Located on the southern shore of its eponymous lake, Erie is the fifth largest city in the state of Pennsylvania, following Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown and Reading.
It’s also the largest in the Northwestern area of the state.
Despite its size, many tourists have not heard of this amazing city.
So, let us show you what there is to do in Erie and why you should take a trip!
Monuments and Sight-Seeing
From monuments and thrill-seeking experiences to theatres and relaxation, Erie has something for you, no matter what kind of tourist you are.
1. Presque Isle State Park
This 3,112-acre expanse arches onto a sandy peninsula jutting into Lake Erie and is just 4 miles to the west of the city itself.
The sweeping peninsula heads to the northeast and surrounds Presque Isle Bay which sits along the southern coast of the park.
Presque Isle State Park has 13 miles of roads and 21 miles of trails to walk or hike.
There are also 13 beaches to choose from if you’d like to swim and a marina. From the park you can also take a boat ride, go on a bike ride and do some birdwatching.
What’s fascinating about the Presque Isle is that it was formed on a moraine left over from glaciation.
The waves and the wind are reshaping it constantly so it’s a really good place to have wander if geography and geology are your thing.
Since 1967 – The park has been a National Natural Landmark and has been named amongst the best places for watching birds out of the whole of the United States. The Gull Point Natural Area is a great place for this.
The entrance to the park is home to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, where you can learn more about the peninsula.
2. Port Erie Bicentennial Tower
With two observation decks at 17 and 138 feet, if you’re wanting a stunning panoramic view over Presque Isle State Park and Lake Erie.
Mind you, there are 210 stairs to climb between the first and second observation decks. It stands at a total height of 187 feet tall.
Built in 1996 to mark Erie’s bicentennial year, it’s positioned on Dobbins Landing at the end of State Street.
3. Erie Land Lighthouse
The Erie Land Lighthouse was the very first commissioned lighthouse of all the Great Lakes.
It’s now at the end of Lighthouse Street on a cliff that overlooks the Presque Isle Bay entrance.
The original lighthouse was a square wooden tower that was 20 feet tall that had a lantern room enclosed at the top.
The lamp inside would show the way for the ships on Lake Erie with its nine lamps fueled by whale oil.
Given that Presque Isle has changed in shape over time, the lighthouse’s location was more strategic at the outset, on what was an entrance shaped like an ‘S’.
This lighthouse helped boats and ships for almost half a century before it began to flounder, and a new tower was built.
In 1857 – A 56-foot stone tower was built with a cast iron spiral staircase. However, it didn’t really fare too well due to poor foundations.
The current lighthouse was therefore built about 200ft to the east of the previous tower. The light could be seen for around 15 miles into the lake.
However, its operation ceased in 1800.
Today, it’s been restored, and, although no longer used as a working lighthouse, it’s another great location for a spectacular view of Presque Isle and Lake Erie.
History and Culture
For those who enjoy a bit of culture and history, Erie has a few things up its sleeve to tempt you.
4. Erie Art Museum
With over 8,000 objects in its collection, the Erie Art Museum gathers local and regional art together as well as works by some of the greats.
They also offer some events such as gallery nights, Art After Dark, and family ‘pay-what-you-wish’ Sundays.
5. Saint Peter Cathedral
Saint Peter Cathedral sits like a majestic crown in downtown Erie on the corner of Sassafras Streets and West 10th.
The Catholic Cathedral was built to serve the memory of the third Bishop of Erie, Bishop Tobias Mullen.
The old cathedral was replaced by this present beauty in May 1906, which took over twenty years to complete.
6. Hagen History Center
If History is your passion, the Hagen History Center presents everything you need to know about Erie and its environs.
In 2020, construction started on brand new exhibits, including a new exhibit building:
- The first floor of the building showcases Erie’s boom growth years from the 1870s right through the 1950s.
- The second floor features exhibits on Erie County’s history, including Erie at Work and Coming to Erie.
Nature and the Outdoors
After a day exploring museums, you may want to get out and about in the natural world.
Erie has woodland, a zoo, botanical gardens, and an arboretum, all of which will let you get up close and personal with nature.
7. Lake Erie Arboretum
The Lake Erie Arboretum is set within Frontier Park. Affectionately known as Erie’s “Central Park,” the Arboretum has a collection of over 1,000 trees.
Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park is referred to as LEAF and strives to inform people about how important trees are in the natural world.
The arboretum is there for outdoor experiences and pleasure as well as education.
8. Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Erie is home to its very own zoo. Erie Zoos aims to foster stewardship, appreciation, conservation, and awareness of diverse plant and animal species.
Visitors can spend the day at the zoo seeing around 400 animals and walking through 11 stunning gardens within the 15 acres of grounds.
Attracting over 400,000 visitors each year, the zoo has been around since 1927 when an elephant named Tom-boy was gifted to the city.
The park didn’t open until 1930 when a permanent home had been created on the Robert Evans estate.
There’s a children’s zoo within the ground that includes a playground, nature theatre animal shows, and a water garden.
9. Ashbury Woods
For a peaceful day out in the forest, a visit to Ashbury Woods is a must.
There are over 5 miles of trails to walk and explore, and you’ll find many seasonal activities and special exhibits on your way around.
Learn about wildflowers, see how they make maple syrup or get your binoculars out for a spot of bird watching amongst the trees.
The area encompasses forests, fields, wetlands, and streams, with some historic properties dotted about.
Family Adventures
For those of us with kids (or who are just big kids ourselves!), Erie has some great activities for adrenaline junkies or those looking for adventure.
10. Waldameer Park and Water World
Waldameer and Water World has more than 100 rides, attractions, and slides for kids big and small.
From family rides to thrill-seeking high-flying ones, there’s something for everyone here.
Water World boasts a 500,000-gallon wave pool, the breathtaking Rally Racer, and two family areas.
The park also has your favorite eateries, midway games, and souvenir gift shops. There’s entertainment too, so you’ll certainly never get bored!
11. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park
If you’re looking for a place that will really make a splash, look no further than Splash Lagoon.
This one’s perfect even for bad weather days as it’s all indoors.
There’s a new Tree House full of water features across multiple layers with dumping buckets and water sprayers galore.
There are also a few new slides, including the Riptide Racers and Typhoon Twister.
For Little Ones – The Froggy Splash Pad is great fun with colorful characters and fun water features. If you’re feeling a bit braver, there’s the FlowRider surf machine and wild waters wave pool, which is the largest in all the Eastern US states.
For slides, why not try the Black Hole, Maui Wowie, Hurricane Hole, Big Kahuna, Cyclone, Shark Attack, or Python Plunge?
If chilling is more choice of activity, try out the Lazy River or the Lava Pool.
12. Scallywags Pirate Adventures
For something a little bit different, Scallywags Pirate Adventures offers swashbuckling fun for pirates of all ages.
There’s the Pirate Adventure show, Wobbly Pirate Cruise, or the option of a private charter across the high seas (well, Lake Erie!).
Shows, Music, and Spectacles
For an evening (or matinée) show, you’re spoiled for choice in Erie.
From old theaters to more modern institutes, there’s a lot of entertainment on offer in the city.
13. Erie Playhouse
Erie Playhouse is not only award-winning, but it’s the 12th oldest theatre in the US!
It was founded over a century ago to bring quality live performances to the community in Erie.
This aim has expanded somewhat, and the playhouse now prides itself on including arts education and outreach in its repertoire.
14. Warner Theatre
The Warner Theatre is home to the Erie Broadway Series, Lake Erie Ballet, and the Erie Philharmonic.
It also hosts many entertainment shows and lectures every year, with over 150 events annually.
With over 2,250 seats, the theatre’s stunning structure bears the Warner Bros. name thanks to their commissioning of it in 1929.
15. Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture
The MIAC (to give it its shortened name) claims to strengthen Erie’s vibrancy by offering top-notch performances that really stimulate your imagination and encourage one’s intellect.
It offers a platform for emerging artists, technicians, stage managers, and choreographers, as well as directors and performers.
There are three performance venues within the institute as well as an art gallery space.
Shopping and Spending
If you’ve got some cash burning a hole in your pocket, why not head out to a casino and see if you can hit the jackpot or pop down to the mall to treat yourself?
The city of Erie can tick both of those boxes.
16. Presque Isle Downs and Casino
There are more than 30 exciting tables to try your luck on at the Presque Isle Downs & Casino, including:
- Blackjack
- Craps
- and Roulette
You can also wage a bet on sports games on the TV screens at the Twinspires Sportsbook, where you’ll find 50 self-serve betting kiosks all geared up for sports.
17. Millcreek Mall
Millcreek Mall offers dining, entertainment, and, of course, shopping!
There are over 30 places to grab a bite to eat, from donuts to steak!
There are about 195 stores to choose from, including:
- Macy’s
- Boscov’s
- and JCPenney
The mall is presently the third largest in the state of Pennsylvania.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Erie, PA
Whether it’s shopping, entertainment or roulette, lighthouses, lakes, or pirates, the city of Erie in Pennsylvania has something for everyone whether you’re two or 102!
Why not see what Pennsylvania’s fifth-largest city has to offer? We’re sure you won’t regret it!
