Experience life between the tourist seasons on South Bass and Kelleys Islands. Dozens of Great Lakes islands are home to year-round residents — not just places for summer visits.

In advance of this year’s tourist season, Great Lakes Now visited South Bass and Kelleys islands, located in southern Lake Erie. CC Wisniewski helped Host Ward Detwiler learn about life on the islands, particularly from the perspective of some of the young people. She teaches music on one island and coaches the school sailing team on another.

Her students know they’ve got a unique home:

“It’s quiet, there’s so many animals and nature and you can ride your bike around with nobody around,” says Viktoriya, who is one of six students at Kelleys Island Local School.