ERIE COUNTY
County Offices
2900 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky 419-627-7682
https://www.eriecounty.oh.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
604 West Washington Street
Sandusky 419-625-6421
http://eriecountychamber.com
Erie County’s history goes back to the time before the War of 1812, when the area was known as “Ogontz,” which was the name of chief of the Ottawa Indian village that was located on the land that now makes up most of the county. The County was actually incorporated in 1838. The county is made up of four cities (the city of Bellevue is actually located in four counties, including Erie,) five villages and 14 villages, communities and unincorporated areas.
Services
Erie County is located in North Central Ohio, along the shore of Lake Erie. It is bounded by Lorain County on the East, Huron County on the South, Sandusky and Ottawa Counties on the West, and Lake Erie to the North. The county also includes Kelleys Island, which is the largest U.S. Island in Lake Erie. Erie County boasts 35 miles of shoreline along Lake Erie and the Sandusky Bay. The county’s geographic location and varied climate makes it an excellent agricultural area, especially suited to growing grapes, corn, tomatoes, celery, apples, peaches, strawberries, melons, lettuce, wheat and soybeans. The City of Sandusky is the County Seat. Sandusky is located 55 miles East of Toledo, 60 miles West of Cleveland, and 106 miles North of Columbus.
In addition to agriculture, tourism and retailing, the county’s economy boasts a variety of industries; including automotive parts, plastics, paints and colorants, food processing, mining and metal products. The county’s employment sectors also include government, medicine, religion and education. The County is home to the N.A.S.A. Lewis Research Center’s Plum Brook Station, which houses space test facilities. Medicine is centered at Firelands Regional Medical Center. Higher education is well represented in the county, including Firelands College, the only one of the seven colleges of Bowling Green State University located off the main campus. Seven public school districts, along with their private counterparts, offer some of the finest educational programs in the state, including adult and vocational educational programs.
Quality Of Life
Culture is highly valued by local resident with programs available through Sandusky’s historic State Theatre, the Huron Playhouse and Harlequins Theatre productions, the Sandusky Cultural Center, several unique museums and various art galleries and shows. The county also offers a number of excellent libraries. One of the highlights of entertainment in the county is Cedar Point amusement park, which is famous for offering the largest number of rides and roller coasters of any amusement park in the nation. In addition county residents enjoy a wonderful pace of life and 4 distinct and pleasant seasons.
City of Huron
City Offices
419-433-5000
www.cityofhuron.org
Chamber of Commerce
419-433-5700
www.huron.net
Huron is located just s short drive from the city of Sandusky. The village of Huron was incorporated in 1809. Port facilities on the west bank of the Huron River were developed in the 1820s and the town became a major ship building center in the 1830s The port is still in use today, accepting cargoes of iron ore and limestone from lake freighters.
Commercial and industrial development had historically been centered around the port area. By the early 1960s a busy downtown business district had developed, serving local residents and summer tourists. The city is home to a municipal marina, called the Huron Boat Basin which was designed as a focal point of the downtown. The marina has become a popular community park and gathering place, offering residents and visitors an exciting lakeside retreat for a quiet walk or to enjoy family fun. Housing selections range from single family homes to modern condominiums.
Kelleys Island
Chamber of Commerce
419-746-2360
www.kelleysislandchamber.com
Kelleys Island is the largest U.S. Island in the western basin of Lake Erie and considered the Walleye Fishing Destination of the world. With a landmass of twenty-eight hundred acres and an eighteen-mile shoreline, the island has a lot to offer. There are a variety of seasonal activities and events, places to explore, and a rich cultural and natural history to discover — something for everyone!
Margaretta Township
Township Offices
419-684-9500
www.margarettatwp.org
Margaretta township is located in the far northwest corner of Erie County. It is home to more than four thousand residents. The township is part of the Sandusky metro area. The township is located on Sandusky Bay and is home t many seasonal residents. In addition the township is know for the spring fed lake in the Village of Castalia, which is called the Castalia Duck Pond – this pond never freezes and becomes home to several species of birds during the winter months. Residents enjoy the quality of life offered by living lakeside.
Perkins Township
Township Offices
419-609-1400
www.perkinstownship.com
Located between the Ohio Turnpike and Cedar Point, Perkins Township is the second largest political subdivision in Erie County. . It is a community of peaceful, well-maintained neighborhoods and a healthy public school system offering its children the opportunity to grow and to learn. Farming, commerce and industry are important parts of Perkins Township. In the southeastern most corner of the township is an internationally known center of science – the Plum Brook Station of NASA’s Lewis Research Center. The township offers its residents convenient access to all of the amenities of Erie County.
Sandusky
City Offices
419-627-5844
www.ci.sandusky.oh.us
Sandusky, Ohio is a small city that is home to more than 30,000 residents. Sandusky was founded in 1818 by settlers drawn to the area for its limestone deposits, which was used in building construction throughout the region. The city is located on the Southern Shore of Lake Erie halfway between the cities of Cleveland and Toledo. Sandusky has a small town feel in its small city environment. Sandusky is regularly ranked as one of the best small cities to live in, throughout the nation. Sandusky is well known for the very popular Cedar Point Amusement Park – which is home to more roller-coasters than any other amusement park in the world. In addition the beach areas around Cedar Point have been a popular spot for residents since the 1800’s. Due to its location on Sandusky has one the best-protected harbors on the Great Lakes providing an abundant fresh water supply and access to Great Lakes shipping for business.
The Sandusky bay shoreline covers more than 22 miles and it provides easy access for all of the lake related activities a resident or visitor could hope for..There is a municipal boat ramp, many private marinas and a yacht club. Participants from all over North America arrive annually to compete in national sailing and powerboat events. Sandusky has a vibrant downtown to go with its coastal amenities. The downtown, which is home to many buildings that appear on the National Historic Registry, serves as a cultural and recreational destination with abundant shopping, dining and entertainment for residents and visitors. It also boasts also boasts several attractions and museums. The Maritime Museum, Merry-Go-Round Museum, Follett House Museum The entire city is known for its trees, and parks, making it a great city for any family.
Vermilion City
City Offices
440-204-2400
www.vermilion.net
The City of Vermilion has a population of just over 10,000 residents. It is located in both Erie and Lorain Counties, it also borders Lake Erie and the Vermilion River. One of the highlights of the city is its sixteen block Historic District. This serves as the heart of the city, housing the city administration offices, professional offices, restaurants, the marinas and all of the cultural and entertainment activities. It is an exciting place that is truly the heart of Vermillion. And for residents seeking even more excitement or big city sporting events, Vermilion is located 35 miles west of Cleveland, making it an easy drive.
The city’s two county location means that residents also have easy access the Lorain County park system and the Erie County park system. Exploring outside of the city in the nearby countryside leads to gently rolling hills, with farms and winding country roads. This area is known for its orchards, wineries and roadside stands. Housing choices are varied throughout the city, ranging from apartment living to the grand homes of the Historic District. The Historic District features The ornate housing styles from the Victorian, Arts and Crafts, and Queen Anne design era’s. This collection of varying housing styles combined with the lakeside location gives the town a “New England” feel. This is a city that embraces its Great Lakes maritime heritage and its residents enjoy the comfortable small town feel of years gone by.
