Middle Bass Island facts for kids
 |
|
 Middle Bass Island
Location in Ohio
|
|
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°40′45″N 82°48′40″W / 41.67917°N 82.81111°W |
| Archipelago | Lake Erie Islands |
| Adjacent bodies of water | Lake Erie |
| Area | 3.258 km2 (1.258 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| State | Ohio |
| County | Ottawa County |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 25 |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone | |
| • Summer (DST) |
|
Middle Bass Island is a small island in Lake Erie, located in the state of Ohio, United States. A small town, also called Middle Bass, is found on the island. The island is about 805 acres (or 3.258 square kilometers) in size. It is shaped a bit like the Big Dipper constellation. Middle Bass Island is one of three main Bass Islands and is surrounded by 23 smaller islands. It is part of Put-in-Bay Township, Ottawa County, Ohio.
Some of its well-known neighbors include South Bass Island, home to the town of Put-in-Bay, as well as Kelleys Island and Pelee Island.
Discovering Middle Bass Island
A French explorer named Robert La Salle visited Middle Bass Island in 1679. He and his crew were amazed by all the beautiful wildflowers. Because of these flowers, they named the island Isle des Fleures, which means "Island of Flowers." This name was used for about 200 years.
In 1856, a German count bought the island. With the help of German workers, he started growing grapes. This was a very successful idea! Old pictures of Middle Bass Island and its neighbor, North Bass Island, show that most of the land was covered in neat rows of grapevines.
The Famous Lonz Winery
By 1875, the Golden Eagle Winery on Middle Bass Island was known as the largest wine producer in the United States. The Lonz family took over the business in 1884. They owned and ran the winery until George Lonz passed away in 1968.
The Lonz Winery was often compared to the famous wineries in Germany. Its old castle-like building welcomed many important people, including five American Presidents. Today, the winery is part of a company that still carries the Lonz name. Since 1979, the wines have been made by an Italian wine expert named Claudio Salvador.
In 2001, the state of Ohio bought the Lonz Winery. This led to the creation of Middle Bass Island State Park. The state of Ohio has since fixed up the Lonz Winery. It reopened to the public on June 22, 2017. While they don't make or sell wine there anymore, you can take tours of the historic building. There are also plans to fix up the nearby Lonz mansion and open it to visitors by 2024.
Visiting Middle Bass Island
Middle Bass Island is a popular spot for visitors. You can get there by ferry! The Miller Boat Line travels from Catawba Island, and the Middle Bass Ferry Line connects it to Put-In-Bay. Many people like to stay on Middle Bass because it's less crowded. Then, they take the Sonny S ferry (the only ship of the Middle Bass Ferry Line) for a day trip to Put-In-Bay.
If you prefer to fly, Middle Bass Island has two airports. Middle Bass Island Airport has a runway that is 1,852 feet long and offers commercial air-taxi service. Middle Bass-East Point Airport has a grass runway that is 2,085 feet long.
