Vermilion has a variety of interesting places to visit and enjoy throughout your day or weekend visit.

Vermilion History Museum °

A fun and quirky little museum that must be seen. The building and equipment served as a print shop and a weekly paper from 1905–1964. The print shop houses two linotypes (c. 1915) and four letter presses and lots of Vermilion history and memorabilia.  

Check their website for museum hours
727 Grand Street | 440.967.4555
Admission: Donation $5 | Children free with adult

The Postcard Project

Enjoy a walking/driving tour of the Heritage Ohio award winning public art project. Stop at Main Street first for a keepsake tour book (($5). Souvenir postcards of each display are also for sale.

685 Main Street | 440. 963.0772

Captains’ Home Walking Tour

Vermilion was once known as the “Village of Lake Captains.” No other place in Ohio has so many captains’ homes in its historic district. Enjoy this walking tour through the historic Harbourtown district where you’ll find 17 homes where lake captains and their families lived. (These are private residences, viewable from the sidewalk only. Thank you) Download a tour guide here or stop in at Main Street to pick up a copy.

 685 Main Street | 440.963.0772

Main Line Rail Platform

Whether you’re a skilled train spotter or just amazed at the power and look of locomotives, engines and the cargo they pull, we invite you to visit the Main Line Rail Platform. Completely undercover and open year round, it’s a great place to watch the train traffic on the Norfolk and Southern line that runs through downtown Vermilion. A typical day might offer a look at more than 100 trains. Bring the kids and your camera. It’s completely free, built by Main Street Vermilion volunteers and a great place to relax. You never know what will come down the line. Free and everyone welcome.

The Main Line Rail Platform is located near Main Street Vermilion, 685 Main Street

Main Street Beach & Park

Spend a day in the sun, sand and water. Take a walk along the shore, grab your fishing pole and a chair to fish off the pier, or take pictures of the lighthouse at sunset. Here is the perfect spot for collecting beach glass, reading a book and feeling at home. Beach wheelchair available.

Vermilion Country Club °

Open to the public, course features 12-holes of golf, patio, clubhouse, full bar and Darby Creek Restaurant & Lounge.

12210 West Lake Road, Vermilion, OH 44089 | 440.967.2044

Vermilion Arts Guild Shows

These seasonal shows feature original works of art from local artists and fine craftsmen. From sea glass jewelry and hand painted watercolors to scenic photos of our lakeshore, these pieces provide the perfect gift or souvenir from a stay in Vermilion. Whether to browse or buy, come take a look at the beautiful works our Guild members have created!

Linwood Park

Families from all over the country have made Linwood Park their summer home for more than 130 years. A gate fee will get you into the park and beach for the entire day to enjoy the amenities including concessions at The Stand and The Museum Store. The park has plenty of playground equipment, rental cottages and more. Visits under 2 hours to the park are free. Check the Linwood website for the seasonal schedule. 

4920 Liberty Avenue | 440.967.4237

Schoepfle Gardens

Explore 70 acres of botanical gardens and natural woodland, bordered on one side by the Vermilion River. The garden features collections of rhododendrons, roses, cannas, hostas, shade plants, and varieties of shrubs, topiaries and trees. Enjoy the natural beauty of the garden by participating in a guided tour or wandering at your own pace. Be sure to bring a camera!

Open 8am–8pm daily | 1106 Market Street in Birmingham | 440.965.7237

Vermilion Lighthouse Tours

Arrange for a local lighthouse enthusiast to provide an entertaining narrative of the Vermilion Lighthouse history for your small group (Access to the interior is not available

480 Main Street | 440.963.0772

Olive Oil Tastings

The Olive Scene has 4 northeast Ohio locations, one right here in Vermilion. Stop in to learn and sip olive oils from around the world and more than 30 flavored vinegars.

5512 Liberty Avenue | 440-963-0504

Lake Erie Beach Yoga

Do your Daily Downward Dogs this summer basking in the sun with a yoga class…playlist courtesy of the rolling Lake Erie surf! Feel the breeze across your face as you breathe, stretch, and let go of your stress on these beautiful Lake Erie beaches.  

Check back spring of 2024 for schedule

Romp’s Putter Port & Dairy Dock

A brand new course welcomes visitors this year with an 18-hole challenge. Every victory (or near victory) can be celebrated with ice cream from nearby Dairy Dock. New this year, the Pirate Playground…ARRRRR. Matey!

5055 Liberty Avenue | 440.967.4342

Vermilion has a great variety of river and lake related activities and all are subject to weather conditions. Please visit the websites or call the business to determine availability. 

Dodge Watercar

Treat yourself and up to 6 guests on a lake and river cruise aboard the Weir Wind, a rare and meticulously restored 1927 Dodge Watercar, a 26' triple cockpit vintage speedboat briefly built by the car manufacturer. Captain Tom Moes delivers a smooth ride along with a wonderful narrative of the lake and river history. 

5335 Liberty Avenue | Visit Moe's Marine Service or call 440.967.4221 for reservations

Don Parsons Mystic Belle °

Tour the Historic Vermilion Harbor aboard the Mystic Belle. Enjoy wildlife and natural scenery in this ride up the Vermilion River, where you'll see working marinas and boatyards. Touring down river learn the history behind the home port of many steam fish tugs and beautiful Lagoon homes. This 50 minute tour includes a short trek onto Lake Erie. For information, call 440.967.7910.

Lake Shore Electric Boating

Cruise along with family and friends as you view waterfront homes, beautiful gardens and a variety of boats. These 21-foot canopied electric launches accommodate 10 passengers comfortably on upholstered seats and a central table for snacks and drinks. No boating license required. Guided tours available. 

5335 Liberty Avenue | Visit Moe's Marine Service or call 440.967.4221 for more information

Vermilion Jet Ski °

Explore the outdoors with family + friends aboard a fleet of 2022 Kawasaki STX160 jet skis + a wide range of rental options including our new Tiki Boat.

655 West River Road. Vermilion, OH 44089 | Contact: 440.653.8173

West River Paddling Company °

Water lovers, get ready to engage in unforgettable adventures along the Lake Erie Shoreline and Vermilion River Watershed. Cruise at your own pace, hone in on some skills with certified instructors, or learn something new with informative guides. Kayak, paddleboard and canoe rentals by the hour or day. 

Open 10am–6pm, weather permitting | 655 West River Road | 440.967.5292