Kelleys Island Ghostly Lights
Kelleys Island and Middle Island, nestled amidst the shimmering expanse of Lake Erie, have long captivated the imaginations of locals and visitors alike with their legendary tales of mysterious lights. Some of these flickering illuminations can be attributed to the steady glow of boat lanterns or the dim flickers of fishermen’s lights in the distance. Yet, others are enveloped in intrigue, leading many to speculate that they are the lingering remnants of treasure hunters diligently scouring the waters for lost gold. During the turbulent 1920s, many dismissed these lights as mere reflections of the nefarious alcohol trade that thrived across Lake Erie during Prohibition. However, the dangers associated with rum runners—some with ties to organized crime—kept most from investigating the phenomena too closely.
Middle Island, now transformed into a serene nature preserve situated just south of Pelee Island, was once utilized as a smuggling hub by Joe Roscoe, a notorious Toledo gangster and bootlegger. Roscoe operated a lavish resort and casino known as the Lake Erie Fishing Club, where the echoes of his exploits linger.
Yet, according to the memories of older residents, the strange lights held a darker meaning than mere mischief or greed. A haunting tale began to unfold on March 1, 1926, when James Phipps, together with his wife Lula and their young children—two-year-old Elmer, seven-year-old Paul, and six-year-old Hazel—embarked on a perilous journey across the frozen expanse of Lake Erie to Leamington in their sedan after visiting relatives on Pelee Island. For many, traversing the lake’s icy surface in winter with vehicles was a common practice, as the frozen waters could be remarkably thick. However, the deceptive patches of dangerously thin ice posed a consistent threat. Tragically, amidst a raging snowstorm, the family lost visibility of the familiar safe route and likely plunged into a concealed ice hole, their fate sealed by the frigid depths.
Despair gripped the townspeople as they gathered to search the lake, calling out with piercing whistles and the blaring of horns, their breath rising in clouds against the cold air, as they broke the ice in frantic pursuit of any signs of the ill-fated vehicle or its occupants. In the wake of their disappearance, strange lights began to flicker into view at the isolated Middle Island, now a desolate land, devoid of human presence. Hope flickered among the searchers, who believed that the lost family might still cling to life, trapped on the treacherous ice.
However, the island’s abandoned lighthouse, standing vigil in silence after being deserted a year earlier, offered no guiding light. Exhausted and defeated, the search parties returned empty-handed, having found no signs of life—no people, no fires, no ashes left behind. On their return journey, an eerie fog enveloped their boat, thick and suffocating, blurring their surroundings and leading them perilously close to the same fate that had befallen the Phipps family.
In the following months, as the winter thaw began to relinquish its grip, the body of James Phipps was recovered by a passing freighter, lifeless and pale against the cold waters. The remains of his wife Lula and young son Elmer and daughter were similarly discovered, a family torn apart by tragedy. Yet, despite the search efforts, the body of Paul was never found, leaving a painful void in the hearts of those who knew them. To this day, the mysterious lights continue to flicker and flash intermittently, casting an enigmatic glow across the waters, as if echoing the sorrowful tale of a family lost to the depths of Lake Erie.
Parking/Trailhead
Kelleys Island
Ohio 43438
(41.596537, -82.707247)
Click here for a map of Kelleys Island State Park
Kelleys Island State Park features a swimming beach, fishing pier, a free boat ramp, and campground. There is hiking on The North Shore Loop Trail, North Pond Boardwalk, Scheele Preserve, and East Quarry Trails.
![Early 1900s Kelleys Island Map](https://heartofohio.com/newheartofohiosite/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kelleysislandmap.jpg)
Kelleys Island
![Kelleys Island View. By Ɱ, CC BY-SA](https://heartofohio.com/newheartofohiosite/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kelleys_Island_23.jpg)
One early autumn, I went boating with some friends to Kelleys Island. While we were out on the choppy waters in a small motorboat, somewhere between Kelleys Island and Middle Bass, we spotted some unusual lights. Unlike the way a boat’s lights would move in rough waves, these lights were steady and looked about the size of car headlights. They seemed to be coming toward us but suddenly disappeared without a trace. It gave us an unsettling feeling that stuck with us.
![Glacial Grooves Kelleys Island. Image: James St. John](https://heartofohio.com/newheartofohiosite/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Glacial_grooves_on_limestone_Kelleys_Island_Lake_Erie_Ohio_USA_97_48541359361.jpg)
![Old Quarry. Kelleys Island. Image: James St. John](https://heartofohio.com/newheartofohiosite/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Columbus_Limestone_Middle_Devonian_Lafarge_Kelleys_Island_Quarry_Kelleys_Island_Lake_Erie_Ohio_USA_4_48541463136.jpg)
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Trails at Kelleys Island State Park:
Park location:
920 Division Street
Kelleys Island, Ohio 43438
North Pond Nature Preserve – 1 mile – easy; features a boardwalk and observation deck
North Shore/Alvar Loop Trail – 3 miles – multi-use trail offers moderate hiking and intermediate mountain biking; hilly and rocky
East Quarry Trail – 5 miles – multi-use trail offers novice and intermediate mountain biking; moderately level with rocky terrain
Nearby Visits:
Fairport Harbor Lighthouse: Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake County, Fairport Harbor Lighthouse stands tall as a radiant beacon of safety, guiding countless ships and sailors through the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
Headlands Beach-Ohio’s longest beach
Johnson’s Island– Confederate Civil War Cemetery.
Maumee Bay State Park– Maumee Bay State Park is a popular destination known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The park features a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and birdwatching, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of Maumee Bay and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area.
Kelleys Island and Middle Bass Island, nestled amidst the shimmering expanse of Lake Erie, have long captivated the imaginations of locals and visitors alike with their legendary tales of mysterious lights.
Cedar Point is a 364-acre amusement park located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio owned and operated by Six Flags. Features a private mile-long beach. It opened in 1870 and is considered the second-oldest operating amusement park in the US. Cear Point is the largest amusement ride park in the world as it offers over 150 rides (including 17 roller coasters), shows, and attractions.
The African Safari Wildlife Park is a drive through wildlife park in Port Clinton, Ohio. Visitors can drive through the 65-acre preserve and watch and feed the animals from their car.
The Watering Hole – Ohio Safari Zoo and Waterpark is an indoor/outdoor family fun center with waterslides, a go-kart track, an arcade & a mini-golf course.
Catawba Island State park near Port Clinton serves as the main headquarters for the Lake Erie Islands state parks (including Kelleys Island, South Bass and Oak Point), and provides a fishing pier, launch ramp, picnic shelter and picnic areas for day-use visitors
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, west of Port Clinton, is one of the state’s foremost birding areas and is notable for its spring and fall bird migrations
East Harbor State Park on Marblehead Peninsula sports the largest campground in the Ohio state park system • Swimming, picnicking, boating and fishing are popular at East Harbor
Marblehead Lighthouse, built in 1821, is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation of the Great Lakes and Ohio’s 73rd state park • It is located off S.R. 163 on the east side of the Village of Marblehead
Ohio State nature preserves located in the area include Sheldon Marsh, Old Woman Creek, Erie Sand Barrens, and DuPont Marsh
For more information on area attractions, visit
Lake Erie Shores & Islands Welcome Center(s)
South Bass Island (Put in Bay) South Bass Island is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant community, and rich history. The island boasts picturesque landscapes featuring lush green parks, scenic waterfronts, and breathtaking views of Lake Erie. Visitors can explore charming shops and local eateries in the quaint village of Put-in-Bay, which serves as a hub for tourists.
Additionally, the island offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, hiking, and fishing, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Historically significant sites, such as the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, also highlight the island’s importance in American history. Overall, South Bass Island is a captivating spot for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a glimpse into the region’s past.
Click here for Ferries to Middle Bass and Put in Bay
If you don’t have your own boat, 2 privately operated ferries offer frequent daily service:
For more detailed info about Miller Ferry, please click here!
Miller Boat Line offers service for cars, RVS, bicyclists, & pedestrians from the mainland at Catawba • visit www.millerferry.com or call 800-500-2421 for information
The Jet Express offers service for pedestrians from Port Clinton and Sandusky • visit www.jet-express.com or call 800-245-1538 for information