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October 2024 by Laura Chambers
This is an fun, easy adventure on an island off of Ohio in Lake Erie. We went in October. No crowds. It was a cloudy cool day in Marblehead where we boarded the ferry. Once we made it to the island in about 15 minutes, it was sunny and warm. The waves were 1-3 feet but the boat ride was smooth once we got going. We took a van and did not have to get out from arriving and buying the tickets, driving onto the ferry and driving off the ferry. Then we drove directly to the Glacier Grooves. We spent about 30 minutes taking our time and following the new cement path that goes all the way around. There are a few areas off the path for bird watching over the abandoned quarry. There are some trails in the woods not part of the exhibit that go further into the quarry and back out to the main road. Many photo ops around the grooves. Clear signage explaining what you see and things to look for in the grooves. It is wheel chair accessible but not sure if it is all the way around or just near the bottom. We found restrooms a short drive away in both directions. One flushes at the state park entrance. The other does not at the beach. We also drove around Kelleys Island for all the views of Put-in-Bay, Cedar Point and the Marblehead Lighthouse.
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September 2024 by Abby Brigadoi
The improvements they have made to the site are lovely and made the visit a much more memorable experience than last time we visited. The site is now mostly handicapped accessible. After talking to an employee, they have even more improvements in the works including a hiking trail to connect the glacial grooves site to several other points of interest in the park.
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August 2024 by Helga Numberger
Great place with - as always - very informative boards. The National Park Service just has it
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December 2023 by Sarah K
This was our first time visiting the grooves. It's amazing being able to see the true power of nature. Truly a piece of preserved history!
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November 2023 by Alexis Beltranini
Understanding the evolution of the earth a little more, an incredible adventure
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October 2023 by Jay Rhoades
Must see
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October 2023 by Greg Mason
What a incredible place to ponder our existence!
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October 2023 by Rebel Rousers Car Club
Take the ferry to Kelleys Island. You can take a car or rent a golf cart on the island. The glacial groves gives you a glimpse into the history of the glaciers the made the Great Lakes. The groves have nice steps to get to many viewing spots. Look close for fossils. They were the highlight of our trip to Kelleys Island.
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August 2023 by Kevin Horst
Quite amazing to think a glacier carved this in the limestone thousands of years ago. While the signs of course all reference the millions of years according to evolutionary theory, it is still a neat place to visit. Sad that most of the grooves were removed by the neighboring quarry years ago but there is still a massive section remaining. Totally free to visit, and the stairs and walkways have recently been completely redone and even have an accessible trail all the way to the top.
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August 2023 by Jason Helms
Pretty interesting little park with glacier carved rock features. Nice little walkways around the area. Also, free.
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August 2023 by Patricia Burton (Trish)
First, you will need to take a ferry to get to the island. Ferry rates can be found online. The rate is a per car/vehicle (by type) and a per person and each way. So, for one person, the cost will be the car and per person there & back. So 30+12+12=$54 for entire trip for one person. However, car rate only charged once. So each additional adult would be $24 round trip. They do have military discount and children under a certain age (I believe) is free.Now you can go over on foot (no car charge) and rent a golf cart once on the island. Or, if you have your own boat or someone that you know owns a boat, take that way for waaaaay cheaper or free.The Glacial Grooves is a huge part of the Great Lakes history and how they were formed. The coolest thing that I learned, even before going to the island is that underneath Lake Erie and part of another Lake is a HUGE active salt quarry. That the lake is like a huge limestone bowl and under it is the salt quarry, that is active in extracting salt from. Plenty of YouTube channels you can learn about this from.The Grooves are pretty cool and the cat walk has changed a lot since the last time I was here 20 years ago.There are also several landmarks on the island and hiking trails/preserves you can visit. Also home to another of the 88 State Parks, with a campground, store, bars and shops.
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July 2023 by Michael Hillman
It has been several years since I visited the glacial grooves and since that time, there has been a huge improvement in the trail and surrounding areas.The fence has been upgraded and the walkway has been improved with pavers! There are a few places you can overlook the old quarry as well.The grooves are really interesting to look at! And there are other exhibits along the path explaining additional features such as the rock formation and fossils.Totally free and there is free parking available. Can be a bit crowded on weekends.Definitely a must see when you are visiting the island!
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June 2023 by Roger Potter
They recently updated the walk way and viewing area. Even though I have seen it at least 5 times I still enjoyed visiting it. You can see it in as little as 15 minutes if you're in a hurry.
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June 2023 by Scott Ehrnsberger
First time returning in many years. It's had major renovation done to most walking areas. The ancient rusted chain-link fencing and railings has all been replaced with high-quality fencing and railings. Bridge over the grooves is wider. Custom pavers are used extensively throughout the majority of the larger walkways. One original section of pedestrian stone walkway is still left. ♿️ Accessibility been added by way of a wide gravel pathway with built-in traction from the parking area to the top of the observation area. Everyone should be able to enjoy this phenomenal natural history site. A must stop for any visit to Kelley's Island. Exclusive parking for golf carts has also been a added to the parking area for many more people to come enjoy this popular site.
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June 2023 by Curtis Feng
Fun little surprise on Kelley’s Island. 12 year old son enjoyed reading the history behind the glacial groove. Short climb up the stairs to view the site.Worth the quick visit.
