Kelleys Island in Erie County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Welcome to Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve

a National Natural Landmark

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 4, 2026

1. Welcome to Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve Marker

Inscription.
Welcome to the Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve. This preserve, consisting of three and one-half acres on Kelleys Island, has been administered by the Ohio History Connection since 1932. The preserve is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Because of their large size and accessibility, these are the most famous glacial grooves in the world. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1967, the grooves have been an object of fascination for students, vacationers, and scientists alike.

About 2.6 million years ago, long cycles of climate change from warm to cold allowed several massive glaciers to form and flow from Canada into Ohio. By about 14,000 years ago, the ice sheet that last covered northern Ohio had retreated. This island retained a spectacular reminder of the glacier's former presence—these huge glacial grooves that had been carved into the limestone bedrock by the actions of advancing ice and meltwater.

Land acknowledgment statement:
The Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve is situated on the homelands of the living nations of: the Miami Tribe, the Shawnee Tribe, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, the Delaware Nation, the Delaware Tribe, the Wyandotte Nation, the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe, the Seneca Nation, the Ottawa Tribe, the Peoria Tribe, the Pokagon Band Potawatomi, the Forest County Potawatomi, the Tonawanda Seneca, and others.

The Ohio History Connection extends our respect and gratitude to the many Indigenous people who call these lands home.

Erected by The Ohio History Connection.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the National Natural Landmarks, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.

Location. 41° 36.974′ N, 82° 42.392′ W. Marker is on Kelleys Island, Ohio, in Erie County. It is at the intersection of Division Street and Titus Road, on the right when traveling south on Division Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 739 Division St, Kelleys Island OH 43438, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Ohio’s Lake Erie

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 4, 2026

2. Welcome to Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve Marker

Shore

and in the Western Reserve.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once 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: Island History (here, next to this marker); The Crusher Trail (a few steps from this marker); Excavation (within shouting distance of this marker); Quarrying (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Crusher Process (about 600 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); A Legacy of Fishing (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kelleys Island.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Glacial Grooves State Memorial (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).

Glacial Grooves image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 4, 2026

3. Glacial Grooves

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 4, 2026

4. Welcome to Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 27, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.