Aquatic Visitors Center Reopens After $6.2M Renovation
State officials, community leaders, and island residents gathered on Wednesday, August 6, to celebrate the grand reopening of the Aquatic Visitors Center, a long-standing island landmark that has undergone a $6.2 million renovation.
The ceremony began with the presentation of colors, followed by remarks from key state leaders including Governor Mike DeWine, ODNR Director Mary Mertz, and Kendra Wecker, Chief of the Division of Wildlife. First Lady Fran DeWine was also in attendance.
“This is a day to once again celebrate Lake Erie,” Governor DeWine said during the ceremony. “The real goal of ODNR is education… to preserve this Great Lake, our natural areas in this state, and the way to do that is through education.”
The historic building, constructed in 1906, originally served as a state fish hatchery and produced millions of fish over the decades before hatchery operations ceased in 1988. It later reopened as the Aquatic Visitors Center, continuing to serve educational and conservation purposes. The latest renovation marks a significant step in preserving the structure and expanding its impact.
During a brief media interview following the event, Put-in-Bay Daily asked Governor DeWine:
“What makes Put-in-Bay the right place for such a major state investment?”
He responded:
“We’re really kind of the epicenter here of walleye fishing in Lake Erie. We are a place where tourism is at its highest — putting a visitor center right here just made sense. It also made sense that we had a classic building that’s been here since 1906 that we wanted to preserve and see if we could preserve the building, find a new use for it, where there was a real need for education. So we think it’s kind of a win-win-win for everybody.”
Scott Butterworth, ODNR District Manager, and Wendy Chambers, Director of the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, were also in attendance. Chambers noted the importance of midweek tourism, stating, “We strive to bring our families and empty nesters during the week.”
The newly updated facility features interactive exhibits, fishing opportunities for children, and educational displays focused on Lake Erie’s ecosystem. The center is free to the public and open Tuesday through Saturday.
