The Glacial Grooves on the north side of Kelleys Island are the largest easily accessible such grooves in the world. They were scoured into solid limestone bedrock about 18,000 years ago by the great ice sheet which covered part of North America. A trough 400-feet long, 35-feet wide, and up to 10-feet deep remains today. The ice, probably hundreds of feet thick, flowed from the north in what is now the Lake Erie basin. The Devonian limestone containing the grooves contains marine fossils that are 350 to 400 million years old. Many other grooves were quarried away during the last century.
Fencing now protects this National Natural Landmark. A walkway and stairs permit visitors a good view of the grooves.
General Information
Glacial Grooves
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
4049 East Moores Dock Road
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Phone: 419-797-4530
Hours
Year Round: Daylight Hours
Admission
FREE
Location
Glacial Grooves is located on Kelleys Island, Erie County, in Lake Erie 8 miles north of Sandusky. Ferries depart from Marblehead and Sandusky.
Note: The island is accessible by ferry from Marblehead daily (weather permitting) and from Sandusky during the summer season. Call the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line at 419-798-9763 or Goodtime Island Cruises, Inc. at 419-625-9692 for ferry schedules.
Handicapped Accessibility
Ohio Historical Society strives to meet ADA requirements. However, historic structures and outdoor areas provide challenges that make it difficult to provide complete access to all visitors. Please call the site with specific questions and concerns.