Presque Isle State Park
add photosPresque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie. As Pennsylvania's only "seashore," Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling and in-line skating.
Recreational Opportunities:
Hiking - Biking - Boat Tours - Marina - Water-skiing - Scuba Diving - Picnicking - Swimming - Boating - Fishing - Hunting - Wildlife Watching - Winter Activities.
9 Reviews for Presque Isle State Park
59
39
'11, '12
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"Definitely going back"
Years ago my parents took a trip to Erie, PA and raved about Presque Isle. So, when my family and I went camping in Erie in September 2010, we made that a "must do," and we were glad we did. It was a very interesting day temperature wise. Depending on where we were we were either throwing on our extra layers or taking them off. In the morning we paid for our tickets on the Lady Kate boat tour, and while we were waiting we learned all about Misery Bay and the war of 1812. It was a nice self-guided tour with plenty to read and learn. Then we were ready for the tour. They have a rule about kids on the boat. They need to be sitting with the adults, and on the inside, not on up against the side. It was nice to know that they were looking out for the safety of the little ones. On the water we learned about Lake Erie and it's history, as well as local stories. Our guide was older and had a fun sense of humor. We definitely enjoyed our ride. Being that it was in September, the waves were getting larger as we went further out, so for our safety they turned around early (they warned us ahead of time that it might happen). As much as we loved the big waves, we were glad to have turned around for safety's sake.
After the boat tour we drove farther down the 14 mile loop, and stopped at the Lighthouse. To actually see the lighthouse you have to follow a path onto the beach and walk a very short distance. You can see it peeking over the trees, but if you continue a little farther down you'll be able to see the entire building. Unfortunately my husband didn't realize this when we were there when I thought he had. Luckily I took pictures of it to show him (he and our daughter were having fun playing in the sand). On the road before you get to the path you can read the history of the lighthouse. It's interesting!
After enjoying ourselves for a while, we got hungry and left. We couldn't find a place to eat while there, so that ended our trip to Presque Isle. We can't wait to go back though, and maybe this time it will be in the warmer weather so we don't mind being outside for so long.
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0 families found this helpful
"Nothing better in Erie"
Erie, PA has one of the best sunsets in the world, and it is best seen from Presque Isle. Its great for taking a dip to cool down or warming up on the volleyball court. It's 14 miles around the penninsula, making it a great bike ride, or if you're really adventurous, a walk/run. There are areas for picnics and fishing too. Honestly, this is truly a hidden gem.
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"A bit of everything! "
Presque Isle is a GREAT place for families! There is something for everyone there! You have the beach, sand volleyball courts (beach 6), bike paths, hiking trails, rollerblading, canoeing, boating, fishing, picnic areas, and beautiful scenery to do all of the above in! There are great paved paths which are great for pushing strollers on as well! :-) Go! You'll enjoy it!
1 family found this helpful
"A nice beach for the area!"
We love going to Presque Isle State Park! We don't have the time to go to the Ocean, so we talke all of the kiddos to Erie for the day. It only takes an hour and a half from us so its a pretty easy ride. The beaches are beautiful and the kids have a ball playing in the water. Some of the waves are pretty big too! The restaurants are decent and there is a Ferris Wheel to ride when the water activities get old.
1 family found this helpful
"Presque Isle State Park"
My husband and I accidentally stumbled onto Presque State Park during our recent trip to Erie, PA,.. Lucky for us! The park was absolutely amazing.
The park was incredibly clean. There were so many people biking, running, picnicing, and rollerblading. The large beach was unexpected and very lovely. My family spent a little bit of time walking on the beach and playing in the water.
There are many different types of birds and other wildlife at the park.
The park is perfect for picnics, long walks, and a nice place to let your children play. What a great park! What a great experience!!!
0 families found this helpful
"Beach Party!"
You can't go wrong with the beach and kids! My toddlers loved playing in the sand and the water was shallow for a while so they were able to wade in and play. No rough waves or weird animals to worry about! It seemed clean. I was surprised how many access point there were to the beach. It could be confusing to try to meet up with someone there.
1 family found this helpful
"lots to do"
Presque Isle State Park was a favorite destination of mine while in grad school. The trails for walking, running, biking, or roller blading are beautiful. The swimming areas on Lake Erie provide a true beach like experience. Take a picnic and a kite and enjoy a full day of fun.
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"Fun with the Family"
Presque Isle State Park is one of the most remarkable aspects of Erie. This narrowspit of sand (presque isle literally means “almost an island”) juts out into Lake Erie, providing an unusual environment for wildlife and a beautiful retreat for humans. To plan your day at the park, stop at the interpretive center, where there is a wonderful nature gift shop and bookstore as well as exhibits about local wildlife.
Choose the calm waters of Presque Isle Bay for boating or the almost oceanlike waves of Lake Erie for swimming. Water enthusiasts can rent canoes, rowboats, or motorboats to explore the waters on their own. Landlubbers can enjoy 13 miles of hiking trails. Some of the beaches at Presque Isle have occasionally been closed for a few days at a time due to unsafe water quality. It’s carefully monitored, but call ahead to check the status of the area you plan to visit. Bring your binoculars; Presque Isle is touted as one of the best bird-watching sites in the country. More than 300 species live in or pass by the park.
B.O.A.T. (Best of All Tours, Inc.) runs the forty-nine-passenger Lady Kate from the Perry Monuments at Presque Isle. There’s also a thirty-six-passenger water taxi, Presque Isle Express, that runs between Presque Isle and Dobbins Landing in downtown Erie. It’s a great way to pack in a full day of Erie sights and fun. Although busiest in summer, there’s something to do year-round at the park. In winter hiking trails turn to cross-country ski trails, and Presque Isle Bay provides great ice fishing.
1 family found this helpful
"Tons to do!"
Visit a beach, exercise on the trails, fly kites, play sand volleyball, visit the nature center, have a picnic, rent a canoe... really anything you could want! Entrance to beaches is free and there is ample parking. Grills are available in many places. There are refreshment stands at lots of the beaches, but bring your own cooler and it's free! There is a big Discover Presque Isle celebration in the summer with lots of fun and free events. Everyone will love it here!
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