Park of the Day: Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial

Plan with current information. Conditions, roads, services, fees, and rules can change. Verify details with the National Park Service before your visit.

A Memorial That Connects History and Peace

Today is a fine day to give Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial our attention because it asks us to look beyond a single battle. On South Bass Island in Ohio, this memorial honors those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 while celebrating the long-lasting peace shared by Great Britain, Canada, and the United States.

That pairing gives the site its distinctive purpose. It is both a place of remembrance and a reminder that former wartime opponents can build an enduring relationship across the water.

The Landmark at Put-In-Bay

The memorial’s defining feature is impossible to miss: a Doric column rising 352 feet over Lake Erie. Its scale makes a clear visual statement, but the meaning behind it is more important than its height alone.

Situated within the Village of Put-In-Bay on South Bass Island, the memorial stands about five miles from the longest undefended border in the world. That nearby international boundary gives the site’s peace-focused message an immediate, tangible context.

What a Visit Feels Like

This is a destination for slowing down rather than trying to check off a long list of attractions. The central experience is standing in the presence of a monumental structure and considering how the Battle of Lake Erie fits into the broader story of the War of 1812.

We can also let the memorial’s international purpose shape the visit. Its setting near the border invites reflection on the unusual durability of peace between neighboring countries, especially in a place built to honor people who experienced conflict.

Two Ways to Make the Most of It

First, give the Doric column time to register as more than a landmark. Notice its scale and the way it anchors the memorial’s purpose: commemoration for those who fought and recognition of peace that has endured long after the battle.

Second, use the location on Lake Erie as part of the interpretation. The memorial is not separated from the international story it tells; it is positioned near the border that helps explain why this place is called an international peace memorial.

Planning the Island Visit

Reaching Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial requires planning for South Bass Island. The most common way to get there is by Jet Express or Miller Boat Line ferry, so we should build ferry travel into the day rather than treating the memorial as a quick roadside stop.

• Traveling east: use the Ohio Turnpike to US 250 north, then SR 2 west.
• Traveling west: use the Ohio Turnpike to SR 53 north, then SR 2 east.
• From SR 2, use the SR 163 or SR 250 exit for the Jet Express passenger ferry, or the SR 53 exit for the Miller Boat Line vehicle and passenger ferry.

Once on the island, allow a flexible portion of the day for transportation and an unhurried visit to the memorial and visitor center. Ferry connections are part of the journey, and a little extra time makes the experience feel more manageable.

Seasonal Notes for October

Fall can be especially pleasant, with cool temperatures, but brisk winds can make a 60-degree day feel much colder. Pack layers with wind in mind, particularly when traveling by ferry or spending time near Lake Erie.

Summer brings the possibility of extreme heat, humidity, and occasional sudden severe thunderstorms. In winter, both the memorial and visitor center are closed, making spring through fall the seasons to plan around.

Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial rewards travelers who want a meaningful stop with a strong sense of place. It is a memorable Lake Erie destination not only because of its 352-foot column, but because it holds war, remembrance, and peace in the same frame.