Safety

Call 911 for all emergencies in the park.
The park grounds are open year round but no services are available in winter. Good planning and preparation for any season will make your visit enjoyable and rewarding. For more information about what is open go to Operating Hours & Seasons, and visit Alerts & Conditions for all changes to normal operations.

 

Weather

Summer

Summer months are generally extremely hot and humid, with occasional and sudden severe thunderstorms. The memorial temporarily closes when lightning is detected eight miles out or the lightning rods are buzzing. At the Memorial, including the rotunda and the observation deck, visitors are required to wear tops, bottoms, and shoes. Bathing suits are not permitted. Sunscreen, bug spray and drinking water are advised for anyone spending time outside on the island.

Fall and Spring

Fall and spring are pleasant with cool temperatures and brisk winds. If it is windy on the plaza count on it being gustier on the observation deck. Winds are sneaky and often whip around corners and doorways surprising visitor wearing skirts and unsecured hats. Typically, winds create cooler temperatures so plan on carrying an extra layer for warmth when visiting the observation deck.

Winter

During winter the Memorial and Visitor Center are closed, The plaza and gounds are open but may be covered with snow and ice.

 

Harmful Algal Blooms

Cyanobacteria blooms (blue-green algae) are a frequent occurrence in Lake Erie. These blooms may cause fish kills and discolored or foul-smelling water, affecting both human and ecosystem health. A harmful algal bloom (HAB) is an excessive growth of algae which produces many toxins. These may cause illness or death to pets and people recreating in the water.

More information is available on the NOAA website at Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. See maps of observed conditions and forecasted blooms go the NOAA Lake Erie Forecast.

 

If not busy feeding their young, adult red-winged blackbirds are busy protecting them. Male and female adults aggressively protect their fledglings. They will swoop in close and sometimes touch the head of a person who walks near the nesting area.

NPS photo 2023 by Zack Fico

Plants and Animals

Animal Encounters

Reptiles

Lake Erie watersnakes live only on the islands in Lake Erie, including South Bass Island and around the Memorial. This medium-sized, non-venomous snake often approaches swimmers. The snake is curious and harmless but will bite in self-defense if they are harassed. Any snake seen on the park grounds should be left alone and reported to a ranger if it is in danger.

Birds

Birds sometimes create safety issues for themselves and sometimes their behavior is unwanted by visitors.

• During nesting season (mid-June into July) red-winged black birds Agelaius phoeniceus are extremely protective of their nestlings and fledglings. Both males and females defend their nest, loudly protesting perceived intruders, including people. A red-winged blackbird may fly close overhead and swoop in low occasionally tapping a visitor on their head.
• Killdeer nest on the ground in open areas with a clear view of its surroundings. Their nest may be well hidden in the rocks on the plaza or in the grass. Listen and watch for an adult pretending to have a broken wing as a means to distract predators (and visitors) from the nest.
• Canada geese eat a lot and poop a lot. Sometimes the sidewalks and lawns get a little messy. Watch your step.

Insects, Spiders, and Chiggers

• Summer brings bees, wasps, and other flying insects. If you find such insects bothersome it is best to avoid the flower gardens because that is where they are most active. Signs will be posted in other areas if bees are persistent.
• Mayflies Hexagenia limbata, also called fish flies,annually and some years biannually immerge from the lake in large numbers. They do not bite or sting but will land on your clothes and body. Yes, this may be frustrating but a strong emergence signals a healthy lake. They live out of water for about two days, mating and depositing eggs in the lake. A single female may lay 4000 eggs. They are most active at dusk and dawn. The Memorial lights are turned off during their emergence. To avoid the greatest numbers it is best to not walk through the grass or under trees.
• Chiggers, from the Trombiculidae family, are small red mites. They inhabit grass, weeds, and vegetation in summer. These microscopic relatives of ticks’ crawl onto their hosts and inject an enzyme into the skin to feed on the effected cells. Once the larvae detach and fall off, severe itching, skin rash, or hives occur. Immediately wash with soap and water if you suspect you have chigger bites.
• Spiders are commonly seen around the Memorial observation deck and flower gardens. Observe them but let them be.

 

A vine of poison ivy begins turning red in late July is attached toa hackberry tree.

NPS Photo 7/18/2023 Mimi Gorman

Plants

Poison Ivy

Leaves of three, let them be.

Although the manicured lawns and flower beds throughout the park are free of poison ivy, it can grow around trees and shrubs. It is especially prevalent throughout the wooded areas on the island. In late spring and summer look for leaves of three with some red stem parts.

The leaves and stems of poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) contain an oil, called urushiol, which can cause a red itchy rash or blisters several days after you touch it. This oil can be transferred from clothing, tools, and pets to your skin. The best protection is to avoid contact with poison ivy or to wear protective clothing. Wash anything that may have come in contact with poison ivy before the oil touches your skin.

• Avoid contact with all parts of the plant.
• If exposed, wash the affected skin with soap and water as soon as possible. It takes several minutes for the sap to penetrate the skin.
• If exposed and showing a skin reaction, wash with over-the-counter remedies such as Technu, or Ivy Guard, and apply calamine lotion to dry the affected area.
• Remember: Leaves of three, let them be. Avoid plants with three leaflets.