Kelleys Island in Erie County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Glacial Grooves State Memorial
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, September 30, 2005
1. Glacial Grooves State Memorial Marker
Welcome to the Glacial Grooves State Memorial. This memorial, containing of three and one-half acres on Kelleys Island, has been administered by the Ohio Historical Society since 1932.
Impressive is size and shape, these glacial grooves are of great geologic significance as well. Approximately 35,000 years ago, when the climate was much cooler and wetter, a great continental glacier flowed from Canada into northern Ohio. After the climate warmed and the ice melted (about 10,000 years ago), this island retained a spectacular reminder of the glacier's presence here -- these huge glacial grooves, which had been carved in the limestone bedrock by the action of the advancing glacier.
Due to their size and ease of accessibility, these are the most famous glacial grooves in the world. Since this formation was discovered over a century ago, it has been an object of fascination to students, vacationers, and scientists alike. Geologists have studied these grooves for many years in an effort to determine exactly how they were carved by the glacier. Several theories have been proposed, but there is still no entirely satisfactory
this page online
Erected 1977 by The Ohio Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 41° 36.979′ N, 82° 42.39′ W. Marker was on Kelleys Island, Ohio, in Erie County. It was at the intersection of Division Street and Titus Road (Ohio Route 575) on Division Street. This historical marker is located on Kelleys' Island, in Lake Erie. To see this marker one must travel to Marblehead, Ohio and catch the ferry boat service to Kelley's Island. The historical marker is located near the state park on the north side of the island. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 739 Division St, Kelleys Island OH 43438, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker and memorial was on Ohio’s Lake Erie Shore and in the Western Reserve. It was also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it was
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, September 30, 2005
2. Glacial Grooves State Memorial
A view looking west of a portion of the glacial grooves.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Island History (here, next to this marker); Welcome to Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve (a few steps from this marker); The Crusher Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Excavation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Quarrying (about 300 feet away); The Crusher Process (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named The Crusher Trail (about 600 feet away); Columbus Limestone / Kelleys Island Lime & Transport Co. (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kelleys Island.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, September 30, 2005
3. Glacial Grooves State Memorial Marker
Another view looking west from the southeast corner of the glacial grooves.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, September 30, 2005
4. Glacial Grooves State Memorial Marker
View looking west of the southern portion of the glacial grooves, with a view of the pedestrian bridge crossing the grooves at the west end of the park, in the distant background of the picture.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2010. This page has been viewed 1,815 times since then and 28 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2026. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 27, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
