Take a sunset sail aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard during Ashtabula’s Wine & Walleye Festival. Enjoy Lake Erie views, rich history, and local wines on this unforgettable adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, as the activity involves mostly sitting and gentle movement on deck.
Wildlife
History
The Lettie G. Howard is one of the last remaining wooden fishing schooners from the late 19th century, representing the maritime heritage of Lake Erie’s fishing industry.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to preserve Lake Erie’s ecosystem, including water quality initiatives and sustainable boating practices to protect local wildlife.
Lettie G. Howard
Take a sunset sail aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard during Ashtabula’s Wine & Walleye Festival. Enjoy Lake Erie views, rich history, and local wines on this unforgettable 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 Check-In
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to complete boarding procedures smoothly.
Bring a Light Jacket
Evenings on Lake Erie can be cool, so dressing in layers helps you stay comfortable as temperatures drop after sunset.
Sun Protection is Key
Sunscreen and a hat are recommended during the day since you’ll be exposed to the sun while sailing.
Motion Sickness Remedies
If you’re prone to seasickness, come prepared with remedies or medications to ensure a comfortable trip.
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Protects against cool breezes on the water, especially during early evening sails.
spring
Sunscreen
Prevents sunburn while exposed to direct sunlight during daytime sailing hours.
summer
Non-Slip Shoes
Ensures safety when moving around the boat’s deck.
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife and shoreline viewing during crisp autumn sails.
fall