In this article, we will discuss things to do in Erie PA. Erie is a city which is located in a northwestern state of the United States called Pennsylvania. Erie is the fourth largest city in Pennsylvania. It is famous for being the third largest grape growing area in the U.S. Erie is basically “Lakes Port City”. It is also called as “Gem City” for having a sparkling lake. This city’s climatic events include rain, snow, fog, ice and thunderstorm. This city welcomes millions of visitors annually as it offers various entertainment, historical and cultural attractions. The top attractions include Presque Isle State Park, Waldameer Park & Water World, Erie Art Museum, Warner Theatre and many more. Summer is the great time to visit Erie PA.
Top Things to do in Erie PA:
1) Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is a sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie. Visiting Presque Isle State Park is one of the best things to do in Erie PA. This park offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and various recreational activities. These activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, bicycling, hiking and in-line skating are mostly preferred by tourists coming here. Presque Isle is a National Natural Landmark and it is a favorite spot for migrating birds.
2) Waldameer Park and Water World
This is an amazing park and visiting here is one of the fun things to do in Erie PA. Children and adults will love to visit this amusement park. It opens in May till September. Amenities provided in this park includes different rides, live shows, traditional midway games, food and refreshment centers. If you like water slides then you should go to Water World which is easily accessible through Waldameer Park. Facilities in Water World include different types of water slides, lazy river and a heated pool for relaxing.
3) Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park
Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park sets in a tropical Polynesian atmosphere. It is the latest park with nine twisting water park slides and a lazy river. In the Eastern United States, it has the largest indoor wave pool. The largest wave pool contains waves that can reach up to six feet and have six different wave patterns. Splash Lagoon is situated at the Hotel Residence Inn Marriott.
4) Warner Theater
Warner Theater is located in downtown Erie. This theater provides more than 2250 seats to its visitors. It is designed by the famous Rapp & Rapp Company of Chicago. The best thing about this theater is that it is well-ornamented with gold, silver leaf and gold-backed French mirrors. It is an Art Deco and French Renaissance Styled theater. This theater hosts a wide range of lectures and entertainment shows. The Warner Theater is home to Erie Civic Music Association, Erie Broadway Series, Erie Philharmonic and Lake Erie Ballet. It is commonly rented out for weddings.
5) Erie Zoo
To visit this zoo is one of the best things to do in Erie PA. This zoo has more than 400 animals and around 100 different species. Children and adults like to visit this zoo. The main features of this zoo include a playground, animal shows in a nature theater, water garden, Erie Zookids Club and ice skating. Due to these fun things it attracts around 4,00,000 visitors in a year.
6) Presque Isle Downs & Casino
Presque Isle Downs & Casino is the place that has everything to offer for your entertainment. It consists of a casino and horse racing track. Fun things you can do here include racing, dining and playing exciting games. Games such as Bally Quick Hits, Wheels of Fortune, Wizard of Oz and many more can be played here. Adults or youngsters will definitely like this gambling destination.
7) Erie Maritime Museum
Visiting the Erie Maritime Museum is one of the best things to do in Erie PA. It would be a unique and great experience when you visit this museum situated on a waterfront in Erie. It is located at Presque Isle Bay in downtown Erie. It is the home of the US Brig Niagara, a beautiful tall ship that fought in the battle of Lake Erie. This museum exhibits historic artifacts and a narrative film about the battle of Lake Erie. Inside the museum, there are scheduled special events so that you can watch the sailors and explore the maritime exhibits. You can also shop gifts from the little gift shops around this museum.
8) Millcreek Mall
Millcreek Mall is the great place to shop everything. This mall is one-level shopping center which is located in downtown Erie. It contains 121 stores with 12 kiosks and many restaurants. In this mall, you will get excellent deals and absolutely no tax on clothing items. That’s why it attracts many visitors.
9) Erie Art Museum
Erie Art Museum exhibits the various collection of objects. These objects include American ceramics, Indian bronzes, contemporary baskets, Tibetan paintings, etc. This museum was awarded the National Medal of Museum and Library Service. Visiting here is one of the incredible things to do in Erie PA.
10) Erie Peninsula
Visiting this place is one of the fine things to do in Erie PA. When you are in Erie, plan a small trip to the Peninsula. The best things to do in this place include swimming, walking trails, biking, fishing, boating, picnicking and many other fun activities. The Peninsula is well worth to visit.
11) Victorian Princess
If you are planning to have dinner on a cruise then choose Victorian Princess. This is an old fashioned paddle boat which is located at Dobbins Landing. You can organize a party on the Victorian Princess. Also, you can relish the beautiful scenery from the deck of the Victorian Princess.
12) Niagara Falls
Don’t miss the Niagara Falls. It is only a couple of hours drive away. Niagara falls is situated between the Canada and the U.S. The water that flows over the falls is greatest during the tourist season which is June, July and August. Niagara Falls is well-known for its beauty and it is a valuable source of hydroelectric power. It is the collective name of three waterfalls namely American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. Visiting Niagara Falls is one of the most amazing things to do in Erie PA.