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.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in moderate physical shape, able to move around the ship and stand for periods while assisting crew.
Wildlife
History
The Lettie G. Howard is a rare surviving example of late 19th-century fishing schooners used on the Great Lakes.
Conservation
This sail promotes sustainable tourism by educating guests about Lake Erie's ecosystem and encouraging waste-free practices onboard.
Lettie G. Howard
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.
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 for Boarding
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to get settled and participate in the pre-sail brief.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear
Shoes with good grip are important for safely moving around the wooden deck during sailing.
Bring a Light Jacket
Lake Erie can get chilly and breezy even in summer, so a light windbreaker is recommended.
Stay Hydrated
Bring a reusable water bottle as the sun reflecting off the water can increase dehydration risk.
Non-slip Deck Shoes
Crucial for safety while moving aboard the wooden deck.
Light Windbreaker
Protects against breezy lake conditions during cool weather.
spring
Sunscreen
Prevents sunburn from reflected sunlight off the water.
summer
Reusable Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the sail.