It saddens me to see all the bad reviews and negative comments about Middle Bass Island based on a stay or meal at Hazards. We do agree with the reviews of Hazards as we went there this weekend with such high hopes it had made a turnaround from the previous managers and was sorely disappointed. Food was awful and barely edible, waiter unattentive and the manager more interested in complaining about the guests ruining his pool water than greeting his dining customers or ensuring everything was okay. When I complained about the cup of uncooked onion in my rice and asked if I could get a side serving minus the onions, both the waitress and owner replied,"Oh that's just how the cook likes to make it!" Dining was outside at the bar because the dining room was empty, and this on a Saturday evening. To enjoy MBI, stay away from Hazards, dine at JFWalleyes or order a delicious pizza from the corner store. The island is quiet, but that's its charm. If you want wild and crazy, take the water taxi to Put-in-Bay for the day, it's cheap and a short ride. Then come back and enjoy the serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery that MBI has to offer.
I am very disappointed with how this island is unfairly being reviewed and classified the same as "Saint Hazards." Let me clarify what this island is about.Middle Bass Island is a small, quiet, island in the middle of Lake Erie. This island has many waterfront property ownership opportunities, a few small restaurants, a General Store, and a new state park that the state has been pumping millions of $'s into, and the results are paying off. A new marina has recently been constructed, and more restaurants/lodging will be available by the state park in the near future.Summer daytime activities can range from bike riding, fishing, boating, jet skiing, swimming, golf cart rentals (great way of getting around the island), a private golf course, and so much more. Sunsets are fantastic in the evenings. There are 3 restaurants on the island: J.F. Walleyes, The General Store's Pizza Shop/Bar, and Saint Hazards. Staying for several days, Saint Hazards has rentals, but it seems that many are disappointed when staying with them. However, there are other rental options the island! There are daytime and overnight dockage options at the Middle Bass Island Yacht Club (member of ILYA) and State Park.The island to the south (known as Put-in-Bay) has many other family friendly daytime activities, restaurants/bars, and fantastic nightlife especially on the weekends. Ferry boat services between the islands run consistently throughout the week, and late on weekends.I have grown up coming to Middle Bass, and my family has had a home there for over 20 years. The islanders are a close-knit community and are welcoming to visitors. I look forward to every summer that will be enjoyed at this treasure of a place. In conclusion, do not be discouraged by the low ratings when considering Middle Bass Island, just be cautious about staying with Saint Hazards.
This is one of the best vacation spots we have found. We camped at the state park. There are camp sites right up against the water. You can hear the waves all night long while sleeping in your tent. Primitive camping is the only option, but the marina is a short walk away. The marina has water, campfire wood, ice, basic necessities and souvenirs for sale. There is also a very nice shower facility at no charge. Also within walking distance are several dining options, not to mention a great place to get coffee and a pastry if you like. The fire pits are very well suited for cooking with adjustable grates attached.Taking the ferry over was the most expansive part of our trip. Make sure to reserve your spot on the ferry 24 hours ahead. We chose to ferry our vehicle since it was loaded with all of our camping equipment and the dog. We also had our bikes attached to the vehicle. There is another ferry that goes from Middle Bass to Kelly's Island where there are many more restaurants and shopping. We will return to this vacation spot again and again I'm sure!
Spent several nights docked at Middle Bass Island's State Park Marina. The old marina has been reconfigured with a better entrance and is well protected. It offers all services with the exception of fuel docks which I would imagine is to come in the near future. The grounds are beautifully maintained with sheltered picnic and bbq area. Rental bikes are available to check out the island. Dock space was very reasonable - especially compared to it's neighbor in Put-In-Bay. We found it more practical to take the ferry across to Put-In-Bay when we felt the urge for a visit there. We took advantage of $1.00 tacos at JF Walleye's Bar & Grill one night and the $1.50 chili dogs the next night, bbq'd the 3rd night. Also checked out Hazzards pool (and bar).
This was a return trip to Middle Bass, its a real neat island. Its much more relaxed then PutinBay. People are more to themselves. Its like a retreat community. We looked at property to buy and will continue to look. Property is not cheap but what price can one put the quiet and pleasant value. We rented at cart from Walleyes so we could get around better, the prices at Walleyes are better than those on South Bass. The Marina was real nice and protected from the lakes changing weather. We plan on retiring up here at some point in time and this is the place we've chose n.
Stay far far away from Middle Bass Island. There is nothing to do here but waste away in a rented trailer while you wait for the apocolypse. Dirty "resort" (St Hazard's) doesn't even hold reservations for you and randomly closes the office for "staff appreciation day". We booked our stay a week in advance and were greeted by a sign saying "closed for staff appreciation day" if it wasn't for a local who knew a few "villa" (if you can call it that) we would have been screwed. Be sure to wear a green swimsuit since that's the color of the pool water.
We are boaters turned campers. We sold the boat earlier this year and bought a motorhome. Now I love camping, but craved a little bit of the Islands. We booked the Miller ferry for transport of the motorhome. After a short 40 minute trip we arrived on Middle Bass. Hazzards- We stayed at Hazzards for $90. a night. The campsites were mixed in with the cabins. It was ok. They fixed us up with a fire ring. It was mostly quiet and peaceful. I was disappointed in the cleanliness of the pool, not sure if the discoloration in the pool is scum or if it needs repainted. The hot tub was full of nasty green scummy water . The ,bar/restaurant/restrooms could use a real scrubbing. We did not eat here. They do not rent golf carts like we were told when we booked. We rented a golf cart from the Tiki shop owned by Walleyes and toured the Island. We found a lot of little off the road coves on the water. Just beware of the water snakes!JF Walleyes is clean, good food, great service check it out if you are on the Island. This is a quiet sleepy little Island with not much to do which can be good. If you want to party , hop Sonny Sferry over to Put in Bay!
Stayed in a Condo managed by JF Walleyes. The condo was immaculate and well stocked with the items needed. St Hazards is coming around. Pool was clean and warm. Food was good (limited) due to first weekend open. Property still needs more work, but progress is being made. Middle Bass is a quiet island compared to the others, but if you want to visit Put in Bay you can take the Sonny S over there and come back. JF Walleyes has good food, staff and bands. Along with a wading pool. Had a great time and cant wait to go back!
We docked for the night at Middle Bass Island State Park, and had a wonderful time. As soon as we hailed on the radio they answered quickly and guided us right in. The showers were new and worked well, and it was a short walk up to the general store as well as St. Hazards (which wasn't open for the season yet). This is a great place to camp or just dock at to visit Middle Bass Island.
The pool bar/restaurant is awful. The service is terrible and the food is hardly edible. I know I'm an idiot for ordering a hamburger without asking how much it cost, but $25 for a cold pile of charred hamburger pieces strategically placed on a bun w/ cold broccoli as the side that took 2 hours to prepare is a crock no matter how you twist it. The place is a joke and a rip off. If you go to Middle Bass Island, this is certainly a place to stay away from.