Each month, we feature an Ohio City as part of our Ohio Community Spotlight series. This month we feature the “Small Town on a Great Lake,” Vermillion.
Let’s check out Vermilion, population 10,659, and the focus of this month’s Ohio Community Spotlight. Located in Erie & Lorain Counties, it is located 17 miles east of Sandusky & 35 miles of Cleveland. Vermillion’s official motto is “A Small Town on a Great Lake”
Rich with history, Erie Indians settled on the south shore of Lake Erie. European settlers arrived in the early 19th Century and the village was incorporated in 1837. Vermillion’s first industry was fishing and a small boat harbor.
Vermilion River Marina (photo by Derek Jensen (Tysto), 2005-September-12 via wiki commons)
In 1847, Congress approved the construction of the Vermilion Lighthouse to aid navigation on Lake Erie. While not the original, lighthouses have continuously operated in Vermillion since that first, with the most recent erected in 1991.
Vermilion Lighthouse (photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard)
During the days of Prohibition, Vermilion was a popular drop-off point of illegal liquor from Canada. As commerce grew on Lake Erie, Vermillion was inadequate to serve large commercial traffic, but recreational boating thrived.
In 1960, the Village of Vermillion merged with nearby Vermillion-on-the-Lake. It was this merger that led to Vermillion becoming a two-county city.
Vermillion’s location on Lake Erie makes tourism a top industry for the community. Previously known as the “Village of Lake Captains”, since the 1970’s, Vermillion has promoted community-wide revitalization efforts to support and encourage property owners and citizens to retain historic qualities in the city.
A number of historic homes have been converted to bed and breakfasts. For a unique overnight experience, check out the Old Vermillion Jailhouse B&B located the city’s former police station and jail.
Main Street Beach is a public swimming beach in downtown Vermilion on the north end of Main Street. Main Street Beach features a kayak/canoe launch, a comfort station and a concession stand, among other amenities.
There are year-round activities planned in Vermilion – from Market in the Park to Ice A Fair to the Post Card Project.
Vermillion is best known for the Woollybear Festival. Begun in 1973, the one-day celebration of the Woolly Bear Caterpillar that legend holds can predict a good or bad winter, sees over 150,000 people visit Vermilion each year
A woolly bear caterpillar, namesake of the Woollybear Festival. Image courtesy of the University of Missouri.
Vermillion’s reliance on travel and tourism has seen a focus on businesses that support the industry. Beyond hospitality, Vermillion is also home to a large number of unique shopping destinations, including boutiques, antique shops, a local chocolatier, and more
A wide variety of dining options is also a specialty in Vermillion. Everything from American casual to formal French Cuisine is available to try. And of course, don’t miss out on the chance to sample Lake Erie wines or homemade ice cream along the way.
Vermillion has so much to offer visitors. Be sure to check it out this summer for a day trip or a long weekend. And check back with us next month for the next community we feature on our Ohio Community Spotlight!
