PA Counties

13 Must-See Attractions in Erie County

A collage of four photos showcasing attractions in Erie County, Pennsylvania: a lighthouse surrounded by seagulls on a pier extending into Lake Erie under a partly cloudy sky, a lion resting amidst lush greenery at the Erie Zoo, a whimsical spider sculpture made from a Volkswagen Beetle on a grassy lawn, and a serene Lake Erie sunset with vibrant colors reflecting on the water and framed by trees on the shoreline.

If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Erie County, you’re in the right place!

A map of Pennsylvania with Erie County highlighted in red, located in the northwestern corner of the state, bordered by Lake Erie to the north.

The county was established in 1800 and named for Lake Erie, which in turn was named for the Native American Erie people who lived in the area until the mid-17th century.

A Pennsylvania historical marker for Erie County, formed on March 12, 1800, from Allegheny County. The marker notes that the county was named for Lake Erie, which in turn was named after the Erie Indians. It mentions that Erie, the county seat, was laid out in 1795 and became a city in 1851. It also highlights that ships of Perry’s fleet, which won the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie, were built in the area.

The county seat is Erie, Pennsylvania’s fifth-most populous city.

A grand courthouse building in Erie County, Pennsylvania, featuring classical architecture with tall columns, intricate details, and an American flag waving in front of the entrance under a bright blue sky.

From museums and historic sites to state parks and zoos, here are 13 of the best things to see and do in Erie County.

Simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below to read more in-depth information about each destination.

Boats position themselves to view the sunset near Presque Isle State Park in Erie.

1. Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park in Erie is Pennsylvania’s most-visited State Park, with over 4 million people a year venturing onto this sandy peninsula that arcs out into Lake Erie.

Scenes from Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania.

2. The Tom Ridge Environmental Center

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) serves as both a park office and educational center, dedicated to teaching visitors about the unique 3,200 acres of Presque Isle State Park and the many different forms of life that inhabit the peninsula.

A collage of four photos featuring the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie County, Pennsylvania: the modern glass and brick building surrounded by lush greenery, an educational display titled "On the Fly" showcasing bird migration paths and information, the "Memories & Monsters" exhibit entrance featuring a giant fish sculpture, and the brick sign for the Tom Ridge Environmental Center identifying it as the park office and Erie visitor center for Presque Isle State Park.

3. The Lady Kate Boat Tour

The Lady Kate Boat Tour offers passengers a guided experience exploring the shoreline of Presque Isle State Park and Lake Erie.

A collage of four photos showcasing the Lady Kate boat tour in Erie County, Pennsylvania: the Lady Kate docked alongside a scenic waterfront with trees and a blue sky, passengers enjoying a guided tour with views of the bay, visitors seated under the shaded canopy of the boat watching a sailboat on Lake Erie, and a group of people boarding or disembarking from the Lady Kate at the dock.

4. Erie Bluffs State Park

Erie Bluffs State Park is an “unpolished gem” along the shores of Lake Erie, featuring 90-foot bluffs, one mile of shoreline, and five miles of trails, making it a top spot for fishing and hiking in northwestern PA.

A collage of four photos showcasing the natural beauty of Erie Bluffs State Park in Erie County, PA. The top left image shows a hiker in an orange vest overlooking Lake Erie from a high bluff, with trees and a cloudy sky framing the view. The top right image captures two hikers on a rocky beach, standing among driftwood as they observe the waves of Lake Erie. The bottom left image offers a close-up of smooth stones and driftwood on the shoreline, with waves gently washing over the rocks under a dramatic sky. The bottom right image features the Erie Bluffs State Park entrance sign, mounted on a stone base with trees and a red vehicle in the background, welcoming visitors to the park. The collage highlights the park's scenic bluffs, rugged shoreline, and tranquil wooded areas.

5. Asbury Woods

Asbury Woods in Erie County is a 234-acre park offering 5 miles of hiking trails, a Nature Center, and year-round outdoor recreational opportunities.

A collage of four photos taken at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows a dirt trail winding through a forest with early autumn foliage. The top right image captures a person walking a dog along a wooden boardwalk, surrounded by vibrant trees in shades of green and orange. The bottom left image depicts a serene section of Walnut Creek, with rocky banks and tall trees showcasing the beauty of fall colors. The bottom right image highlights the Asbury Woods Nature Center sign, framed by colorful autumn leaves and a bright blue sky, welcoming visitors to explore the park and its trails.

6. The Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens are home to more than 400 animals and 600 species of plants from around the world.

A collage of four photos highlighting wildlife and attractions at the Erie Zoo in Erie County, Pennsylvania: a close-up of a resting bobcat nestled in grass, an African wild dog lounging on a dirt patch, a vibrant golden lion tamarin perched in its enclosure, and a young visitor standing next to a zebra-patterned safari jeep adorned with props.

7. The Hagen History Center

The Hagen History Center in Erie is a museum that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore over 200 years of local history through engaging exhibits and incredible architecture.

A collage highlighting exhibits and buildings at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The top-left image shows a vibrant red 1950 Crosley Hotshot, representing Frank Lloyd Wright’s love of automobiles. The top-right image displays a detailed model of the USS Michigan, a historic iron-hulled warship significant to Erie’s maritime heritage. The bottom-left image captures Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's sword and telescope from the early 1800s, artifacts connected to the War of 1812. The bottom-right image features the museum's main campus, with the Thomas B. Hagen History Center sign in the foreground and the historic red-roofed buildings, including the Wood-Morrison House, visible in the background.

8. Bicentennial Tower

Bicentennial Tower in Erie is a 187 foot-tall observation tower built in 1996 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the city.

A collage of four photos showcasing the Bicentennial Tower in Erie, Pennsylvania: a view of the illuminated tower at dusk from the colorful walkway leading to it, an informational plaque detailing the history and construction of the tower, a scenic overlook with a coin-operated binocular facing Presque Isle Bay under a cloudy sky, and an aerial view of the tower, waterfront, and surrounding cityscape.

9. The Erie Maritime Museum

The Erie Maritime Museum, located on the picturesque shores of Presque Isle Bay, highlights the region’s rich naval history and its significant role during the War of 1812.

Collage of four photos taken at the Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows a historical marker for the Brig Niagara, the restored flagship of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry during the Battle of Lake Erie, with the ship docked behind it. The top right photo depicts a detailed exhibit featuring cannons and lifelike figures recreating the ship's crew in action. The bottom left photo showcases a large painting depicting the Battle of Lake Erie, displayed prominently within the museum. The bottom right photo captures the museum’s front entrance, with its brick exterior, "Museum Open" flag, and signage, inviting visitors to explore Erie's rich maritime history.

10. The Lake Shore Railway Museum

The Lake Shore Railway Museum, a gem for rail enthusiasts and history lovers alike, is dedicated to preserving the railroad heritage of the Erie County area.

Collage of four images taken at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The top-left photo shows a CSX freight train passing by the museum along a brick pathway and fence. The top-right photo captures the museum entrance with vintage railway signals and a sign indicating the museum is open. The bottom-left photo features an interior display with railroad artifacts, including model trains and vintage signage, set against walls decorated with framed historic photographs. The bottom-right image shows a person standing on the front of a Chessie System locomotive, showcasing the museum’s interactive locomotive displays.

11. The Historic Lighthouses of Erie

Exploring the Historic Lighthouses of Erie, PA is a detailed visitors guide to all three nautical landmarks, with maps, photos, historical accounts, and driving directions.

A collage of four photos featuring historic lighthouses in Erie County, Pennsylvania: the brick Presque Isle Lighthouse surrounded by dunes and greenery under a blue sky, the black-and-white North Pier Light standing at the edge of the water, the stone Erie Land Lighthouse framed by trees, and a detailed map showing the locations of these lighthouses around Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie.

12. Schaefer’s Auto Art

Schaefer’s Auto Art in Erie is a roadside attraction featuring quirky sculptures made from repurposed car parts and industrial scrap metal.

A collage of four sculptures from Schaefer's Auto Art is displayed. The top left image shows a black Volkswagen Beetle transformed into a giant spider, with long colorful legs made from metal pipes, positioned in a grassy field with a pumpkin nearby. The top right image features a two-headed dinosaur sculpture made from rusted metal parts, with a blue humanoid figure and the spider sculpture visible in the background. The bottom left image highlights a large yellow and black striped bee sculpture made from scrap metal, with vehicle headlights and a grill forming its face. The bottom right image shows a yellow helicopter sculpture, constructed from industrial parts, sitting in front of autumn foliage with a black helmet resting on one of its wings. These eclectic and creative sculptures are set against the backdrop of trees and grassy lawns, showcasing the unique charm of this roadside attraction.

13. The Fort LeBoeuf Museum

The Fort LeBoeuf Museum in Waterford offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s role in early American history, particularly during the French and Indian War.

A collage of four photos taken at the Fort LeBoeuf Historical Museum in Erie County, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows the museum's interior with a display of George Washington’s 1753 mission, featuring a diorama, framed documents, and artifacts. The top right photo displays a wall exhibit with fur trade artifacts, including pelts, tools, muskets, and a mannequin dressed in a French colonial uniform. The bottom left photo features the exterior of the Fort LeBoeuf Museum, a brick and wood building with flags and historical signage. The bottom right photo highlights a Pennsylvania historical marker describing the three forts that once stood at the site, including the original 1753 French fort, its abandonment, and subsequent British and American forts.

Nearby Attractions

The PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden in Crawford County is an eclectic 1200-foot-long public art installation made entirely out of repurposed road signs.

A collage of four whimsical sculptures from the PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. The top-left image shows a blue locomotive on tracks made from repurposed road signs, with oil derricks in the background. The top-right image features two figures paddling a canoe, constructed from colorful road signs. The bottom-left image depicts a red barn and silo made from stop signs and directional signs. The bottom-right image shows a cowboy playing a guitar, crafted from railroad crossing and directional signs, accompanied by additional figures in a playful scene. These artworks are part of the 1200-foot-long public art piece made entirely from recycled Pennsylvania Department of Transportation signs.

The Linesville Spillway in Crawford County offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience that has delighted both young and old for nearly one hundred years – the opportunity to watch ducks walk on fish!

A collage of four photos taken at the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park. The top left photo shows visitors feeding ducks and fish while standing along the curved spillway where water flows into a lower basin. The top right photo features a wooden sign marking the entrance to "The Spillway, Pymatuning State Park" with a nearby road and park facilities visible in the background. The bottom left image is a vintage postcard showing visitors feeding ducks and fish in the 1930s, with classic cars parked along the road. The bottom right photo captures a close-up view of ducks and geese surrounded by a dense school of carp, all competing for food at the spillway.

The Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad in Crawford County offers a sightseeing journey through Pennsylvania’s Oil Creek Valley, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the birthplace of the American oil industry.

A collage depicting various scenes from the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. The top-left image shows a maroon and yellow OC&T locomotive with an engineer standing on the front, giving a friendly wave. The top-right image captures passengers on a wooden platform observing the bright yellow locomotive approaching through a lush, green landscape. The bottom-left image features passengers, including a dog, standing on a wooden platform surrounded by dense forest, waiting near a train car. The bottom-right image shows a vintage passenger car with "Oil Creek & Titusville" and "Col. Edwin L. Drake" painted on its side, highlighting the historic charm of the excursion.

The Tsuga Trail in Crawford County offers a scenic, 1.5 mile hike through diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and lakeside views at the Erie National Wildlife Refuge, perfect for nature observation and wildlife spotting.

A collage of four photos showcasing various aspects of the Tsuga Trail at Erie National Wildlife Refuge in Crawford County, PA. The top left image features a hiker standing on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by lush vegetation and illuminated by sunlight. The top right photo shows a peaceful forest path blanketed in fallen leaves, with tall trees casting dappled light. The bottom left captures a wetland scene with a calm, reflective pond framed by grasses and autumn foliage. The bottom right image displays an informational sign about the Tsuga Trail, including a map and tips for wildlife watching, enhancing the educational aspect of the trail experience.

Tidioute Overlook in Warren County features a pair of easy-to-reach vistas offering views of the Allegheny River and the quaint town of Tidioute.

A collage of four photos taken at Tidioute Overlook in Warren County, Pennsylvania, within the Allegheny National Forest. The top left image features a scenic view of the Allegheny River, surrounded by lush green forested hills. The top right image shows the town of Tidioute nestled in a valley, with houses and farmland surrounded by rolling hills. The bottom left image captures the entrance sign to the Allegheny National Forest's picnic ground and overlook, with a peaceful road leading into the dense forest. The bottom right image provides a close-up of the Allegheny River winding through the verdant landscape, highlighting the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

Did you enjoy this article?

If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!

Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.