Free Estimate
Lake guide

Closing up an island house: fall and winter calendar

A week-by-week fall and winter check calendar for South Bass (Put-in-Bay) and Middle Bass owners, built around Miller Ferry's fall schedule.

For owners on South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay) and Middle Bass. Ferry times below are from millerferry.com, read Oct 26, 2026. Schedules change without notice; check the operator the day before you travel. General information, not insurance or legal advice.

The ferry schedule this fall

Put-in-Bay. Miller's posted fall schedule runs September 21 to November 1, 2026: boats leave Catawba every hour on the half hour from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, and leave Put-in-Bay every hour on the hour from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily. Crossing time is under 20 minutes. During spring and fall schedules, vehicles must be in line before 5:00 pm Monday to Saturday, and before 4:00 pm on Sundays and holidays, to be guaranteed a trip off the island. Vehicles cannot round trip the same day on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays. Source: Put-in-Bay schedule, read Oct 26, 2026. The schedule after November 1 was not posted on that page when checked.

Middle Bass. The posted schedule for October 26 to November 24, 2026 has no Wednesday trips. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday: from Catawba 9:15 am, 11:45 am, 4:15 pm; from Middle Bass 8:15 am, 10:45 am, 3:15 pm. Friday and Sunday have their own times on the operator page. Crossing time is about 40 minutes. Vehicle reservations are required, by 4:00 pm the day before, at 800-500-2421; vehicles must be in line 20 minutes before departure. Source: Middle Bass schedule, read Oct 26, 2026.

Fares one way (read Oct 26, 2026): Put-in-Bay adult $9.00, vehicle $23.00; Middle Bass adult $11.50, vehicle $30.00. Vehicle fares do not include the driver.

After the boats stop, travel is by small plane from Port Clinton, weather permitting. See the islands year-round guide.

Calendar

Early October to the last week of ferry service

  • Book a vehicle trip off the island if a car, truck, or trailer has to come back. On Middle Bass this needs a reservation.
  • Schedule the plumber or caretaker who will drain lines, and confirm they can get there on the ferry days left.
  • Order the last propane or fuel oil delivery while trucks can cross.
  • Ask your insurer what it requires for a house left empty in winter (heat kept on, inspection interval, water shut off) and get the answer in writing.

Closing week

  • Water: shut off at the main or well; drain lines, water heater, and toilets; add plumbing antifreeze to traps if your plumber recommends it. Septic and cistern owners: follow the service company's instructions.
  • Heat: decide heat on (set point) or fully winterized. Do not mix the two.
  • Power: leave on what the heat, sump, and any monitor need; unplug the rest.
  • Food: remove everything perishable, and anything that can freeze and burst.
  • Outside: bring in or secure furniture, dock lines, and golf carts; clean gutters; close shutters.
  • Leave a key and a written house sheet (shutoffs, breaker map, contacts) with whoever checks the house.
  • Photograph each room for your records.

Last ferry day

  • Be in line early. On the Put-in-Bay fall schedule the vehicle cutoff is before 5:00 pm Monday to Saturday and 4:00 pm Sunday (read Oct 26, 2026).
  • Lock up, set any remote thermostat or water sensor, and test that alerts reach your phone.

December to February (no car ferry)

  • Home watch visit at the interval your insurer requires, plus after every hard freeze, big wind, or power outage.
  • Each visit: heat and thermostat reading, look under sinks and at ceilings for leaks, check sump, doors and windows, roof and trees after storms, and snow load on decks.
  • Visitors reach the islands by air in winter; trips are weather permitting.

March, before spring service

  • Watch the operator site for the spring schedule. The Middle Bass page shows reservations open up to two weeks ahead, and weekend reservations open on Thursday (read Oct 26, 2026).
  • Book the plumber to recharge water and check for freeze damage before you open the house.

What this page does not cover

Ferry dates for winter 2026 to 2027 and spring 2027 were not posted when checked; this page will be updated when they are. Homes of Toledo is an information site, not a brokerage, and does not provide home watch services itself.

More guides: all guides. Questions: FAQ.

Find a summer place

It takes about a minute. No obligation, no paperwork.

So we know who to ask for.
Used only to follow up about this request.
We will send home search details here.
Where are you looking? *Pick all that fit.
What is your budget? *A rough range is fine.
When do you want to move? *Any answer is fine.
Best time to call *Pick one.
Example: 3 bedrooms, big yard, short drive to work.

By submitting, you agree that Homes of Toledo may contact you by phone, email or text about your request.

We only use your info to follow up about your home search. We never sell it. By sending this form, you agree that Homes of Toledo may call, text, or email you about your request. See our privacy page.

This is a free home search request. Homes of Toledo will follow up with you. Homes of Toledo is a home information and connection site, not a brokerage.