Is Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial worth it?
A 352-foot Doric column rising from a Lake Erie island is a genuinely striking sight, and the surrounding water makes for excellent paddling and birdwatching.
But prospective visitors must know that the observation deck and rotunda are closed for the entire 2026 and 2027 seasons. Without that aerial payoff, the memorial becomes more of a lakeside history and recreation destination than a classic monument visit. At $10 entry, it still delivers real value, just not the value most people picture when they look up that column.
Who it is for
History buffs drawn to the War of 1812, families who want to mix junior ranger programming with kayaking or fishing, and birders working the Lake Erie corridor will get the most from this. Visitors coming solely to ride the elevator to the top should wait until 2028.
Highlights
- Paddling and kayaking on Lake Erie directly from the island, with stand-up paddleboarding as an option for calmer days
- Living history and first-person interpretation bringing the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie to life, including historic weapons demonstrations
- Birdwatching along a Lake Erie migratory corridor, especially productive in spring and fall
- Evening stargazing programs over open lake water, far from mainland light pollution
Editor's tipSouth Bass Island is only reachable by ferry or small aircraft, so factor in boat schedules and book accommodations in Put-in-Bay early for summer weekends. Visit in late May or September to avoid peak heat and crowds while still catching full programming.
