aquatic resource center

The Aquatic Resource Center is located about 1 mile (1.6k) west of downtown Put-In-Bay along the west end of the harbor. Admission is free to the center, which was previously a fish hatchery, and is operated by The Ohio State University in partnership with the ODNR. Open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10am – 5pm, late June through early September. Most of the exhibits, many hands-on, inside the center are focused on fish, fish hatcheries and Great Lakes ecology as well as information on some of the research being undertaken by the nearby Stone Laboratory, also operated by OSU. In addition to the exhibits, there are children’s programs at 2pm outside on the dock and free fishing for kids 15 and under with gear and bait provided at no charge. The large tanks with native Lake Erie fish and peering through microscopes at the plankton were among our favorite exhibits.

We have visited the Aquatic Resource Center on nearly every visit to the island, sometimes more than once per stay. It is a site you definitely should bring the kids too--great views, fascinating information on the Great Lakes and the creatures that live within, as well as an opportunity for your child to fish off of the dock for free.Admission to the center is free, and you can get there via golf cart, car, on foot, or by riding the Put-in-Bay tour train.During the season, they are open from 10-5 Wednesday through Saturday.

This spot, just outside downtown PIB, offers free fishing for kids from their dock. They supply everything from poles, life vests and bait. Our kids (ages 6 and 4) pulled a really large perch in, which was exciting for them. It is, of course, catch and release.There is also a educational center with videos and some insights into Lake Erie fish. Our kids enjoyed it. It is staffed by OSU students, and they could not have been more friendly with our kids.If you are looking for a free was to knock out an hour or so with the kids at PIB, this place is worth looking at.

Was very informational, lots of info inside with many displays, free fishing for children outside...downside is that there is no public restroom here...which is awful because this is the first stop on the train tour when you finally get to stretch your legs and need to use the restroom..

The aquariums of Lake Erie fish are attractive and informative. There is a bit of history of the old fish hatchery that used to be housed in the building. It is a good stop for all ages.

Wednesday mornings this summer the staff on Gilbraltar Island offered tours. You take the water taxi from the boardwalk ($3pp each way) and have a 2 hour tour of the island. Cost is $10pp. The great staff offer an overview of the programs that are offered and some of the research at Stone Laboratory that is conducted on the sight. The Ohio State University owns the entire island and facilities. Cooke's Castle can be seen on the outside (it awaits interior restoration) and the staff shares great truths and myths that the island offers.We have visited the island many times and this was our first opportunity to visit the island...well worth our time and money!!!

We took our 5 year old Grandaughter here and she loved it. The staff is very patient and helped her fish off the pier. She got to choose whether to put her blue gill back in the lake or in a large holding tank in the building. There is more information available for adults here as well. Check website for times and special programs.

This was a great stop. The kids enjoyed trying to fish and although they didnt catch anything they still had fun. Staff was super friendly and helpful.

My daughters love fish, so they always want to visit the Aquatic Center when we visit PIB. They love to fish off the pier with the supplies provided by the Center. Staff there will even bait the hooks with worms for you - a big bonus since that's just NOT my thing!

Great place to get a little free fishing for kids. In season. Call ahead for schedule.