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Erie is the fourth-largest city in Pennsylvania and the state's only port on the Great Lakes, set on the southern shore of Lake Erie. French soldiers built Fort Presque Isle here in 1753, and during the War of 1812 Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry built his fleet in Erie's harbor before defeating the British at the Battle of Lake Erie. His restored flagship, the US Brig Niagara, still sails from the city.
Today Erie has about 95,000 residents and a waterfront known as the Bayfront, with the Erie Maritime Museum, the Bicentennial Tower observation deck and marinas. The downtown has historic buildings, the Erie Art Museum and the Warner Theatre.
Erie's greatest natural treasure is Presque Isle State Park, a seven-mile sandy peninsula curving into Lake Erie with beaches, trails, lighthouses and some of the best sunsets in the region. It draws millions of visitors a year. Waldameer Park, an old-fashioned amusement park, and the Erie Zoo are favorites with families, and nearby wineries line the lakeshore.
Sandy peninsula that curves into Lake Erie, with about 3,200 acres of beaches, lagoons, forests and trails. Visitors swim, bike the paved multi-purpose trail, paddle the lagoons and watch migrating birds. Sunsets over the lake are famous, so stay into the evening at one of the west-facing beaches.
Visitor and education center at the entrance to Presque Isle, with free exhibits about the peninsula's ecology, a big-screen theater and a tall observation tower. Staff can suggest trails and beaches. Stop here first for maps and climb the tower for a wide view over the lake and the park.
Reconstruction of the flagship of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who won the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. The tall ship is Pennsylvania's flagship and sails the Great Lakes in season, docking at the Erie Maritime Museum. When it is in port, deck tours are often available with museum admission.
Bayfront museum about the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie and the region's maritime history, with exhibits on shipbuilding, the Great Lakes and the Brig Niagara. A live-fire demonstration shows the power of the period cannons. Check whether the Niagara is in port before you go.
Downtown art museum spread across historic buildings on State Street, with collections of American art, ceramics, folk art and Asian art, plus changing exhibitions. It also hosts concerts and community events. Admission is modest, and it pairs easily with nearby downtown restaurants.
Observation tower at the end of Dobbins Landing, built in 1995 to mark Erie's 200th anniversary. Elevators and stairs lead to decks with views over Presque Isle Bay, the peninsula and downtown. Go on a clear evening for the sunset, then walk the pier and nearby bayfront paths.
Brick lighthouse built in 1873 on the lake side of Presque Isle State Park. The keeper's house is a small museum, and guided tours let visitors climb the tower for views of the beaches. Tours run in the warm season and can be limited, so check the schedule before driving out.
Sandstone lighthouse on a bluff at the east end of Erie, the current tower built in 1867 on one of the first lighthouse sites on the Great Lakes. A small park surrounds it with views of the lake. Tower climbs are offered on select days in summer, and the grounds are a calm picnic spot.
Ornate Art Deco movie palace that opened downtown in 1931 and now hosts Broadway tours, concerts and the Erie Philharmonic. The restored lobby and auditorium are a sight in themselves. Arrive early to look around, and check for backstage tours that are offered on some dates.
Classic amusement park near Presque Isle that dates back to the 1890s, with the Ravine Flyer II wooden roller coaster, family rides and the Water World water park. Entry to the grounds is free, and you pay for ride wristbands. Go on a weekday in summer for shorter lines.
Compact zoo in Glenwood Park with big cats, primates, red pandas and a children's area, plus a small train ride through the surrounding woods. It is easy to see in two to three hours, which makes it a good family outing. Visit in the morning when many animals are most active.
Waterfront area along Presque Isle Bay with Dobbins Landing, the Bayfront Convention Center, marinas, restaurants and walking paths. It is the place for bay views, boat rides and summer events. Walk from Dobbins Landing toward the maritime museum and stop for food on the water along the way.
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Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
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