Erie, Pennsylvania’s fourth largest city, is on beautiful Presque Isle Bay, one the world’s best-protected harbors, surrounded by a seven-mile peninsula. As a Great Lakes City, Erie has an extensive maritime history, and boasts the state’s only seashore. Central to the Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo triangle, Erie is within 500 miles of more than half of the U.S. population and is accessible by automobile, boat, plane, train, or bus.

The sandy surf beaches at Presque Isle State Park along Lake Erie help to make tourism Erie’s second largest industry, next to manufacturing. Sailing, swimming, hiking, biking, kite flying and fishing are popular on the lake. Presque Isle, a National Natural Landmark, is known for its ecological diversity with rare and endangered species of wildflowers and over 428 species of birds. Just outside Presque Isle is the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC), a year-round facility offering educational and interactive exhibits, theater, nature shop, observation tower and more, celebrating Presque Isle. Across from TREC is Waldameer Park and Water World, one of the country’s oldest family amusement parks with exciting rides all within a beautifully landscaped area. Waldameer’s 100-foot Ferris wheel and new thrill ride, the Ravine Flyer II wooden roller coaster offer breathtaking views of Presque Isle.

The Bayfront Parkway offers easy access to the ever-evolving Bayfront District. Visit Pennsylvania’s Official Flagship, the U.S. Brig Niagara at the Erie Maritime Museum to learn about Erie’s extensive maritime history including the Battle of Lake Erie. Join us during our 18-month celebration for Erie’s 200-year anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812. For a complete listing of events of Erie’s “Perry 200 Celebration”, please visit www.perry200.com.

The Bicentennial Observation Tower on Dobbins Landing offers beautiful vistas of the city and Presque Isle Bay. Have a romantic dinner on the Victorian Princess stern-wheeler, take the Water Taxi to Presque Isle, or play 18 holes at Harborview Miniature Golf. Make sure to visit Liberty Park/Pepsi Amphitheater, Cruise Ship Terminal and the Intermodal Transportation Center all located bayside.

Travel south on State Street to visit the Erie Art Museum in the Greek Revival-style Old Customs House, the Erie History Center, and the ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum. Downtown’s impressive Jerry Uht Baseball Field is home to the Erie Seawolves, Division AA farm team of the Detroit Tigers. Adjacent to Uht Field is the newly renovated Erie Insurance Arena, home to the Ontario Hockey League Champion Erie Otters. Just up the street is the historic Warner Theater, built by the famous Warner Bros. and currently being restored to its original splendor. Home to the Erie Philharmonic, it is the only active Warner Theater left in the nation still in its original form. Theater lovers can take advantage of Erie’s many venues including the Erie Playhouse, Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park & Resort, Presque Isle Downs Casino & Racetrack, Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens, three area lighthouses, Asbury Woods Nature Center, Lake Erie Speedway with NASCAR sanctioned races, Erie Historical Museum and Planetarium, and the Station Dinner Theatre. Golf lovers can enjoy the 25+ beautifully landscaped golf courses in the area offering challenging holes and scenic views.

Erie is known for its lovely residential areas and churches of vintage period architecture. Historic mansions are prevalent along Millionaire’s Row, West Sixth Street. For shoppers, the Millcreek Mall and neighboring plazas of the adjacent suburbs make Erie a haven for shopping. Annually, thousands of shoppers from New York and Canada are enticed by Pennsylvania’s tax-free clothing. After a full day of shopping, enjoy Erie’s fantastic culinary scene with over 250 establishments from which to choose. From fine dining to sidewalk cafes, there is something for even the most finicky of appetites.

The surrounding countryside boasts charming towns, covered bridges, and other historical sites, including the only known statue of George Washington in British uniform. Follow Scenic Pennsylvania Historic Route 6 or the America’s Byway™ Great Lakes Seaway Trail to experience miles of serene countryside, vineyards, orchards and wineries.

Visit us on the web at www.VisitErie.com! Erie…Feel The Lake Effect!