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.
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.
Book with Lettie G. Howard
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Lettie G. Howard · Ashtabula, Ohio
Set sail on a memorable evening aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard, one of the last wooden fishing schooners built in 1893, during the Wine & Walleye Festival Fireworks Cruise in Ashtabula, Ohio. This unique sailing adventure offers guests a chance to experience the scenic beauty of Lake Erie while uncovering the rich maritime history tied to this legendary vessel. As you relax and watch the shoreline fade behind you, you can participate in setting the sails and learn about the schooner's traditional rigging and operation from the knowledgeable crew. The cruise is perfectly timed to coincide with the Wine & Walleye Festival’s fireworks display, creating an awe-inspiring finale over the water. Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or a first-timer, this intimate cruise offers a peaceful retreat on the lake paired with vibrant festival celebrations, delicious local wines, and breathtaking views of the fireworks illuminating the night sky. With clear water and gentle breezes, the experience combines education, relaxation, and stunning visual spectacle for a truly unforgettable outdoor adventure in Ohio.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be able to walk on uneven wooden decks and stand for periods during the sail.
Yes, children are welcome aboard, but all passengers must be able to safely navigate the deck and follow crew instructions.
Guests are encouraged to participate in setting sails under crew supervision, making it an interactive part of the experience.
In case of severe weather, the cruise may be rescheduled or canceled with advance notice for passenger safety.
Typically, guests may bring their own snacks and beverages, but alcohol must adhere to the festival's regulations.
Due to the historic wooden design and deck layout, full wheelchair accessibility is limited; please contact the company for specific accommodations.
Tickets often sell out quickly around the Wine & Walleye Festival, so booking several weeks in advance is recommended.
Lettie G. Howard is one of the last surviving wooden fishing schooners built in 1893, symbolizing the region’s significant maritime heritage.
Efforts are ongoing to preserve Lake Erie’s water quality and promote sustainable boating to protect the ecosystem for future generations.
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