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  PORT ERIE
  Pennsylvania's Only Great Lake Port

A city born on the water of one of America's Great Lakes, Erie, Pennsylvania is a region with roots in the forging of our nation's democracy. 

It was a frontier businessman who brought recognition to the area, financing and overseeing the building of a fleet of warships for the Battle of 1812.  Daniel Dobbins crossed enemy lines to petition President Madison for funds to outfit a young naval officer, Oliver Hazard Perry.

History speaks well of Perry, who on defeating the British force, notified the president that "We have met the enemy and they are ours."

That decisive battle set a legacy for success that still reverberates in Pennsylvania's third largest city. 

The Port of Erie is located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie in a natural bay formed and sheltered by Presque Isle peninsula.  Originally home to the Eriez Indians of the Iroquois family, Lake Erie's trade and military advantage brought settlers from Britain, France, and America.

Today, the crystal clear waters of Lake Erie offer local residents and visitors from around the world yearlong recreation and relaxing natural beauty.

RECREATION

The crystal clear waters of Lake Erie welcome visitors to Pennsylvania's only Great Lake Port.  The city is an exciting hub of community progress anchored by the revitalization of Erie's waterfront.

The Port of Erie is located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie in a natural bay formed and sheltered by Presque Isle Peninsula.  Environmentally sound, the waterfront of Port Erie offers year-round recreation, relaxing natural beauty, and an historical legacy to visitors.

The revitalized waterfront makes Port Erie a favorite for recreational boaters on the Great Lakes. Located city-side on the waterfront is the Bayfront District. The District includes restaurants, shopping, miniature
golf, wooden boat building, concerts and other activities.

Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches lake ward into Lake Erie.  The park is National Natural Landmark and its many unique habitats are home to a number of the state's endangered, threatened and rare species.  Presque Isle offers visitors seven miles of pristine beaches and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling, body surfing and in-line skating.

The Bayfront District is within easy walking distance to the museums and art galleries of Discovery Square, as well as the Blasco Memorial Library which offers free internet connectivity.  Directly across from the Library is Hamot Medical Center, a 100-top hospital in the country.

Port Erie offers charter fishing, riverboat and sail cruises, bus shuttle and water taxi services, marinas, as well as transient boating at public and private venues.  Other attractions include:

  • Bicentennial Tower , a 187 foot observation tower with two observation decks and markers of Erie's harbor history and geography.
     
  • Bayfront Gallery , an artist co-op featuring antique wares and local artistry and Harborview Miniature Golf , an 18-hole course located on State Street.
     
  • Liberty Park , an 8.5 acre park with public access walkways, playground and the Pepsi amphitheater,scheduled with community programming throughout the year.
     
  • Camping - Enjoy Lampe Marina Campground - camping in Erie, PA
     

Also in the District is the Erie Maritime Museum home berth to the U.S. Brig Niagara, the official flagship of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  In commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, the reconstructed Niagara was launched in 1989 and now serves as a floating museum.

The Erie Maritime Museum features interactive exhibits on Erie's pivotal role in the War of 1812.  Other exhibits include a dramatic, full-scale reproduction of the side of the Lawrence, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's original flagship, complete with effects of cannon fire, as well as the prow of the U.S.S. Wolverine, the first iron-hulled steamship ever built.

The Downtown Entertainment District includes the Erie Playhouse, the renovated Warner Theater, Jrs. Last Laugh Comedy Club, the Erie Zoo and its Botanical Garden, the Roadhouse Theater, the Tullio Arena, and a variety of art and historical museums and restaurants. Erie is also home to a Double A baseball team, the Sea Wolves, who play at the Jerry Uht Ball Park. Shopping opportunities range from local specialty boutiques to national retailers at the Millcreek Mall. And for an extra value, there is not sales tax on clothing in Pennsylvania.

For more information on activities in Erie, PA, call 1-800-524-3743 or visit http://www.visiteriepa.com

HISTORIC

Visitors can explore Erie's strong historical legacy with a tour of the preserved Blockhouse of General Anthony Wayne, or the authentic Dickson Tavern, or any one of the numerous historical museums in the county.

Erie is homeport of the United States Brig Niagara, Oliver Hazrad Perry's flagship.  The Niagara is a living, three-dimensional part of America's history berthed in the Erie Maritime Museum.  When she is not sailing the waters of Presque Isle Bay, the Niagara visits ports of call throughout the country.

SHOPPING

In addition to the unique wares of local artisans, Port Erie shopping opportunities abound.  Superstores, outlets, restaurants and hotels join the giant 200+ stores at the Millcreek Mall to form an exciting shopping mecca for this region.  Vacation dollars last longer in Erie because food and clothing are tax free in Pennsylvania.

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