Gibraltar Island

General Information

For such a tiny island Gibraltar Island has a long and fascinating history.  It was originally a lookout point for Commodore Perry’s troops just prior to the Battle of Lake Erie.  Then the island was purchased by Jay Cooke who built the mansion pictured above where several notables visited including two US presidents.  Later the island was donated to Ohio State University as a research and teaching center for marine biology.

 

The tour of Gibraltar Island will start by Ohio State University staff showing a short video that explains the history of the island that takes you up to the present day.  After the video the staff will show points of interest on the island including giving a tour of a ground floor of the Jay Cooke mansion.  Other rooms and floors are not available for viewing due to the need for renovation.  Then you will be shown several lookout points that have some incredible views.  You can take a virtual tour of Gibraltar Island by clicking on: Take Virtual Tour

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Getting There

The easiest and least expensive route is to take the 9:00 am Miller Ferry Line to South Bass Island.  Upon arrival, board one of the waiting buses which will drop everyone in front of the Boardwalk Restaurant.  The water taxi for Gibraltar Island leaves from the end of the Boardwalk Restaurant.  The tour of the island will start at 10:00 am so you should arrive at the water taxi by 9:45 am.

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Payment and Cancellations

Reservations are needed because the tour of Gibraltar Island is limited to 70 people.  The fee of $15 per person covers the cost of the water taxi as well as the tour of Gibraltar Island.  The $15 fee will be collected as you board the water taxi.  Please pay with cash or check as we are not set up for credit card payments.  There is no penalty for last minute cancellations except that we request you notify us of any cancellation so that those on waiting lists can be given your space.

 

Privacy

We share alumni contact information with other alumni as a way to help old friends connect.  If you don’t want your contact information shared then please check NO in the privacy section of the reservation.

 

Questions

For questions and requests please contact Malcolm McNeil at 925-519-1459 or mmcneil@mcneilent.com.

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Reservation Form

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The reservation form has been deleted

because we are past the date of the event.