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. For more information visit their Web site: http://www.brigniagara.org.
For more information on activities in Erie, PA, call 1-800-524-3743 or visit http://www.visiterie.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. For more information, visit VisitErie’s Web site: http://www.visiterie.com.
Erie is homeport of the United States Brig Niagara, Oliver Hazard 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.
