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City in Pennsylvania, United States
Photo: AndreCarrotflower, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Erie is a city of about 100,000 in Northwestern Pennsylvania. It is Pennsylvania's only lake port on the Great Lakes (Lake Erie).
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The Erie Art Museum hosts over 5,000 pieces of art on State Street, along with 18-20 traveling exhibits annually.
A great zoo comparable to those of larger cities. Summer educational programs for children. Fun train ride through the zoo; great for the kids or kids at heart.
A good place to get a hands-on look at an early nineteenth century sailing warship. The U.S.S. Niagara is typically in port, but does travel to historical events all across the Great Lakes region, so consider calling ahead or drive by to see if she's around.
Constructed in 1995 to celebrate Erie's Bicentennial, the tower stands about 100 feet high and one can easily see out to Long Point or over Erie.
A small fire station built in 1903, it was used during the age when firefighters used horses to pull a hose on a cart. The horses were used here until 1921 and the fire station closed in 1974. Inside the museum you can see various contraptions firefighters used to put out fires before the firetruck existed. Hours of operation are limited, but you can call to schedule an appointed during other times.
A historic mansion built on "Millionaire's Row" in 1891.
TREC
An educational center dedicated to teaching visitors about the unique 3,200 acres of Presque Isle and the many different forms of life that inhabit the peninsula. TREC also serves as a center for research, contributing to conservation efforts and promoting environmental awareness, helping to preserve Presque Isle, the site of Pennsylvania’s only seashore. Open year-round. Free admission to interactive exhibits, glass-enclosed tower, and orientation movie.
Exhibits on the Native Americans who lived here, the French and British fur trade, and archaeological excavations of the site.
An imposing Roman Catholic church built in a Gothic revival style, dating back to 1893.
The main Episcopal cathedral in Erie.
Presbyterian church built in 1930.
Situated on a peninsula starting from about four miles west of downtown and then going north and east approximately ten miles. Most of the lake side of the peninsula is made up of sandy beaches. The bay side provides launching docks for boats and spots to fish. A 14-mile paved exercise and bike trail runs the entire length of the peninsula offering views of the lake beaches and wildlife refuges. Bicycles and boats are available for rental in and around the park. There is also a nature cruise starting near the Perry monument, on the southeastern side of the park. With free entry, copious parking, and miles of beaches, it's not hard to see why this park is the most visited state park in Pennsylvania, averaging over a million guests a year.
Family-oriented amusement and water slide park, in the summer is a popular place to beat the summer heat.
Another great place to take the kids. Located immediately off of I-90 on Peach Street, this indoor waterpark operates year round.
There are wineries north and east of the city, including Mazza, Penn Shore, and Presque Isle Vineyards.
Erie's oldest theater group, producing around 12 shows per year. Musicals, comedies, dramas, concerts, and youth theater are common events. Shows run Thursdays through Sundays as a general rule
The Erie Philharmonic is an orchestra that plays a variety of concerts at the Warner Theatre on State Street, which is on the National Register of Historical Places for its Art Deco style. Tickets can be ordered online, and they go well in advance.
formerly Jerry Uht Park
Home of the Erie SeaWolves, Erie's minor league baseball team.
Tullio Arena
The arena is home to Erie's other minor league teams, the Otters (hockey).
Teams representing Gannon University, most of which compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).
Teams representing Mercyhurst University, most of which compete in the PSAC for now. Five of its teams are either de jure or de facto Division I members—women's bowling, men's and women's ice hockey, and men's and women's water polo. The rest of the Lakers' teams will move to Division I in July 2024, with the university joining the Northeast Conference.
One of the mainstays in downtown Erie, the Plymouth is great for all ages, with drink specials daily from 9PM-11PM
Great campsite located on the water and adjacent to Presque Isle State Park. Pitch your tent right on the beach or in a designated site in the woods. There's also RV parking.
Accommodations include complimentary Internet, flat screen TV, and pantry area. Guests will also have access to complimentary hot breakfast, complimentary parking, indoor pool and fitness center.
Polished hotel featuring a restaurant & a bar offering bay views, plus an outdoor pool & a hot tub.
By bus
Erie has a Greyhound Bus Station across from the Library and Maritime Museum. Buses come and go frequently from Buffalo and Cleveland.
By train
By car
Erie is easily accessible via Interstate 90 and 79.
By bus
Bus (EMTA) service primarily stretches from Fairview in the west to Harborcreek in the east, and south to the I-90/Peach Street shopping district.
By taxi
Taxis are rare in Erie. Taxi services are provided by Hansen's Errand Service where pre-booking is needed. Other options are Uber and Lyft.
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Erie · Regional · ERI
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