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Things to Do in Erie, Pennsylvania

Sucheta Pradhan
Pennsylvania’s “Gem City” and also its 4th largest, Erie is one of those fascinating, easy-on-the-wallet places with plenty of thrilling and interesting activities to indulge in. Here’s our list!
Go Adventuring at Presque Isle State Park
Perhaps the most popular tourist spot in Erie, the Presque Isle State Park is worth visiting, irrespective of whether you are visiting with your partner, children, or traveling solo.
This 3,200-acre park boasts plenty of amazing marinas, beaches, and hiking trails, apart from the breathtaking scenery.
Spend at least half a day here and engage in activities like hiking, biking, inline skating, boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, canoeing, and boating.
Take a Comfort Walk through Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens
For those especially traveling with kids, Erie Zoo will prove to be particularly fascinating. Opened for the public in 1982, the zoo has many exciting species of animals, including warthogs and cheetahs, among others.
The adjacent Botanical Gardens are interesting too, for children and adults alike. With over 400 plant species and numerous beautiful flowers, these gardens are a great experience in itself.
See Erie from the Bicentennial Tower
Located on the Port of Erie in the city’s downtown area, the famous Bicentennial Tower provides 360-degree panoramic views of Lake Erie from up top.
Opened in 1996 to commemorate Erie’s bicentennial year, this 187-feet tall tower has two observation decks – one at the height of 17-feet and the other at 138-feet.
Have Some Time Off at LEAF
Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier (LEAF) park is a great place to go if you love nature and environment. Over 250 different tree species are present at this park, including Oleaster, Maidenhair tree, Thornapple, Dogwood, Scarlet Oak, Alder, Honey Locust, and Douglas Fir.
LEAF has numerous biking trails, sledding hills, and labyrinths for people to enjoy. So, if you’re traveling with family, this park will truly fascinate you!
Picnic at Asbury Woods
Ashbury Woods is one of those exciting things in Erie, which you can do free of cost. This is a 205-acre expanse of forests, streams, fields, and wetlands, offering visitors a unique and fun-filled outdoor experience.
Various activities at Asbury Woods include hiking, fishing, biking, cross-country skiing, and running. They also hold craft workshops for kids, wherein they can interact with others their age while learning a new art.
Visit Erie’s Museums
Erie has a long history and great heritage. There are many curious museums in the city, which will really interest you. Besides, downtown Erie also has numerous antique shops and art galleries.
Explore spellbinding art at Erie Art Museum, learn the city’s maritime history at Erie Maritime Museum, look at old firefighting artifacts at Firefighters Historical Museum, and take your kids to expERIEnce Children’s Museum!
Have Fun at Waldameer Park and Water World
What originally started as a popular picnic spot called Hoffman’s Grove, is now an adventure park that has more than 100 rides, slides, and pools.
One of the most popular family-friendly tourist attractions in Erie, this fun place offers plenty of games, food stalls, and entertainment options for visitors.
Try Your Hand at Presque Isle Downs and Casino
If you like gambling or are just in for some fun, Presque Isle Downs and Casino is the place to go in Erie. They have over 1,700 games for visitors to enjoy, including Bally Quick Hits, Wheel of Fortune, and Wizard of Oz.
They also have a racetrack where thoroughbred horse racing happens, so you can try and catch a race as well. Moreover, the place offers plenty of live entertainment options, award-winning cuisine, and a shopping arena.
Catch a Show at Erie Playhouse
If you are going to be in Erie for a weekend, enjoy a play at the Erie Playhouse. It is the oldest playhouse in Erie and one of the oldest ones in Pennsylvania.
The theater hosts several plays and musicals throughout the year. It is recognized among the top 10 drama theaters in the US and watching a show here is an awe-inspiring experience in itself.
Explore Downtown Erie
Your trip to Erie cannot come to an end unless you check out the city’s downtown district. Sprawling with shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and clubs, this area simply can’t be missed.
You can take your car to the downtown, but walk along for a more fulfilling experience. At the end, enjoy an enchanting sunset on Lake Erie – you’ll never be able to forget the view!