Lakeside in Ottawa County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Dock & Pavilion

— Lakeside Heritage Trail —

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025

1. Dock & Pavilion Marker

Inscription. From days of steamers to sunfish, the iconic dock has served as our front door & backyard.

Erected 2023 by Lakeside Heritage Society. (Marker Number 1.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 41° 32.762′ N, 82° 45.042′ W. Marker is in Lakeside, Ohio, in Ottawa County. It is at the intersection of Walnut Avenue and Lakeside Doc Road, on the right when traveling north on Walnut Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 236 Walnut Avenue, Lakeside Marblehead OH 43440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Lake Erie Shore

and in the Toledo Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lakeside (a few steps from this marker); Tower and Cross (a few steps from this marker); Lakeside Pavilion (a few steps from this marker); Donald & Coralen Bettinger Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Danbury Township World War Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel Lakeside (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hotel Lakeside (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bettinger Park Basketball Courts (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lakeside.

Also see . . .
1. Welcome to the Lakeside Heritage Trail. One hundred and fifty years ago,

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the founders of Lakeside stood on the shores of Lake Erie envisioning a place for the faithful to gather in community. Since then, millions of people have been beckoned to this beautiful, peaceful sanctuary to deepen their connection to Lakeside’s timeless mission…

To enrich the quality of life for all people, to foster traditional Christian values, and to nurture relationships through opportunities for renewal and growth – spiritually, intellectually, culturally and physically – while preserving Lakeside’s heritage.

With the new year, we welcome Lakeside’s 150th Anniversary – a time to honor the past, celebrate the present and look to the future. This exciting Sesquicentennial Celebration connects us to the mission through enriching religious life programs, educational lectures, cultural arts performances and recreational activities. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

2. 1. Dock and Pavilion. Then
In 1872-73, Alexander Clemmons led the construction of a 340 foot wooden dock to turn a community vision into reality. The new dock provided the primary way to bring supplies and building materials to Lakeside. In these early decades, the dock was also Lakeside’s main gate as the majority of guests arrived by steamboat. Over the following years, the dock was expanded to 619 feet. Although railway service and highways later became the primary routes for the arrival of supplies and guests, a ticket gate remained on the dock through 1939 when

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025

2. Dock & Pavilion Marker

steamship service ended.

The first structures near the dock were the ticket gate and a boat house. The first pavilion was built in 1909 and had two stories that housed a cafeteria, bowling alley, barber shop, ice cream parlor and other shops.

A simpler pavilion and carillon replaced it in 1962 after time and weather had taken their toll on the building. Addition spaces for bathrooms and meetings room were added. In 1988, the current pavilion was erected to reflect the style of the original.

Now
On occasion, small ships still arrive for special day or evening cruises. However, the dock’s primary use is now recreational. Swimmers and sunbathers fill the dock during the day, and are replaced by walkers and fishermen as the sun goes down. The pavilion houses the Kite Shop, Bluebird Café and an active sailing center for sailboats, paddleboards and kayaks. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025

3. Dock & Pavilion Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 89 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.