“Oh Say Can You See?”

“O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,” begins the American National Anthem–a fitting line to recall when visiting the observation deck of Perry’s Monument at Put-in-Bay.  The monument rises 352 ft (107 m) above lake level and is accessible via 37 steps and an elevator.  Time slots to visit the deck must be reserved; tickets are available at the Visitors Center.

From the Observation deck, 317 ft (96 m) above the plaza, one experiences a dramatic view of Lake Erie, the Bass Islands, the distant shores of Michigan and Canada, as well as prominent landmarks such as Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio.  Moreover, the friendly and helpful park rangers provide interesting historical details and even offer free use of binoculars.

Perry’s Monument stands as a symbol of both victory and peace, as it commemorates Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s victory in the Battle of Lake Erie as well as international peace and ongoing cooperation between former enemies, Great Britain, Canada, and the United States.  The 3084 granite blocks are also architecturally significant, as described below:

For newcomers and ol’timers alike, a visit to Perry’s Monument Observation Deck promises a unique perspective from which to appreciate the immediate environment and the multi-faceted character of American identity.