Vermilion

Vermilion brings together maritime experiences, history and nature in an unusually vivid way. Anyone looking for a vacation apartment or vacation home for a varied stay can choose between historic discoveries, waterways, the beach and activities in the great outdoors. When deciding on a location, it is especially worth considering whether you would rather focus on the harbor and historic district, downtown or the landscape along the Vermilion River.

Discover History on Foot

A good place to start is the Historic Vermilion Ohio Walking Tour. It begins in the Commons area of the Ritter Public Library in downtown Vermilion. Stops include the Vermilion Lighthouse and the Simon Kenton Stone. The walking tour combines local history with notable landmarks that make the character of the city tangible.

The Vermilion Lighthouse is a replica of the original lighthouse, which was later moved to Lake Ontario. The present replica was dedicated on June 6, 1992, remains in operation and serves both as part of the museum and as an active navigational aid. Main Street Beach is located directly at the northern end of Main Street, next to the lighthouse. Anyone who wants to combine historic sights with time at the beach will find two distinct experiences in one place.

The Bacon House Museum and the Vermilion News Print Shop Museum offer further insights into the area’s past. The Bacon House is located in Benjamin Bacon’s original settler home, built in 1845. The Print Shop Museum houses two linotype machines and four printing presses. The print shop and weekly newspaper served the community of Vermilion, Ohio, from 1897 to 1964.

River Landscape and Waterways

The Vermilion River Reservation is ideal for visitors who want to combine their stay with exercise and observing nature. It features a 12-hole disc golf course as well as a launch area for kayaks and canoes on the river. Kayakers can also launch from the Mill Hollow side and paddle toward Lake Erie.

The shale cliffs of the Vermilion River Reservation are particularly striking. They were formed by the Vermilion River and are millions of years old. The Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail, which is 27 miles long, begins at these cliffs. This information can help with planning your day: You can choose between a historic city tour, a shorter activity in the park and a longer experience on the water, without having to fit every interest into the same outing.

Harbor, Events and the Right Location

The Vermilion Municipal Docks/Waterworks Marina accommodates boats up to 45 feet long. The Port Authority’s docks and ramps are located in Vermilion’s historic district. From there, many specialty shops, grocery stores, restaurants, accommodations, public parks and beaches are within easy walking distance. If you want to combine a harbor atmosphere with sightseeing without constantly changing locations, this area can provide useful guidance when searching for accommodation.

A special event is the three-day Festival of the Fish, held every year over Father’s Day weekend. The program includes parades, processions, live music, regional food, arts and crafts, the Crazy Craft Regatta/Race and a lighted boat parade. Anyone visiting Vermilion for this occasion should expect a trip with a much livelier event atmosphere than a quiet stay outside the festival period.

More Destinations for Your Planning

For further orientation, you can also explore Sandusky and Huron. In Vermilion itself, your choice of vacation rental can primarily be guided by whether historic routes, the harbor and beach, or the river landscape and paddling routes are the focus of your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Erie County.