Learn about Lake Erie and its unique ecosystem at the Aquatic Visitors Center. Here education is hands on and a lot of fun. Operating under the Ohio Sea Grant, the staff at the Aquatic Visitors Center are both friendly and informative.
It is located outside of downtown Put-in-Bay by Peach Orchard Point. This is a great outing for the whole family. Kids will learn to appreciate the nature beauty all around them by engaging in a whole host of exciting activities.

One of the best way to learn about fishes is to fish! On their own pier, kids under 16 can fish for free. Gear s provided by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Invasive species, like the Goby, can be extremely harmful to the food web. Any caught are fed to the fish in the aquarium.

Fish Species at the Fishing Pier

Bluegill
Pumpkinseed
Bass
Yellow perch

Aquatic Center Activities

Investigate Lake Erie’s complex ecosystem with fun and engaging activities
Observe Lake Erie fish species in the aquariums
Learn about current research
Ask Aquatic Visitors Center experts your Lake Erie questions

Research

This building has always been an important location for research. Originally opened as a hatchery by the State of Ohio, they raised a variety of fish. This included walleye, whitefish, herring, perch, steelhead, chinook salmon, and coho salmon were raised here for over 80 years.
Visitors can also learn about current research at the lab. Walleye tracking, aquatic invasive species, the dead zone, and studies on fish biology are underway.
Kids can also participate in Saturday programs. Come to the docks to learn about animals of the Lake Erie watershed.
Learning about nature is the first step to preserving. It is up to all of us to take care of Lake Erie. That way next generations can also enjoy it as much as we do!