There’s nothing eerie about Erie, Pennsylvania—just sun and fun! Escape to Presque Isle State Park, a peninsula that curves into Lake Erie about 4 miles west of the city, creating 13 exceptional swimming beaches and plenty of room for hiking, biking and boating. You'll find splashes galore in the amazing water parks, too. Be sure to take time to venture into the fascinating environmental center. Heading out on a boat tour of the lake is a great way to top off your visit. Its no wonder millions pick Erie as a getaway favorite.
Region of Seasons
This is a region of seasons, with some 150 clear days every year, 40 inches of rainfall and 77 inches of snow. The thermometer rises to 80 in July, but plummets to a low of 20 in January. For swimming fun and other outdoor adventures, gather your clan in Erie in June, July or August.
Erie Adventures
Explore the brave new world of Presque Isle, a 3,000-plus-acre peninsula—and National Natural Landmark jutting into Lake Erie. Splash or tan on pristine beaches on both sides of the peninsula, or dive into the lake and enjoy the only waves in the entire state. Bird-watch, fish or picnic; boat, bike or hike. For a change of scene, check out the city's two water parks—Waldameer (outdoors) and Splash Lagoon (indoors). Fit in a visit to the Maritime Museum and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center to get the scoop about the flora and fauna of Presque Isle.
Diversity: Erie's Key to Success
People like you are important to Erie's economy, since tourism—especially to Presque Isle State Park—is a critical industry. But Erie has its fingers in many industrial pots, including manufacturing, insurance and agriculture. The city also serves as a major retail center, and its stores summon shoppers from neighboring states as well as Canada. The Port of Erie handles goods traveling in and out of the state through the St. Lawrence Seaway to the Atlantic Coast, including much international shipping.
Well-Connected
Fly into Erie International Airport and you'll land only 5 miles from the city center. But it isn't hard to arrive by car, either, since Erie is located right on Interstate 90, a major freeway starting in Boston and ending in Seattle. Once you arrive, you can get around in the city on the public transit system, known as the "e." It's run by the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority, or EMTA, and you'll see buses on the streets seven days a week.
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