor center from 10 am to 5:45 pm in 15-minute time slots a…

Passes

• Annual Entrance - Park — $35.00: This pass is good for unlimited visits to Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. It is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. With the signed pass in hand and personal identification, the pass-holder a…

Contact

• Phone: 4192852184
• Email: pevi_social_media@nps.gov
• Official site: https://www.nps.gov/pevi/index.htm

Safety

Carry water, sun protection, and layered clothing appropriate for the season. Cell coverage can be spotty in parts of the park—download offline maps before you leave your lodging. In an emergency, dial 911 or contact the nearest ranger station.

Services and Accessibility

Main visitor centers typically offer accessible restrooms, interpretive exhibits, bookstore sales, and ranger assistance. Accessibility varies by building and trail; contact the park ahead of time to discuss specific needs. Pets are often allowed on leash in designated areas only—check current rules before bringing animals.

Regulations to Know

Drones are prohibited in nearly all National Park Service units without a special permit. Metal detecting, collection of natural or cultural objects, and off-trail travel in sensitive areas are also commonly restricted. Read the signs at each trailhead and ask a ranger if you are unsure.

A visit to Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial does not need to be long to matter. It does need to be present.