Truly the gem of Pennsylvania, this unique 3,200 acre sandy peninsula provides recreational opportunities for everyone. Hike, Boat, picnic, rollerblade, bike, bird watch, or enjoy one of eleven guarded beaches along Lake Erie all for one great price... it’s free! Presque Isle has been rated as one of the top places on earth to enjoy a perfect sunset. Come see for yourself and find endless things for visitors to experience.

Able to accommodate up to 7,000 race fans, Lake Erie Speedway runs every Friday and Saturday night during the summer months. This asphalt 3/8 mile speedway with a figure 8 inside track, is home to many divisions of racing. On Friday they host NASCAR Late Models, Trucks, Modifieds and Allison Legacy Cars. On Saturday, Outlaw Late Models, Street Stocks, Legends, Bandoleros, and Figure 8's are the menu. The Lake Erie Speedway operates as part of the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series presented by Dodge and includes the following major events in it's schedule: NASCAR Busch North Series, NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series, ARCA Remax Series, ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series, American Speed Association (ASA) Televised Nationally on The Speed Channel, and the 305 Sprint Asphalt Series. They also host many special events such as the Race of Champions…featuring Winston Cup Stars! And the Race of NASCAR Greats…featuring Stars of the Past!

Scuttled in Misery Bay within Erie Harbor after the War of 1812, the rotting Niagara took on water, sank and laid-in-wait for the day when it would rise to past glory. In 1913, the wreck of the Niagara was brought up, and a reconstructed ship was created upon her keel and a few other salvageable timbers. In 1933 another complete reconstruction began with the ship being finished and placed on a permanent land cradle for display in 1943. Masts and rigging were then installed in 1963. Another 20 years had passed and by the mid 1980’s, the ship was again suffering from severe deterioration, forcing it to be closed to the public due to safety concerns. In 1988, ship builder Melbourne Smith built a fourth Niagara incorporating some of the original timber that could be used in non-structural areas. This time she was built using traditional 18th Century technology making it as close to the original specifications as possible. Now preserved and protected by the Commonwealth, the Niagara leads an active lifestyle sailing and touring the Great Lakes which will ensure many years of historical education about the significance of this great vessel. Come see the Niagara, when in Erie she is docked behind the Erie Maritime Museum Complex.

This 187 foot observation tower located at the foot of State Street in downtown Erie boasts two observation decks and markers of Erie’s harbor history and geography. Built on Dobbins Landing, this tower has an elevator that can whisk you to the top to see the entire Peninsula and beyond. On a clear day your eyes can even carry you across Lake Erie to see glimpses of Canada!

Located at the foot of Erie’s East Bayfront, the Erie Maritime Museum is the first new museum in Pennsylvania in twenty years. Part of the Erie County Library Complex and the mooring home of the historic vessel U.S. Brig Niagara, the Museum presents the story of Niagara and it’s role on Lake Erie in the War of 1812. Ever wonder about the old shipwrecks across the bottom of lake Erie? Here’s your chance! View the names, locations and details of all recorded vessels that did not make it back to shore while in these sometimes-treacherous waters. Lively interpretive programs joined with a wide variety of multi-media displays and exhibits, make the Museum a great destination for the maritime enthusiast or curious at heart.

Occupying the beautiful 1839 Cashier’s House, a Greek Revival townhouse that was built as the residence of the Cashier of the Bank of the United States Erie Branch, the Erie History Museum, Planetarium & Erie History Center has something for everyone. Home to the Erie County Historical Society & Museums Library & Archives; it provides assistance to a variety of researchers ranging from students to authors seeking Erie County history information and images. Tours of the Museum and Planetarium also provide an enriched family experience that touches local splendor but also exhibits many displays of national historic importance too. They even take visitors to distant stars, planets and galaxies!

The Downs at Erie is a premier Off-Track Wagering Restaurant and Lounge presenting the sport of horse racing from all four Pennsylvania race tracks as well as from tracks around the country, via simulcast. Enjoy lots of good food, fun and plenty of horsing around all at one of Northwestern Pennsylvania's greatest horse racing facilities. We're right off Interstate 90, take Exit 24 to Route 19 North for 1/4 mile. Turn left into The Downs parking area. 7700 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509 - 814-866-3678. See you there!

Discovery Square is a cooperative expansion project undertaken by the Erie Art Museum, the Erie County Historical Society & Museums and the expERIEnce Children’s Museum, which was created and built as part of the Discovery Square project. This $20 million fund raising and building project will result in expanded gallery space for the Erie Art Museum, a refurbished History Center, and a 250-seat performance and lecture hall. The three institutions will maintain separate identities and programming schedules, but will be linked architecturally with a common entrance and other shared spaces.

This 8.5 acre park located on Erie’s Bayfront is a real compliment to the shoreline. The architectural design of the park makes it one of the most identifiable and most dynamic landmarks as seen from the water. Enjoy roomy public access walkways, a giant playground area and a wonderful, acoustically designed amphitheater hosting numerous community programming throughout the year. Take in weekly musical events, assorted activities and even an Arts Festival! There is always something going on at Liberty Park.

This non-profit, community organization is located in the Old Customs House on State Street in downtown Erie. The Customs House, a historic 1839 Greek Revival building, is perfect for the Museum’s year-round programming schedule which includes traveling art exhibitions, workshops, concerts, group tours, children’s programs, lectures, artists’ services, traveling exhibits, publications, classes, and much more! If you are looking for something to do the first weekend in August, the Museum presents a free, two-day blues and jazz festival in Erie’s Frontier Park. This is just one of the many concerts and performances that the Museum presents during the year.

Open year round, the Erie Zoo is home to over 300 animals! Definitely one of the ‘wildest’ places in the city, the Zoo covers 15 acres of pleasantly planned pathways that wind not only past the animals but through hundreds of plants and flowers that have been beautifully incorporated into the landscape. Make sure you also visit our tropical greenhouse that contains numerous rare species of plants that you won’t see anywhere else around these parts! Check out the Children’s Zoo, where the entire family can experience first hand some of the Zoo’s most gentle inhabitants. The Zoo also features special seasonal events like October’s scary-but-not-so-scary ZooBoo!

Waterparks are cool enough but to have one open year round is awesome!

With over 75 rides, slides, and attractions, this family-oriented park combines a picturesque amusement park setting with one of the greatest water parks in the country. No matter what age or thrill level, Waldameer is an ideal location for families and small groups to bring picnic baskets and make a day of it! Open Tuesday through Sunday this 100+ year old park located within walking distance of Presque Isle Peninsula is a real family pleaser. Always FREE admission and parking!

A deluxe 80-acre playground located on upper Peach Street in Millcreek, the Family First Sports Park has gained national recognition and congratulatory honors. It’s impossible not to be impressed by the overall size, scope and vision of this Park. It’s also very difficult not to find something to do while you visit! We encourage you to stop in and check it out. Choose from indoor and outdoor soccer and basketball play areas to an indoor golf dome! Up for a more amusement type setting? They have that too! Miniature golf, go carts, bumper boats, arcade and game center, not to mention our own Dairy Queen ice cream and food treat zone. Come and visit this remarkable sports, fitness and recreation complex that has become a national and regional icon. At Family First Sports Park they are not only providing kids with a remarkable facility, they are inspiring coaches, parents, athletes, fitness enthusiasts and families everywhere!

The museum is housed in the old #4 Erie Firehouse on Chestnut Street built in 1903. View displays containing all kinds of antique fire apparatus, badges, ribbons, fire alarm systems, helmets, uniforms, masks and antique fire extinguishers. In total, more than 1,300 items of fire department memorabilia are stored in the museum and not all of them are small! Check out an 1830 hand-pulled pumper, or an 1890 horse-drawn fire engine. How about a 1920 LaFrance pumper, or a 1927 LaFrance fire truck! Want to really get the feel of a real firehouse? Turn in a fire alarm, hear the bells ring and see the alarm come in for yourself!

Interactive exhibits and unique educational programming designed to promote learning and fun! Children ages 2 through 12 are specifically targeted but kids of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to get involved. In fact, it might be kind of hard to keep them away! Explore over 55 hands-on exhibits in a “please touch” environment that helps develop a sense of excitement and discovery. Natural sciences, the arts, social studies and life experiences are expressed in creative and thought provoking ways. Filled with informational and definitely entertaining displays, the experience Children’s Museum is where learning and fun go hand in hand.

Since 1970, this Railway Museum has been housed in the old New York Central passenger depot station in North East, PA. View a large collection of artifacts that made the rails so intriguing to so many. Dining car dishes, badges, signal lanterns, historic documents and tons of old photographs really make this jumbo-sized museum interesting! Life-sized train cars parked on the tracks outside the museum are where you’ll find an original Heisler fireless steam locomotive, a 1922 tank car, various refrigerator cars, dining cars and sleeper cars. You’ll even see a 1926 “Nightstar” sleeping car built by the Pullman Company. The museum is operated by the Lake Shore Railway Historical Society and admission is free! All Aboard!

Having opened in 1931, this now historic theater has become a cherished regional asset and landmark built by the world-famous Warner Brothers. With its captivating Deco design and timeless elegance it still leads an active lifestyle and schedule. With seating for 2,500 and acoustics that are nearly perfect, it hosts numerous concerts, seminars, Broadway shows, and of course our own Erie Philharmonic. Considered by many as “the Grand Old Lady of Erie.”

The Tullio Arena has truly become a versatile multi-purpose facility. Home of the champion Erie Otters hockey team, host of numerous ice shows, circuses, meetings and even a sit down dinner or two, this facility does it all. Complete with an in-house catering service and 30,000 square-feet of exhibition space it’s also a great location for trade shows and expositions. Lets not leave out concerts! With seating for up to 7,000 fans, the Complex has accommodated several top names in entertainment over the years! See who’s in town this week!

The Erie County History Center is home to the Cashier’s House, the Erie County Historical Museum, and the Erie County Historical Society & Museums Library & Archives. The 1839 Cashier’s House, a Greek Revival townhouse, was built as the residence of the Cashier of the Bank of the United States Erie Branch and is a great place for researchers, authors and students seeking Erie County history information and images.

This Orchestra has been very successful in its goal to keep offering “free admission” concerts to the community. Founded in 1978, the orchestra has filled a musical void and allows many disadvantaged members of the Erie community to attend concerts. The premise of the organization is that anyone can learn to enjoy classical music if they have the opportunity to hear and enjoy it. Performing in concert halls, churches, schools, synagogues, and parks, the Orchestra personnel of twenty-five to fifty-five professional musicians, thoroughly enjoy performing for the public... and it shows!

The Theatre, named after William Schuster, a member of the Board of Trustees, was moved from it’s old location on the campus of Gannon University to it’s new campus home in Scottino Hall. Newly renovated, and designed especially for theatrical production with modern stage and audience areas, this acoustically proper facility is the perfect location to enjoy a top-notch stage presentation. Located in the 600 block on Sassafras Street puts it in easy walking distance from any downtown location.

This ballet company, that prides itself on active repertoire showcasing local talent and precise execution, exquisitely performs classics like The Nutcracker, Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella as well as contemporary masterpieces. Intricate set designs and beautiful backdrops add to the wondrous experience that is sure to please.

The Seawolves are a AA team and are an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Their season runs April-September and will surely provide you with top-notch sporting entertainment at an affordable price. Come join the Seawolves for a game at their modern, yet traditional stadium located in downtown Erie.

Hockey lovers have enjoyed what has become a rich tradition of fine performances since the Otters first hit the ice in 1996. Always seeming to be contenders, the Otters quickly became champions and have become a solid hometown favorite! Their very exciting division features many of the finest young players in the world! These athletes are destined to become the NHL’s stars of the future. Here’s your chance to “check” them out competing in Erie ... Tonight!

An enthusiastic, new brand of football to this area. This is all out professional-style football that hits and hits HARD! Come see a game on their home turf at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium on 26th and State Streets.

The 60-acre main campus on Erie’s upper East side overlooks the city and Lake Erie. Its second 84-acre campus, Mercyhurst North East, is located in the heart of the largest Concord grape region in the world and just 20 minutes from Erie. A Mercyhurst education combines a rich sense of tradition with a progressive approach to the complexities of modern life. The college is consistently ranked among the best regional liberal arts colleges in the North, and for each of the past five years applications for admission have set new records. Alumni of Mercyhurst College are found in every major profession and in every state in the nation.

This university was founded as Cathedral College under the 1925 charter of Villa Maria College, was established by then-Bishop John Mark Gannon. Renamed Gannon College in 1944, it received its own charter as a four-year men’s college. In 1964, Gannon became co-educational and established a graduate school. In 1979, the college attained University status. Gannon has emerged as Northwestern Pennsylvania’s premier Catholic university and is a valuable community and regional resource. Today, Gannon is focused on a total commitment to academic excellence, to its Catholic identity, its future financial growth from external sources, its strengthened development of the faculty’s teaching and scholarship, its involvement in and service to the local and regional community, its undergraduate and graduate enrollment, and its enhancement of technology.

At Penn State Erie, students benefit from the opportunities provided by a major research university while enjoying the advantages of learning in a small college setting. A branch of Penn State Main Campus, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College encourages you to explore the world of opportunities available at this small college with the big degree. This beautiful campus has undergone some impressive changes over the last few years. Expansion projects, renovations and also benefited from numerous highway infrastructure changes in the area... mainly, the development of the Bayfront Highway project. Now faculty, students and their families can easily travel from anywhere around town as well as from nearby Interstate 90, and get to the campus in minutes! Penn State Erie boasts 30 Four-Year Degrees, 5 Associate Degrees and 2 Graduate Programs.

Located in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, the University has consistently offered an excellent, diverse education all located on an impressive, picturesque 585-acre campus. A 5-acre lake, open fields, artistically planned wooded areas and a series of well-developed pathways round out this totally user-friendly and handicap accessible University. Six on-campus residence halls house 2,500 students, a modern seven-story library with more than 470,000 bound volumes and 1.3 million microform units is a researchers dream, excellent athletic facilities, in total over 43 buildings dedicated to the complete educational development and rich college life experiences of it’s students.