Set sail on the historic Lettie G. Howard at sunset for a memorable maritime adventure in Presque Isle Bay. Discover the ship’s storied past while enjoying breathtaking views over the water.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Open to most fitness levels; no special physical conditioning required
Wildlife
History
The Lettie G. Howard was built in 1919 and represents the last of the classic Great Lakes fishing schooners still afloat, embodying over a century of maritime tradition.
Conservation
The operation emphasizes environmentally friendly practices, including responsible boat handling and minimizing water disturbance to preserve the bay’s ecosystem.
Lettie G. Howard
Set sail on the historic Lettie G. Howard at sunset for a memorable maritime adventure in Presque Isle Bay. Discover the ship’s storied past while enjoying breathtaking views over the water.
Lettie G. Howard is a historic wooden fishing schooner based in Ashtabula, Ohio that offers public sailing experiences on Lake Erie. Built in 1893, the Lettie G. Howard is one of the last surviving wooden fishing schooners and operates as a living maritime exhibit and passenger vessel. The vessel’s scheduled sails include Wine & Walleye Festival Day Sail, Wine & Walleye Festival Sunset Sail, Wine & Walleye Festival Fireworks Cruise, a Day Sail departing from Erie’s Dobbins Landing, and a Sunset Sail through Presque Isle Bay.
Each trip invites passengers to learn about the schooner’s history while enjoying scenic views of Lake Erie. Crew members encourage riders to participate in setting sails and provide narration about traditional seamanship and regional Great Lakes heritage. Trip durations vary by itinerary, from a 1.5-hour Presque Isle Bay day sail to two-hour sunset cruises, and popular festival sails often list limited availability.
The Lettie G. Howard programming focuses on hands-on maritime interpretation and public engagement with Great Lakes history. Visitors are advised to review trip descriptions and departure locations before booking, since some sails depart from Erie area docks. Sails welcome guests of all ages, making the schooner suitable for family outings, special occasions, and educational group visits along Lake Erie’s shoreline. Reserve early to secure space.
Built
1893
One of the last wooden schooners
Location
Ashtabula, OH
Based in the Lake Erie region
Tours Offered
5 Trips
Day, sunset, festival, fireworks sails
Vessel
Wooden Schooner
Historic fishing schooner class
Reserve limited spots for Day Sails, Sunset Cruises, and Wine & Walleye Festival sails aboard the Lettie G. Howard.
Arrive early
Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to get settled and chat with the crew.
Dress for the weather
Bring layers, as it can be breezy on the water even in warm weather.
Bring your camera
Capture the stunning sunset and scenic views from the boat.
Stay hydrated
Bring water or drinks, especially on warm afternoons.
Hat and sunglasses
Protect yourself from sun exposure during the daytime sail.
summer
Light jacket or sweater
Bring an extra layer for wind and cool evening temperatures.
spring|fall|winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture scenic views and memorable moments during the cruise.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from UV rays while enjoying outdoor water activities.
summer