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.
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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.
Wildlife
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.
Lettie G. Howard
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.
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
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.
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Protects against cool lake breezes, especially during evening sails.
summer
Non-slip Shoes
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.