Places to visit in Erie, PA.
Whether you are a resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, or a visitor, there are plenty of things to do in the area. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, the city is home to various attractions, from the Erie Maritime Museum to the Erie Art Museum. In addition to these attractions, you can take in the views of the Lake and enjoy the outdoors with a visit to the city’s beaches and parks.
Bicentennial Tower
Located on the Erie waterfront, Bicentennial Tower offers fantastic views of the city and Lake Erie. This tower, which was built to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the city’s founding, is one of the tallest structures in Erie. It features two observation decks that offer a panoramic view of downtown Erie and Presque Isle State Park.
Other things to do in Erie, PA, include boat tours, museums, shopping, and dining. One of the most popular attractions is the Presque Isle State Park, which is home to 11 miles of hiking trails.
Erie Zoo
Erie Zoo is a zoological park in Erie, Pennsylvania. This park features over 400 animals from around the world. There are also over 600 species of plants. The zoo has been open since 1927. It has an impressive number of visitors – over 400,000 people every year.
The zoo was founded by John M. Cochran, who was also involved in constructing the Dixieland Children’s Zoo. The zoo is a great place to take a trip. There are plenty of exhibits to see and a carousel.
It is open from March to November. You can take your children to see all the animals at the zoo. They can also take a ride on the train.
The zoo is handicap accessible. There are also plenty of shaded areas for hot days. Also, there are programs for all ages. Kids can learn about different topics thIn addition, there out the year. There is a gift shop and food stand. There are group tours and rentals available for families with small children.
Erie Land Lighthouse
The Erie Land Lighthouse is an exciting piece of Pennsylvania’s history. It was a convenient landmark for sailors and has been used as an effective navigation aide from its inception in 1820 to the present day.
This lighthouse is an excellent example of the historic lighthouses that dot the seas and coasts of the world. While in Erie, one cannot miss this beautiful lighthouse, which serves as a vibrant tourist destination that can only help boost the economy around the city.
Lake Erie Arboretum
There is no shortage of fun things to do in Erie, Pennsylvania. It’s home to many great places to visit, from museums to nature centers. One of the most popular attractions is the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier. This tree museum is open for free daily.
The park contains more than 250 different varieties of trees. As a result, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and sled riding trails, among other activities. Also, the park sponsors ReLeaf, an initiative that encourages residents of Northwest Pennsylvania to plant trees to combat climate change. Established in 1998, the park also offers a variety of activities, such as a labyrinth and biking trails.
Erie Maritime Museum
Located on Presque Isle Bay in Erie, Pennsylvania, the Erie Maritime Museum is a unique maritime museum that looks into the history and heritage of the Great Lakes region. The museum features interactive exhibits, artifacts, paintings, and a film telling the story of the Battle of Lake Erie.
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The Erie Maritime Museum is located in the heart of Erie’s Historic Bayfront District. Found in the former Pennsylvania Electric Company steam generating plant, it is a beautiful place to learn about the rich history of Erie and the Great Lakes region.
The Erie Maritime Museum features a range of exhibits, including the reconstruction a ship from the Battle of Lake Erie. It also includes a variety of artifacts from a decommissioned ship. There are also interactive displays and dramatic videos telling the story of the Battle of Lake Erie.
Asbury Woods
Located just outside downtown Erie, Asbury Woods is a 200+ acre nature preserve. The property features nature trails, wetlands, a restored barn, and landscaped gardens. You’ll be able to participate in educational activities and learn about native species while taking in the sights and sounds of this scenic area.
Asbury Woods is also home to the Greenway Trail, which ties together a series of land parcels to form a recreational paradise in Walnut Creek. The trails are great for seeing some of Erie’s native fauna. You’ll also want to check out the nifty-looking boardwalk, which will be lit up in December.
Lake Erie Speedway
Lake Erie Speedway is a one-third-mile high-banked, paved oval specializing in modified racing. The track began in the early ’50s as a dirt track and, in 1962, became a paved oval. It has gone through several stints under different ownership and, in 2010, was purchased by Eric DeVault and Dale Blaney, who also own Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway.
The track hosts four divisions, including the USRA Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Factory Stocks, and Extreme Stocks. Lake Erie Speedway offers excellent racing action for the whole family with affordable ticket prices and free parking on-site.
Located in Erie County, Pennsylvania, Lake Erie Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility sanctioned by NASCAR. The track is a 3/8-mile asphalt oval racetrack that hosts a weekly racing series. The way features a Daktronics scoreboard and Musco lights. The facility also accommodates 4,000 spectators in the main grandstands and 4,000 more in the perimeter bleachers.
Best Things to Do in Erie, Pennsylvania
Places to visit in Erie, PA:
- Bicentennial Tower
- Erie Zoo
- Erie Land Lighthouse
- Lake Erie Arboretum
- Erie Maritime Museum
- Asbury Woods
- Lake Erie Speedway