About Erie & Things to do in Erie
About Erie
Because the “Lonely Planet” Guidebook to Erie is not yet completed…
- Founded in 1795 after purchase of the Erie Triangle
- Name derived from Eriez Indians that spoke the Iroquois language; Erie means "raccoon," the Erie tribe is sometimes referred to as the Cat nation, the raccoon being a wild cat that appears as the main figure on the Erie totem pole.
- Third largest city in Pennsylvania
- 127th safest American City
- 24th out of 150 cities studied in terms of affordability of housing.
- Pennsylvania's only lake port city
- More than 25% of jobs are in manufacturing
- Over 10% of the nation's plastic injection molding is done in Erie ; 4 of the nation's Top 50 plastic companies are located in Erie
- Erie's largest employer is General Electric Transportation Systems, manufacturer of locomotives
- Presque Isle Bay is surrounded by a 7-mile peninsula that is a state park
- An average of 1.5 million fish are caught each year in Lake Erie, its bays and tributaries
- Ranked one of the Top 20 family fishing spots in the nation, by Field & Stream magazine
- Home to the oldest land lighthouse on the Great Lakes (not sure what that is?)
- "Millionaire's Row," along W. 6th St. are a collection of 19th century Victorian homes/mansions
- Erie County is home to Pat Monahan- lead singer of the Grammy winning band, Train. (not playing our wedding!)
- 'Alice' from the Brady Bunch, Ann B. Davis, is a native of Erie. Sharon Stone is originally from nearby Meadville
- Land area: City - 19.3 square miles
- Population: (2000 census)
City - 103,717
County - 280,843
and Julie’s personal favorites (all hearsay):
- More bars per capita than any other city in the US
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The home of the original “pro wrestling”—WWF style
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Kohler Beer “Known for the collar it keeps”
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The little lights in the middle of the traffic lights allow the police and ambulances to change the traffic lights from greed to red and vice versa—Erie is one of only two cities that has these
Erie Activities
www.visiteriepa.com
Situated on Lake Erie, one of the five “Great Lakes,” means that much of the summer activity focuses around Lake Erie
Stuff to do Downtown
Bicentennial Tower
Enjoy an aerial view of the city and Presque Isle Bay. The 187-ft tower features two observation decks, and markers of Erie's harbor history and geography.
Dobbings Landing
9:30 AM- 10:00 PM
(814) 455-6055
Bayfront Gallery
This Erie artist co-op is located on east Dobbins Landing. Known for its unique blend of antique wares and local artistry, the Gallery has something for everyone. Various artists showcased throughout the summer.
814-455-6632
17 East Dobbins Landing
Erie Maritime Museum (site of Friday night reception)
The United States Brig Niagara in Erie, Pennsylvania is a reconstruction of an early 19th century warship of the United States Navy. On September 10, 1813, nine small ships defeated a British squadron of six vessels in the Battle of Lake Erie. This pivotal event in the War of 1812 secured the Northwest Territory, opened supply lines and lifted the nation's morale.
*The famous Slogan “We have met the enemy and they are ours” is from the Battle of Lake Erie, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry
http://www.brigniagara.org/battle.htm
http://www.brigniagara.org/museum.htm
150 East Front Street
814- 452- Brig
http://www.brigniagara.org/
Misery Bay and Perry Monument
At Presque Isle State Park
http://www.brigniagara.org/perry.htm
During the War of 1812, Little Bay was the temporary home of the fleet of ships commanded by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. Six of his eleven vessels were built in Erie at the mouth of Cascade Creek. The shores and waters of Presque Isle protected the fleet during construction.
Lighthouses http://www.visiteriepa.com/history_museums.shtml
Land Lighthouse
North Pier Lighthouse
Presque Isle Lighthouse
Liberty Park
Located on Pier III, Liberty Park is an 8.5-acre natural park in Erie's urban setting. Public access walkways, ADA accessible playground, and sand volleyball courts. The Park features the Pepsi Amphitheater, programmed with community events throughout the summer. Water Taxi and Park-n-Ride Shuttle services from Liberty Park.
Harbor View Miniature Golf
Enjoy 18 holes of waterfront golf on this miniature course, located at 36 State Street, adjacent to Moorings at Wolverine Park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (814) 874-3536.
Erie SeaWolves
(Feeder Team for Detroit Tigers) are out of town June 24-25
CRUISING THE BAY
Water Taxi
Catch the water taxi and enjoy the bay. Taxis from the bayfront at Dobbins Landing, Liberty Park, and East Avenue Boat Launch to Waterworks at Presque Isle State Park. Cost is $5 round trip; $3 children under 12 and $3 one way for both adults and children. (814) 881-2502.
Momentum
Afternoon and evening cruises aboard this friendship sloop (814) 461-5010.
Presque Isle Parasailing
Solo and Tandem Parasailing 453-2FLY (453-2359).
Presque Isle State Park
Pontoon boat rides (814) 833-0351; canoe rentals (814) 838-3938
The Lady Kate
Presque Isle Tour Boat (814) 836-0201
The Victory
Enjoy Lake Erie fishing aboard this 65 foot diesel powered vessel certified by the Coast Guard for up to 100 passengers. Private fishing parties, charters for and occasion and a Lake Erie Shipwreck Exploration. East Canal Basin (814) 833-9898.
Presque Isle State Park
This is a great place for a run, a walk through some beautiful wetlands and along the water, or a bike ride. Bikes and rollerblades can be rented at the park entrance.
We recommend taking a few hours and taking the water taxi across to the peninsula to explore Misery Bay/ Perry Monument and the surrounding walking trails
Museums:
Watson-Curtze Mansion- Victorian period
Erie Art Museum
Erie Planetarium
Erie Maritime Museum
ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum