The U.S. mainland lies 7 miles to the south. The international boundary between the U.S. and Canada lies 1.5 miles to the north. Middle Bass has about 32 year-round residents and 800 to 1000 seasonal residents. On a busy summer holiday weekend, there are typically over 1500 people staying on the island, and many day-trippers visiting. Called Ile des Fleurs or Island of Flowers by early French explorers, Middle Bass is a low, green island with friendly people, blue water, glacial groves, small houses, rental cabins, camping, beaches, marinas, a historic district, a wildlife refuge, and, soon, an Ohio state park.
Access is by public ferries, private boats and planes, and air services.
Some seasonal residents are sixth-generation summer islanders. Newer residents give the island their energy, enthusiasm, and diversity. Middle Bass Island on the Web, Inc., a nonprofit operation, focuses on community, visitors, commerce, government, and history. Publishes information on up-coming community events, celebrates island people and places, and provides a discussion forum for island residents and visitors. An online reservation service is under consideration.