Experience the thrill of sailing aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard during the Wine & Walleye Festival in Ashtabula, Ohio. Join a private day sail on Lake Erie with stunning views and rich maritime history.
Experience the thrill of sailing aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard during the Wine & Walleye Festival in Ashtabula, Ohio. Join a private day sail on Lake Erie with stunning views and rich maritime history.
Book with Lettie G. Howard
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Lettie G. Howard · Ashtabula, Ohio
Set sail aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard for the Wine & Walleye Festival Day Sail, an unforgettable outdoor experience on Lake Erie near Ashtabula, Ohio. This private sail offers guests the chance to step back in time aboard one of the last remaining wooden fishing schooners, built in 1893 and lovingly preserved. During the journey, you'll have the opportunity to assist the crew with traditional sailing tasks, learn about the ship's fascinating maritime history, and enjoy breathtaking views of the lake against the backdrop of the Wine & Walleye Festival activities onshore. The combination of fresh lake air, scenic horizons, and vibrant festival energy makes this more than just a sail—it's an immersive adventure for both history buffs and nature lovers. Space is limited, so be sure to book early to secure your spot on this unique celebration of local culture and outdoor heritage.
moderate.
3–4 hours.
Participants should be in moderate physical shape, able to move around the ship and stand for periods while assisting crew.
No prior experience is needed; the crew will guide you and you can assist as much as you'd like.
The day sail includes beverage options with the Wine & Walleye Festival theme, but full meals are not provided onboard.
The Lettie G. Howard limits guests to ensure a personalized experience; typically, there are fewer than 20 spots per sail.
Yes, children are welcome but should be supervised closely due to the active nature of the ship.
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing with layers, plus non-slip shoes to move safely on deck.
Absolutely! The sail offers fantastic photo opportunities of the lake, ship, and festival.
The Lettie G. Howard is a rare surviving example of late 19th-century fishing schooners used on the Great Lakes.
This sail promotes sustainable tourism by educating guests about Lake Erie's ecosystem and encouraging waste-free practices onboard.
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.
Book with Lettie G. Howard