Erie, Pennsylvania, has long been a maritime center, given its roots in shipbuilding, fishing, travel,
and trade. During the War of 1812, Lake Erie was a hub for naval battles between American
warships, commanded by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, and British ships, including a decisive
American victory in September 1813.
Today, Erie is still a hub for water-based activities enjoyed by individual visitors and families alike.
Visiting the city and the lake of the same name has all the perks of visiting the ocean, but without
having to deal with the saltwater, sharks, and jellyfish.
Use the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel as your base of operations. This hotel provides delightful
accommodations with Bayfront views on one side and marina and downtown Erie views on the other.
It is conveniently located on the water and within walking distance of many of the amenities
highlighted here.
After checking in, plan to have dinner at the hotel’s main restaurant, Two45 Waterfront Grille. With
its proximity and views of the water, there is no wonder the upscale dining menu focuses on seafood.
But the steaks are really good too. And their Caesar salad, with its chopped romaine hearts and
croutons, may be the best one you will ever have. Don’t pass up having a mixed drink either. The
Tide Shifter is truly one of the most unique cocktails and is a must-try. Its unique mix of ingredients,
contains rum, allspice dram, pineapple, ube, whipped coconut, and dehydrated blueberry, blends
together for a taste of fabulousness.
There are plenty of ways to experience the water in Erie. But the top attraction is Presque Isle State
Park. And the best part is that it is free! Presque Isle is a French term meaning “almost island.” A
National Natural Landmark, this jewel of Lake Erie is a peninsula that helps protect Erie’s natural
harbor. The peninsula, which is attached to the mainland at its neck, is over 7 miles long and two
miles wide near its center.
But your first stop should be to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, located near the entrance of the
park. This green-designed facility is more than the physical gateway to the isle, it also provides some
amazing insights into the wildlife and ecology of the lake and the bay.
Of course, boating is big here. At the Presque Isle Canoe and Boat Livery, you can rent individual or
tandem kayaks, canoes, paddleboard, row boats, and pontoon boats. You can’t go wrong with the
Presque Isle Lagoon Guided Tour, where you can experience this ecological treasure firsthand.
The tranquil lagoon is a system of waterways connecting Marina Lake to Misery Bay. While you are
paddling, you will likely come across turtles sunning themselves on logs, beaver dams, osprey and
other birds of prey, not to mention the amazing flora and fauna dotting the landscape.
You can easily spend a full day at the state park. Multiple sandy beaches provide swimmers an
opportunity to get into the water. In addition to swimming and boating, fishing, hiking, and biking are
other activities that you can avail yourself. The Perry Monument, erected nearly a century ago,
honors the naval war hero and the victorious War of 1812 battle. But it is not the only historic
structure to see.
Presque Isle State Park is home to two lighthouses, well technically one lighthouse and one “light
structure.” The North Pier Light might appear to be a lighthouse, but it is just a light. This black and white cast iron beauty, located at the far eastern end of the state park and sits on the north pier of the channel to Presque Isle Bay, has guided mariners since 1858. Its unique square-pyramidal design is the only surviving example of this type left in the United States. On the other hand, you can climb the tower at the Presque Isle Lighthouse. The reward is stunning views of the surrounding beaches and Lake Erie. A museum also highlights how the lightkeepers there had lived.
If at any point you get hungry while at the state park, just head back towards the entrance and grab a
bite at Sara’s Diner. This place shouldn’t be missed. The 50’s diner theme has some whimsical
décor, including colorful photo cutouts, funny signs, and playful character statues. Two menu items
you have to get. The first is the foot-long Erie-made Smith’s hot dogs and then you can top that off
with an orange/vanilla soft serve twist ice cream cone.
After your amazing day at the state park, return back to the Sheraton. But the night is far from over.
Grab dinner at the nearby The Cove Bayside Restaurant & Tavern. This eatery on Dobbins
Landing has a nautical theme and offers indoor and outdoor seating with waterfront views of Presque
Isle Bay.
While you are at Dobbins Landing, check out Bicentennial Tower. Built in 1996 to commemorate the
200th anniversary of the founding of the city of Erie, the observation deck at the top offers 360 degree
views of Presque Isle, Lake Erie, and the city. From 138 feet above the ground and water, you will
see an array of boats and ships on the water. If you are lucky, you could possibly even see Canada,
which is just 27 miles away.
Cap the evening with a sunset sail aboard the Lettie G. Howard Schooner which sails right from the
landing. The Lettie G. Howard is a rare surviving example of a fishing schooner that once was in wide
use all over the North Atlantic. Designated a National Historic Landmark, she is truly a symbol of a
bygone era in maritime history. The crew makes the experience even more pleasant. You’ll learn a lot
of new terms as the crew sometimes seems to speak their own language when communicating the
tasks that need done. You might even hear a sea chanty or two. And you can even become part of a
crew by helping them raise one of the sails. The real payoff, though, is the stunning sunset.
On the following day, have brunch at Altered State Distillery. There are some delicious items on the
brunch menu, including the brunch burger with Kentucky bluegrass wagyu, white cheddar, bacon jam,
an egg, lettuce and tomato. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the southern strawberry shortcake,
which is a buttermilk biscuit, strawberry compote, and vanilla whipped cream. A variety of flavored
mimosas, including orange, pineapple, cherry, raspberry, and others. If several of them sound
appealing and you can’t make a decision, they also offer a Mimosa flight so you can try several.
Considered to be Erie’s first distillery since prohibition, their distilled and blended spirits include gin,
vodka, rum, bourbon and a variety of whiskey. And if you miss brunch, their traditional menu is
inspired by Mexican-American street food and features dishes like carne asada tacos, quesabirria,
and Cubano sandwiches.
To get the full story of maritime history and heritage in the Greater Erie region, visit the Erie Maritime
Museum. You will get to learn more about the War of 1812, an often overlooked conflict in our
nation’s history that not many Americans are familiar with. There’s more to discover than just the
military accounts however. You’ll explore various industries of the Great Lakes, the people of the
area, and so much more.
In case you didn’t get enough lighthouses while at Presque Isle State Park, The Erie Land
Lighthouse is on the mainland. Built in 1818, it was the first commissioned lighthouse on the Great
Lakes in the United States. The light was originally positioned 200 feet to the west on a cliff
overlooking the entrance to Presque Isle Bay. The current sandstone tower was constructed in 1866-
67 and operated until 1899. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Erie Land
Lighthouse stands 49 feet tall. On weekends during the season, you can also climb to the top of it.
Before heading back home, The Sloppy Duck Saloon/JR’s on the Bay: provides you one more
chance to enjoy waterfront dining. As the saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Since
you are on Lake Erie, you have to eat some seafood that hails from the area. On their menu, you can
get a Lake Erie perch sandwich or a walleye sandwich. Other options include coconut shrimp, artisan
flatbread pizzas, and the Jack Daniels chicken sandwich is a good recommendation. Request a table
on their deck that overlooks one of the many local boat marinas and offers gorgeous sunset views.
On your way in or out, stop to check out the resident ducks and turtles that call the property home.
We are just scratching the surface. Erie has a wonderful mix of natural beauty, nautical heritage, and
recreational amenities for any visitor to enjoy. To learn more, go to www.VisitErie.com.