Touring Erie PA – Ten Tempting Attractions

The North Coast of the United States is rich in historical sites and tourist attractions. The Great Lakes were the first “highways” to the west, carrying troops, supplies, settlers, and trade goods. Control of the lakes was strategic. Erie is the fourth largest city and the only port in Pennsylvania. It played a key role in the War of 1812. From the Près Isle peninsula to downtown, Erie is an evolving tourist hub. Consider a mini-vacation or an extended stay in this lakeside city. Include these local attractions in your itinerary.

1. Erie Maritime Museum: This is the best of the Erie Bayfront attractions. The compact museum tells the story of the US Brig Niagara. The building was formerly a power plant. One generator remains so visitors can glimpse its original purpose.

A short film documents the famous Battle of Lake Erie. Exhibits explain the conflict that helped turn the War of 1812 into an American victory. Other displays detail the lives of sailors aboard the ship. A ship’s mast rises from the ground to illustrate what it is like to ‘climb the rigging’ above the deck of a ship. The only thing missing is the yaw of the boat.

Also on display is the midsection of the American Lawrence, Perry’s original flagship. The Niagara’s own cannon bombarded the hull during a special reenactment at Fort Indian Town Gap. The chipped helmet returned to the museum. It vividly depicts the dangers of war aboard a wooden ship.

The second floor contains exhibits and artifacts from the USS Wolverine. The ship was America’s first iron-hulled warship. She patrolled the waters of Lake Erie during some of the most turbulent times along the US-Canada border.

When in port, the recreated US Brig Niagara is open to the public. She ties next to the museum. Alternate summers, she sails as a floating Ambassador to ports along the Great Lakes and the East Coast. Niagara should be home in 2009 and open to visitors.

2. Dobbins Landing: Spanning several blocks along the lakefront, the Landing has several points of interest. Bicentennial Tower, a 187-foot observation tower, was built for the city’s 200th anniversary, celebrated in 1996. Two observation decks offer panoramic views of the lake, Près Isle State Park, and downtown. The stairs are free; elevator access requires a ticket. A snack bar is located at the base of the tower.

At the jetty, you can take a water taxi or board the Victorian Princess for a lake cruise aboard the authentic paddlewheel steamer. Bayfront Gallery is an artists’ cooperative in East Dobbins Landing. Waterfront restaurants offer everything from burgers to fresh seafood and select steaks.

3. Wayne Block House – On the grounds of the Soldiers & Sailors Home on E. Third Street, this reconstructed blockhouse represents part of the original Fort Almost Isle. France built the original Fort de la Presqui’le in 1753 on the bay of Près Isle. French defenses included Fort LeBoeuf, Fort Machault, and Fort Duquesne. The line of forts, stretching from Erie to Pittsburgh, protected their route to the Ohio River. After losing the Battle of Fort Niagara in 1759, French troops burned the fort and retreated to Canada. British troops rebuilt Fort Près Isle. After the Revolution, George Washington appointed General “Mad Anthony” Wayne as Commander of the Army and sent him to Erie in 1786 to deal with the Indians. Wayne died ten years later and was buried in the fort. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania rebuilt the fort in 1880 as a tribute to General Wayne.

4. Historic District: The 1890s were Erie’s heyday. West Sixth Street is known as ‘millionaires’ row’. It shows the architecture and wealth of the gay 90s. The 1891 Watson-Curtze mansion housed only two families. Watson was president of a local paper company. In 1923 the family sold the mansion to Curtze, another local businessman. Upon his death, the house was donated as a museum. The 24-room mansion has 17 closets, 5 bathrooms, and 12 fireplaces. The stained glass windows, plaster friezes, and natural stone, marble, and woodwork are all original. In 1959, the Historical Society converted the adjacent carriage house into the Erie Planetarium.

5. The Historic Firefighters Museum is nearby on Chestnut St. The 1903 firehouse has two floors of firefighting equipment and memorabilia — more than 1,300 items. Dickson Tavern is the oldest building in Erie and predates the War of 1812. Commodore Perry built his fleet near here and Lafayette dined at the tavern. It was also a stop for the Underground Railroad. The Tavern is located on the corner of French and Second Street.

6. Discovery Square – This complex on State Street includes the Erie County History Center and the Cashier Museum. The three-story Greek Revival cashier’s house was built in 1839. The Empire-style furnishings date from the 19th century. Explore “Voices of Erie County History” and Admiral Curtze Maritime Hall. Visit Kids Korner. Next door is the Erie Art Museum, which houses a variety of permanent and seasonal exhibits. From the “Avalon Restaurant” soft sculpture gallery to modern art, there is something for everyone. The Art Museum was originally the Customs House. Experience Children’s Museum is also in Discovery Square.

7. Erie Land Light – On Lighthouse Street in Dunn Park, the original Erie Land Light was one of the first two lighthouses on Lake Erie. (The other was in Buffalo, built in the same year, 1818.) The tower was only twenty feet tall. It sat atop the cliff on the mainland overlooking the harbor. The tower proved unstable and was replaced by a 56-foot tower in 1858. When the second tower began to deteriorate, tests showed a layer of quicksand under the foundation. A third tower with a massive base was completed in 1867. The Erie Land Lighthouse was permanently closed in 1899. It was restored and rededicated in 2004. The lighthouse keeper’s cabin is still used by the keepers.

8. Presque Isle State Park: The Tom Ridge Environmental Center stands sentinel at the entrance to Presque Isle, sharing that honor with Waldameer Amusement Park. Bird watchers can get a checklist of the more than 300 species seen on the peninsula. The Big Green Screen shows nature movies on a 4-story, 45-foot-wide movie screen. Two films alternate several times a day. TREC also has its own ‘lighthouse’ – 131 steps to the top (we took the elevator) for panoramic views. Exhibits take visitors through the history and geology of the region. Interactive displays focus on the effects of wind, water, and humans on land.

Almost Isle State Park is the jewel of the Great Lakes. The National Natural Landmark features seven miles of sandy beaches, waves and man-made attractions. Near the eastern end of the peninsula is the Almost Isle Lighthouse. Built in 1872, this lighthouse on the north side of the harbor made the Erie Land Light obsolete.

Lake cruises aboard the 65-foot Lady Kate sail from the Perry Monument near the entrance to Almost Isle.

9. Erie Zoo – This 15-acre gem is constantly expanding. More than 300 animals, including many native Africans, live in natural habitats. Even adults enjoy the vintage carousel, throwing food at bears and watching otters. The Wild Asia exhibit includes native deer, orangutans, and other species. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the picnic grotto, ride the train, and get up close and personal with animals at the petting zoo.

10. Amusement Parks – Waldameer Park/Water World is Erie’s historic amusement park (c. 1896). It is located at the entrance to Près Isle State Park on Lake Erie. In addition to the classic rides, midway attractions, and water park, Waldameer has added new entertainment in recent years. Mega Disc’O Thrill, a spinning ‘hat’ on a 120-foot track, will debut in 2009.

Splash Lagoon, Erie’s indoor water park, is popular year-round. Located at the southern end of Peach Street, it is close to shopping, restaurants and theaters. Several hotels adjoin the complex.

For shopping, the Peach Street corridor is clustered with dozens of complexes. Additionally, Millcreek Mall’s 175 shops, restaurants, and theaters anchor the business district. The Mall is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation.

Take time to experience some of ERIE’s history and attractions. Erie is located on I-90 midway between Buffalo NY and Cleveland OH. Greyhound, Amtrak and the Erie International Airport provide convenient access. It’s a worthy place for a mini-vacation… or more!