For most of its history, the island's primary industry has been tourism and continues to be today.
The tourist season runs roughly between April and October.
The most common methods of transportation to and from the island are via ferry boat, propeller-driven aircraft and private boat.

One of the world's largest hotels, the Hotel Victory, opened its 625 rooms to the public in 1892.
The four-story hotel featured a one-thousand-seat dining room.
However, on August 14, 1919, the giant hotel burned to the ground.
 Today only parts of the foundations can be seen at the state campground.

Other historical sites include:
Stonehenge Estate – An estate with 19th-century buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Perry's Cave – Cave discovered by Native Americans.
Perry sent men here during the War of 1812 (Battle of Lake Erie).
Has an underground lake from which Perry's men obtained drinking water, after previously drinking from the bacteria filled Lake Erie water and getting sick.
The water in the cave was clean and thus by drinking it, his men returned to health in order to win the battle.

Heineman's winery and Crystal Cave – the world's largest geode.

Lake Erie Islands Historical Society – 6,000 square foot (560 m²) museum that houses artifacts, memorabilia and genealogical data pertinent to the Lake Erie Islands.

There are under 150 full-time (South Bass Island) residents, most of whom remain on the island over the winter.
Supplies and perishables are flown to the island during the winter months along with the mail, parcels and bank employees who staff the island's only bank (for one day a week) until the spring.
The island has a single school that is used for grades kindergarten through 12 and serves the educational requirements of Middle Bass and North Bass islands.
These students arrive by plane, boat or ATV across the frozen lake depending on the season and weather.

Put-in-Bay has one grocery store, one hardware store, one school - which houses the one lending library branch - one gas station, a post office, one bank and two cemeteries.
It has one seasonal franchise restaurant, Subway.
There is no cinema.
The island does not have a hospital, but does have an Emergency Medical Service that can use a Life Flight helicopter to transport critically ill patients to mainland medical facilities.

In 1952–1959, as well as 1963, the island held road races around a 3-mile (4.8 km) course.
In 2011, the Put-in-Bay Road Races Reunion returned to the island.
The temporary road course set up at the Put-in-Bay Airport during the 2011 event was a key step in pointing the way to the return of real vintage sports car racing to the island for 2012.

The Boy Scouts of America hold an annual camporee at the base of Perry's Monument.
For most of its history, the island's primary industry has been tourism and continues to be today. The tourist season runs roughly between April and October. The most common methods of transportation to and from the island are via ferry boat, propeller-driven aircraft and private boat.
One of the world's largest hotels, the Hotel Victory, opened its 625 rooms to the public in 1892. The four-story hotel featured a one-thousand-seat dining room. However, on August 14, 1919, the giant hotel burned to the ground.  Today only parts of the foundations can be seen at the state campground.
Other historical sites include:
Stonehenge Estate – An estate with 19th-century buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Perry's Cave – Cave discovered by Native Americans. Perry sent men here during the War of 1812 (Battle of Lake Erie). Has an underground lake from which Perry's men obtained drinking water, after previously drinking from the bacteria filled Lake Erie water and getting sick. The water in the cave was clean and thus by drinking it, his men returned to health in order to win the battle.
Heineman's winery and Crystal Cave – the world's largest geode.
Lake Erie Islands Historical Society – 6,000 square foot (560 m²) museum that houses artifacts, memorabilia and genealogical data pertinent to the Lake Erie Islands.
There are under 150 full-time (South Bass Island) residents, most of whom remain on the island over the winter. Supplies and perishables are flown to the island during the winter months along with the mail, parcels and bank employees who staff the island's only bank (for one day a week) until the spring. The island has a single school that is used for grades kindergarten through 12 and serves the educational requirements of Middle Bass and North Bass islands. These students arrive by plane, boat or ATV across the frozen lake depending on the season and weather.
Put-in-Bay has one grocery store, one hardware store, one school - which houses the one lending library branch - one gas station, a post office, one bank and two cemeteries. It has one seasonal franchise restaurant, Subway. There is no cinema. The island does not have a hospital, but does have an Emergency Medical Service that can use a Life Flight helicopter to transport critically ill patients to mainland medical facilities.
In 1952–1959, as well as 1963, the island held road races around a 3-mile (4.8 km) course. In 2011, the Put-in-Bay Road Races Reunion returned to the island. The temporary road course set up at the Put-in-Bay Airport during the 2011 event was a key step in pointing the way to the return of real vintage sports car racing to the island for 2012.
The Boy Scouts of America hold an annual camporee at the base of Perry's Monument.
Put-in-Bay, Ohio