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Wine & Walleye Festival Fireworks Cruise in Ashtabula, Ohio - Cleveland

Wine & Walleye Festival Fireworks Cruise in Ashtabula, Ohio

Ashtabulaeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be able to walk on uneven wooden decks and stand for periods during the sail.

Overview

Join the Lettie G. Howard for a scenic Lake Erie cruise during the Wine & Walleye Festival with spectacular fireworks. Discover maritime history and gorgeous views on this intimate sailing adventure.

Erie, Pennsylvania

Wine & Walleye Festival Fireworks Cruise

3 hr fireworks cruise

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Adventure Photos

Wine & Walleye Festival Fireworks Cruise photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience a unique sailing adventure aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard, one of the last wooden fishing schooners from 1893. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Erie while learning about the vessel's rich history. Participate in setting sails and relax as you sail through this unforgettable maritime journey.

Sails sell out quickly and we have a limited number of sail dates and spots available during our sailing season!

Must be 3 years of age or older. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.


About Lettie G. Howard:

Sail on one of the last surviving vessels of her kind!

Lettie G. Howard is one of the last surviving wooden Fredonia style fishing schooners. She was built in Essex, Massachusetts in 1893 and fished off the Northeast Atlantic and Gulf coasts. She arrived at South Street Seaport Museum in New York City in 1968 and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1989. She underwent an extensive two-year rebuild that restored her to her original appearance in the 1990s.

Lettie G. Howard is owned by the South Street Seaport Museum and is operated as a programmatic collaboration between the South Street Seaport Museum and the Flagship Niagara League.


Location:

Lettie G. Howard sails from the wharf along Morton Street, northwest of the Ashtabula Lift Bridge and across the street from US Coast Guard Station Ashtabula.

Due to foot traffic or perimeters throughout the Wine and Walleye festival grounds, parking spots may be harder to find or less conveniently located -- please plan accordingly.


On a typical sail:

We will check everyone in 15 minutes before the scheduled time of the sail and then board everyone. The Captain or Chief Mate will give a short introduction before getting underway. You’ll help the crew set some of the larger sails and sit back, relax, and enjoy sailing. You’ll meet the crew and learn about Lettie G. Howard’s unique history while she sails Lake Erie.

This is a general plan for a sail, however, please know that sailing plans are subject to change. Exact sailing route and sail plan is at the Captain’s discretion and dependent on wind and weather conditions.


Key Points:

  • Rain or shine event. Umbrellas are not permitted onboard. If it will look like rain, please bring a rain jacket/pants/boots instead.
  • There are benches for seating onboard.
  • No food or drink included. You are welcome to bring your own non-perishable snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in non-glass/closed containers. Water will be available onboard.
  • Onboard restroom is rustic and intended for urgent situations only.
  • Contact: (844)573-7245 marineops@SailFNL.org.

Fine Print:

  • Rain or shine event. Tickets are only valid for the date, time, and type of sail indicated on them. Refunds will only be given in the event that the sail is cancelled by management due to circumstances including but not limited to weather, maintenance problems, and/or scheduling changes. Whether or not to sail is ultimately the sole decision of the Captain. No-shows will not be issued refunds nor credit.
  • By sailing, you agree and consent to FNL, and/or SSSM using pictures and/or any other form of media material for publication and/or promotional purposes.

Lettie G. Howard is owned by the South Street Seaport Museum and is operated as a programmatic collaboration between the South Street Seaport Museum and the Flagship Niagara League.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early for Boarding

Arriving at least 30 minutes before departure ensures you get settled comfortably and enjoy a brief orientation about the schooner.

Wear Layers for Evening Chill

Lake Erie evenings can get cool, especially on the water, so bring a light jacket or sweater even in summer.

Motion Sickness Preparation

If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions like medication or acupressure bands before boarding.

Bring a Camera with a Zoom Lens

Capture the fireworks and distant shoreline details better with a camera that can zoom for nighttime photos.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bald eagles soaring near the shoreline
  • Lake Erie waterbirds like herons and cormorants

History

Lettie G. Howard is one of the last surviving wooden fishing schooners built in 1893, symbolizing the region’s significant maritime heritage.

Conservation

Efforts are ongoing to preserve Lake Erie’s water quality and promote sustainable boating to protect the ecosystem for future generations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Light Jacket or Windbreaker

Essential

Protects against cool lake breezes, especially during evening sails.

summer specific

Non-slip Shoes

Essential

Ensures safe footing on the wooden deck of the schooner.

Camera with Zoom Lens

Capture fireworks and detailed views of the vessel and shoreline.

Motion Sickness Remedies

Helps prevent motion sickness for those sensitive to boat movement.