The city of Erie is located in the northwest corner of the state of Pennsylvania, USA. It is an important industrial city situated along the shores of Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes, and is the fourth-largest city in Pennsylvania. Once a hub of heavy industry, it is now focusing more on tourism.
Particularly, the shores of Lake Erie are known as scenic spots, and due to their beauty, the city is also called the "Jewel City." Along the lakeshore, many hotels are lined up, and outdoor sports are popular. Though the winters are cold enough for snow to accumulate, the city offers plenty of attractions and is definitely worth a visit. I would like to introduce some of Erie's tourist spots.
1. Presque Isle State Park
The first tourist spot to be introduced in Erie is Presque Isle State Park. The entire sandbar, which juts out into Lake Erie in an arch shape, is part of the park. The sandy shores resemble a beach, and although it's a lake, locals refer to it as a "beach." In the summer, it becomes bustling with tourists, and activities such as swimming, boating, canoeing, hiking, cycling, and birdwatching are popular.
The white beaches, which resemble the sea, are calm because the lake's waves don't rise. On clear days, you can even see across the lake to Canada. However, after a hurricane, the lake can become rough, and the waves rise, allowing for surfing as well! This makes it the only surfing spot in Pennsylvania, despite being a lake. It’s an excellent spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Erie.
Name: Presque Isle State Park
Address: 301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 1 Erie, PA 16505-2042
Official & Related Website: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/presqueisle/
2. Erie Zoo
The Erie Zoo, which opened in 1929 in the city of Erie, is a historic zoo and a popular tourist spot in Pennsylvania. The zoo is open from March to November, attracting over 400,000 visitors during that period.
The Erie Zoo houses over 400 animals and has a botanical garden and greenhouse that nurture more than 600 plant species gathered from around the world. There are trams within the zoo, making it easy to tour the park efficiently. The zoo is uniquely designed with botanical gardens scattered throughout, helping visitors get closer to the environments where each animal lives. The zoo is also known for its lush greenery and the streams flowing within it.
Name: Erie Zoo
Address: 423 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508
Official & Related Website: https://www.eriezoo.org/default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
3. Erie Maritime Museum
The Erie Maritime Museum, which opened in 1988, is a popular tourist spot that offers a wide range of exhibits covering the history of Erie from the 1800s, when it was a fishing village, to the present day. The museum showcases the development of Lake Erie, maritime history, and various displays related to the sea and water.
The sailing ship "Niagara" is docked next to the museum, so be sure to check it out. Lake Erie was once used for maritime transport to distant seas, and the ship serves as a reminder of that era.
Additionally, the museum's gift shop is a must-see! It sells many marine-themed items related to the museum's collections, and tourists enjoy shopping there. It could be a great place to find souvenirs from your visit.
Name: Erie Maritime Museum
Address: 150 E Front St #100, Erie, PA 16507
Official & Related Website: http://www.flagshipniagara.org/erie-maritime-museum/maritime-museum-about/
4. Waldameer Park & Water World
Waldameer Park & Water World in Erie is the fourth-oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania and the tenth-oldest in the United States. It’s a popular recreational spot not only for locals but also for tourists. Located near Presque Isle State Park, along the shores of Lake Erie, it attracts over 400,000 visitors annually.
The park and Water World together feature more than 100 attractions. Water World has slides, a wave pool, and a children's pool, with a children's jungle gym scheduled to open in 2017. The park also boasts scenic attractions like the wooden coaster "Ravine Flyer II" and the popular 1951 coaster "Comet."
If you're visiting Erie, make sure to stop by for some fun!
Name: Waldameer Park & Water World
Address: 220 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
Official & Related Website: https://waldameer.com/
5. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort
Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort is an indoor water park, a popular tourist spot in Erie where you can enjoy year-round, regardless of the weather.
It features thrilling attractions such as a wave pool with large waves, exciting water slides, a water tube that slides through tunnels, and the "Frog Pond," which bubbles like a Jacuzzi. It's a fun spot for both children and adults. It also includes uniquely American dynamic attractions, allowing visitors to fully enjoy themselves. For couples, there’s even a Jacuzzi for adults only.
The resort also has a hotel, making it a great place to stay. There’s a shop within the hotel to enhance your mood, and you might even find some Erie souvenirs. Be sure to visit for some wonderful memories of your trip to Erie!
Name: Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort
Address: 8091 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
Official & Related Website: http://www.splashlagoon.com/
◎ Summary
We’ve introduced some of Erie's tourist spots. How did you like them? Erie can get quite cold in winter, so the tourism season is from spring to autumn. There are many outdoor activities like swimming and hiking that you can enjoy during this time, so be sure to visit Erie in these seasons.
Once a heavily industrialized city, Erie has recently shifted focus to tourism, with many tourist facilities being built. The city has plenty of fun and safe attractions, making it a great destination for families. There are still many more attractions to explore beyond those listed here, so make sure to visit and discover them for yourself!