Erie County is known as the Vacationland of the Midwest making the region one of the most desirable vacation spots in the nation. In the summer months tourists join residents to enjoy the bountiful recreational and leisure opportunities available throughout the area.

The region's biggest attraction, Cedar Point Amusement Park, welcomes over three million visitors each summer.

It boasts more rides than any other amusement park, and features swimming on a mile long beach, picnicking, dancing, boat dockage, hotel accommodations, camping facilities and first-rate restaurants.

The location of the Sandusky area on the shores of Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay promises sailors and motorboat enthusiasts alike hours of pleasure on the water. There are a number of beaches for swimmers and sunbathers to pursue their favorite pastimes. Some of the best fishing in the Great Lakes can be found in the waters off the Sandusky area, from both docks or piers along the waterfront or from boats in the waters of the Bay or Lake. White bass, rock bass, perch, walleye and blue gill are but a few of the many fish populating Lake Erie. The islands can be reached by ferry, plane or private boats.

Golfers can choose from several fine courses, including the challenging and scenic Sawmill Creek Lodge 18­hole course that borders Lake Erie, or a private 18­hole course at Plum Brook Country Club. Tennis and racquetball courts are located throughout the area, as are parks and playgrounds equipped with basketball courts, baseball diamonds and soccer fields.

For those interested in pursuing healthy lifestyles, there are a number of health clubs, including Baywinds Athletic Club and the Sandusky YMCA. Baywinds sports tennis, racquetball and basketball courts as well as weight and exercise rooms. The YMCA provides members with two indoor swimming pools, racquetball and basketball courts and weight and exercise rooms. In addition, the YMCA offers numerous exercise and aquatic classes for all ages, from babies to senior citizens.

Erie County is the fifth most popular family vacation destination in the United States, according to a Holiday Inn Survey (1988), ahead of such places as San Diego, New York, Boston, Chicago, New Orleans!

Hikers, nature lovers and bird watchers can enjoy exploring the two state­owned nature reserves, Old Woman's Creek and Sheldon's Marsh, both located in Huron. Osborn Park, part of the Erie MetroParks system, provides nature and wildlife programs and recreational activities for children and families throughout the year. In the summer months, the park offers various day camps for children, as well as swimming lessons and recreational swimming in a recently constructed outdoor swimming pool. Berlin Height's Edison Woods, a wooded area that is leased to the Erie  Metroparks system by the Ohio Edison Electric Company, provides public nature trails, bicycle paths and bridle paths.

With winter comes an exciting array of winter sports activities. Many enjoy ice fishing on the bay and lake. Cross country skiing has become a favorite sport for many in the past few years, and downhill skiers can find challenging slopes just an hour away in Cleveland and Mansfield. Numerous ponds provide hours of fun for ice skaters and summer sailors exchange their sailboats for ice boats for the breathtaking thrill of ice sailing.