Photo: Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Erie is a unique and great city located in Pennsylvania. This city is home to various museums, beaches, nature centers, gardens, arboretums, and beaches that you can visit while in the region. You can visit the Presque Isle State Park to soak yourself at the beach, swim, and fish. You can also stretch your muscles at the trails located in the park. Additionally, if you love art, you can visit the Erie art museum to have a glimpse at the multiple impressive pieces of art exhibited on display. A stop at the various farmer’s markets located within the city will give you a chance to meet the natives, interact with the residents of Erie and get to know more about the culture, or even taste the delicious dishes prepared in restaurants located there. There are different species of animals at the zoo in Erie, such as lions, warthogs, cheetahs, and rhinos, that you will get up close and personal during your visit.
Further, if you love plants or nature in general, Erie is a home to various gardens, arboretums, and nature centers with multiple species of plants that you will get to know. If you want a view of the city from one point, you can visit the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower to have amazing panoramic views of places such as Lake Erie and the Presque Isle State Park. There are hundreds of bird species that nest in Erie’s various places that you can see if you are into bird watching. Suppose you love wines and want to taste the local wines or get more details about winery and wine-making. In that case, you can visit the various wineries and vineyards located in this great beautiful city of Erie, Pennsylvania.
Erie, Pennsylvania, has an elevation of 222m, and it covers an estimated area of 50.17 square kilometers. The number of people in this remarkable city is estimated to be around 97,263 as per the census of 2019. The area code of this city is 814. There are memorable places and activities you can do in Erie, Pennsylvania, during your visit.
Here are the ten best things to do in Erie, Pennsylvania.
# 10 – Erie Art Museum
Erie Art Museum was formed in 1898, and it is located at the heart of the city. Initially, Erie Art Museum was The Art Club of Erie during its establishment in 1898. Erie Art Museum features over 8,000 unique and most impressive art and artifacts. Some of the museum objects include American ceramics, Tibetan paintings, Indian bronzes, contemporary baskets, and many more artifacts. Additionally, there are around 20 visiting exhibitions in Erie Art Museum yearly. There are events held in this museum that help in raising awareness for the traditional arts. This museum is located at 20 E 5th St, in Erie, Pennsylvania.
# 9 – Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens
A trip to Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens during your visit to Erie, Pennsylvania, will make fantastic. It is one of the places perfect for visiting with kids. Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens is also the best place to visit while in Erie if you like animals, plants, and nature in general. Inside this zoo and botanical gardens that are located at 423 W. 38th St., there are more than 400 animals that call it home. Some of the animals that call Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens home include rhinos, warthogs, cheetahs, lions, and orangutans, amongst other exotic wildlife.
Additionally, there are around 11 gardens with more than 100 species of plants. Some of the gardens include a greenhouse filled with tropical plants, a rose garden, a children’s garden, and Asian and African-themed gardens. Further, there are rides such as the Safariland Train ride and Wildlife Carousel at the zoo and an extra cost. You can visit Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March to November. It is closed on thanksgiving. The admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for kids.
# 8 – The Historical Society of Erie County
Suppose you want to view archival materials and get to know Erie’s past life while in Erie, Pennsylvania. In that case, the Historical Society of Erie County, located at 356 West Sixth Street, Erie, is your destination. The Historical Society of Erie County features impressive 809 separate collections, 3,750 historical maps, 321,775 photographic images, 5,529 rare books, and 4,880 architectural drawings. Additionally, there are fantastic exhibits and manicured landscapes in the three historic landmark properties, i.e., the Hagen History Center, the Yellow House, and the White House, also known as the Battles Estates Museum. Some of the exhibits here showcase topics like the War of 1812, industries developed in the county, and locally made toys.
# 7 – Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park
If environmental issues are important and you want to have some great times outdoors while in Erie, you should visit Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park. Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park is located at 1501 W 6TH Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. This Arboretum aims to educate and enlighten people on the importance of trees in the community and environment. Inside this facility, there are over 250 species of trees. Some of the trees displayed in Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park include Hawthorn, Ginkgo, Scarlet Oak, Russian Olive, Corkscrew Willow, Dogwood, Douglas fir, Honey locust Maple and Tulip tree, among others. This Arboretum also features hiking and biking trails plus sled riding hills. There is a tranquil and serene ambiance in this Arboretum when the trees bloom during the spring seasons.
# 6 – Farmers Markets
Farmers’ markets offer the best opportunity if you are in Erie, Pennsylvania, and you want to meet the people of Erie, Pennsylvania, interact with them, learn and understand their culture. Farmers’ markets are also the perfect places to buy local produce and taste the local foods while in the county. Some of the farmer’s markets in Erie, Pennsylvania, include Mason farms Country Market, Frank’s farm Market, and Burch farms country market and winery. Some of the products sold at the various farmer’s markets in Erie include honey, maple syrup, vegetables, grapes, meat, eggs, and food options. There are restaurants located at the various markets that you can visit to taste the local dishes.
# 5 – Asbury Woods Nature Center
Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers have unique places to visit and have a memorable experience while in Erie, Pennsylvania. Inside the 205-acre nature center, there are wetlands, forests, streams, fields, and historic properties. Some of the activities you can do in Asbury Woods Nature Center include fishing, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and running. This nature center also features a picnic pavilion, active plants garden, the sugar shack, and a craft workshop, among other things. Asbury Woods Nature Center also holds various events and programs during different times of the year. The nature center is located at 4105 Asbury Rd, Erie, in Pennsylvania.
# 4 – Waldameer Park & Water World
Waldameer Park & Water World is a perfect place to visit while in Erie, Pennsylvania, if you want to have a great time with kids. It is one of the fun places you can visit with kids and have a memorable experience during your visit. This place used to be called Hoffman’s Grove, initially a popular picnic spot in Erie. Waldameer Park & Water World is located next to the Presque Isle State Park. This facility is an admission-free park featuring more than 100 rides, slides, and attractions. Some of the thrilling rides in this amusement park include the Ravine Flyer II or the XScream Drop Tower. It also has a merry-go-round. This amusement park has excellent facilities that will ensure you have a great time and cool off during the summer by going to the water to swim.
# 3 – Wineries and Vineyards
If you are a wine enthusiast, then Erie, Pennsylvania, has something for you. This city has fantastic wineries and vineyards that tour and taste the wines as you have great times. Over 25 different vineyards and wineries in Erie offer daily tours and tastings. Some of the wineries and vineyards in Erie, Pennsylvania, include Courtyard Winery, 6 Mile Cellars, and PennShore Vineyard. You can stop at the various wineries to learn about the history of wine, wine-making, and the Concord grape, among other details. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail offers the perfect opportunity to explore the various wineries and vineyards in Erie, Pennsylvania.
# 2 – ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum
ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum is one of the best places if you are looking for fun things to do with kids while in Erie, Pennsylvania. ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum is located at 420 French Street. It offers an excellent environment for kids to engage in a broad range of topics from math, health, science, culture to art and literacy. Additionally, there are around 50 different exhibits on this museum’s three floors. This museum hosts various activities and events multiple times of the year.
# 1 – Presque Isle State Park
If you an outdoor enthusiast and you are visiting Erie, Pennsylvania, during any time of the year, then Presque Isle State Park is your destination. This state park spans around 3,200 acres, and it is located at 301 Peninsula Dr, in Erie, Pennsylvania. This 3,200-acre sandy peninsula features recreational trails, picturesque marinas, and beaches. While in Erie, Pennsylvania, you can visit this fantastic and unique coastline for activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. Water-related activities such as water skiing, scuba diving, and canoeing are also available in Presque Isle State Park.
Additionally, during the winter months, Presque Isle State Park is suitable for cross-country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating, snowshoeing, wind skating, and iceboating. Further, if you are into birding, you should also never fail to stop by Presque Isle State Park while in the region. More than 300 species of birds’ rest, feed, and nest in Presque Isle State Park on their migration from and to the Arctic Circle during different times of the year.
