Erie, Pennsylvania: Presque Isle, Museums & Outdoor Adventures

• What is Presque Isle State Park?
  • Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that features recreational trails, a marina, and numerous beaches for swimming.
• Where is Presque Isle State Park located?
  • The park extends into Lake Erie, offering a beautiful and romantic coastline perfect for outdoor activities.
• What recreational activities are available in the park?
  • Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including:
    • Swimming
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Bicycling
    • Hiking
    • In-line skating
• What water sports are available at the marina?
  • The marina allows visitors to participate in:
    • Water skiing
    • Scuba diving
    • Canoeing
    • Scenic boat tours
• What winter activities does Presque Isle offer?
  • In winter, visitors can enjoy:
    • Cross-country skiing
    • Ice fishing
    • Ice skating
    • Iceboating
• Why is Presque Isle popular among bird watchers?
  • The park is a favored spot for ornithologists as many birds migrate through Presque Isle, making it an excellent location for birdwatching.

• What is the Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens?
  • A trip to the Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens is not like a visit to any other zoo. You can get up close and personal with over 400 animals from around the world.
• What animals can visitors see at the Erie Zoo?
  • Visitors can enjoy seeing rhinos, warthogs, and cheetahs, among other exotic wildlife from Africa and Madagascar at the Kikoba Outpost.
• Are there any attractions besides the animal exhibits?
  • Train rides and carousels are available for visitors to take a ride and watch the animals play and eat.
• What can visitors expect at the Botanical Gardens?
  • Though visitors mainly come for the zoo, the botanical gardens are a beauty of their own. Here, visitors can explore different plant species and gardens filled with colorful flowers.
• Why visit the Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens?
  • The Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens is considered one of the best attractions in Erie, Pennsylvania.

423 W. 38th St., Erie, PA 16508, 814-864-4091

• What is the Erie Maritime Museum?
  • The Erie Maritime Museum takes visitors on a journey through time, covering the many people and events surrounding Lake Erie from the War of 1812 to the present day.
• What historical event does the museum focus on?
  • The museum places special focus on the events of the Battle of Lake Erie, which took place on September 10th, 1813. Visitors can see historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and dramatic videos that bring the battle to life.
• What are some of the museum’s permanent exhibits?
  • Some of the permanent exhibits include a reconstruction of the mid-ship section of the Lawrence and an original GE steam-powered electricity generating station.
• What other artifacts and displays can visitors see?
  • The museum gallery features many artifacts, models, and pieces of art that help visitors better appreciate Erie’s extensive maritime history.

150 East Front Street, Erie, PA 16507, 814-452-2744

• What is the Tom Ridge Environmental Center?
  • The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) is dedicated to teaching visitors about the unique 3,200 acres of Presque Isle and the many different forms of life that inhabit the peninsula.
• Is there an admission fee for the center?
  • Visitors will love this free learning center, where they can explore more than 7,000 square feet of interactive exhibits.
• What types of exhibits can visitors explore?
  • Exhibits range from flying saucers and steel trees to origami birds. The center promotes environmental awareness in a way that excites people of all ages.
• What is special about the big screen at the center?
  • The center features a four-story high, 45-foot wide big screen that puts visitors right in the middle of the action.
• What can visitors learn at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center?
  • Visitors can learn about the history of Presque Isle while enjoying a fun-filled interactive experience.

301 Peninsula Dr. #1, Erie, PA 16505, 814-833-7424

• What is the Asbury Woods Nature Center?
  • The Asbury Woods Nature Center consists of 205 acres of wetlands, forests, fields, streams, and historic properties, providing a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy at Asbury Woods?
  • Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, running, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing, along with many other outdoor activities.
• What attractions are available at the nature center?
  • The center features several attractions, including:
    • Animal exhibits
    • Picnic pavilion
    • Craft workshop
    • Amphitheater
    • Sugar shack
    • Native plants garden
    • Little Woods Nature Play area
    • Otto Behrend Celebration Garden
• What types of programs and events does the center offer?
  • The award-winning center hosts a variety of programs, events, festivals, and nature camps for people to safely explore natural places.
• What are some of the special events at Asbury Woods?
  • The center offers unique events such as:
    • Fantasy Forest – A program where children can safely engage in learning activities about animals and plants.
    • Tracks in the Snow – A program that introduces kids to native animals in the area.

4105 Asbury Road, Erie, PA 16506, 814-835-5356

• What is the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower?
  • The Port Erie Bicentennial Tower offers amazing panoramic views of Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park, and downtown Erie.
• Why was the Bicentennial Tower built?
  • The tower was built to commemorate the city's bicentennial year in 1996.
• How tall is the Bicentennial Tower?
  • The tower stands at 187 feet (57 m) tall and is one of the tallest structures in Erie.
• What observation decks are available for visitors?
  • The tower has two observation decks:
    • One at 17 feet
    • One at 138 feet
• What else can visitors do at the tower?
  • Visitors can purchase souvenirs at the tower’s gift shop before taking in the beautiful sights of Erie.
• How far can visitors see from the tower?
  • On a clear day, visitors can see up to 27 miles away to Long Point in Ontario, Canada.

1 Holland St, Erie, PA 16507, 814-455-7557

• What is the Erie Art Museum?
  • The Erie Art Museum was founded in 1898 as The Art Club of Erie. Over the years, it has changed locations and names and is now part of the Discovery Square Corporation, a development block in downtown Erie filled with museums, educational centers, and history centers.
• What types of artwork can visitors see at the Erie Art Museum?
  • The museum houses over 8,000 objects, including:
    • American ceramics
    • Tibetan paintings
    • Indian bronzes
    • Contemporary baskets
    • And many other artifacts
• How many exhibitions does the museum host annually?
  • The museum hosts 18 to 20 visiting exhibitions every year, featuring a diverse range of art.
• Does the Erie Art Museum share its collection with other institutions?
  • Yes, parts of the museum’s collection are shared with national and international partners through traveling exhibits.
• How does the museum support local folk artists?
  • The museum actively raises awareness for traditional arts by organizing installations and events that highlight and support local folk artists.

411 State St, Erie, PA 16501, 814-459-5477

• What is the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier?
  • The Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier showcases more than 250 varieties of trees. Established in 1998, it is a beautiful space for visitors to explore and appreciate nature.
• What types of trees can be found at the arboretum?
  • Visitors can admire trees such as:
    • Hawthorn
    • Ginkgo
    • Scarlet Oak
    • Russian Olive
    • Corkscrew Willow
    • Dogwood
    • Douglas Fir
    • Honey Locust Maple
    • Alder
    • Tulip Tree
• What activities are available at the arboretum?
  • No matter the season, visitors can enjoy numerous activities, including:
    • Hiking and biking trails
    • Sled riding hills
    • The labyrinth, a unique attraction for the whole family
• What is the virtual tree gazebo?
  • Visitors can walk to the virtual tree gazebo and experience a serene ambiance while seated under the canopy of blooming trees in the spring.

1501 W 6th Street Erie, PA 16505, 814-453-5323

• What is the ExpERIEnce Children's Museum?
  • The ExpERIEnce Children's Museum is a non-profit organization located in the historic cultural district of downtown Erie. It provides children from toddlers to ten years old with opportunities to be inspired, get creative, and let their imaginations run free.
• What topics can kids explore at the museum?
  • Children can engage in a broad range of topics, including:
    • Math
    • Health
    • Science
    • Culture
    • Art
    • Literacy
• What types of exhibits does the museum offer?
  • The museum has three floors with over 50 hands-on exhibits, allowing kids to engage in interactive activities such as:
    • Boat racing
    • Imagining a career
    • Producing a play
• What events does the ExpERIEnce Children's Museum host?
  • The museum hosts various events, including:
    • Visiting authors
    • Outdoor play areas
• Why should families visit the museum?
  • A visit to the ExpERIEnce Children's Museum is a memorable experience that will stay with children for years to come.

420 French Street, Erie, PA 16507, 814-453-3743

• What makes Downtown Erie a great destination?
  • Downtown Erie offers stunning views of the sunset on Lake Erie. It is home to landscaped parks, numerous restaurants, boutiques, and an exciting nightlife.
• What is the Downtown Improvement District?
  • The Downtown Improvement District was created in 2004 by over 500 merchants and property owners to revive Erie’s historic and economic district.
• How pedestrian-friendly is Downtown Erie?
  • With a pedestrian-friendly ambiance and excellent transport options, many people choose to leave their vehicles at home when heading to work.
• What housing options are available in Downtown Erie?
  • Downtown living offers a variety of options, including modern condos, apartments, and lofts in historic buildings.

140 East Fifth Street Erie, PA 16507, 814-455-3743