Presque Isle State Park

Hiking   -  Biking   -  Boat Tours   -  Marina   -  Water-skiing   -  Scuba Diving   -  Picnicking   -  Swimming   -  Boating   -  Fishing   -  Hunting   -  Education   -  Cross-country Skiing   -  Ice Fishing   -  Ice Skating   -  Iceboating  

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Presque Isle is a day use park that provides year-round recreational opportunities. Overnight accommodations are available nearby. (Nearly 11 miles of hiking trails appeal to hikers, nature walkers and cross-country skiers. The paved Karl Boyes Multi-purpose National Recreation Trail provides nearly 14 miles of scenic trail along Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie for walkers, joggers, bicyclists and in-line skaters.) Presque Isle offers swimming, boating, fishing and beautiful sandy beaches to its summer visitors. Winter enthusiasts visit the park to enjoy the outdoors and participate in a variety of ice and snow activities. At the TREC, large -format movies, guided tours and other activities are available . A program guide is available on the TREC Web site or call 814-833-7424 to learn more about activities and times the TREC opens and closes each day.

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Picnicking: Picnic facilities with tables, grills and charcoal disposals are available throughout the park, some are ADA accessible. Refer to the map for locations.

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Picnic Pavilions: A number of picnic pavilions are available for rental, accommodating from 30 to 200 people. Please make advance reservations by calling 888-PA-PARKS. Pavilions that are not reserved are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. There are accessible fishing piers, picnic pavilions, picnic tables and grills at the East Pier and West Pier areas.

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Picnic Shelters: There are four enclosed day use picnic shelters in the Waterworks Area. Shelters include electricity, water, picnic tables and a fireplace. Advanced reservations must be made by calling 888-PA-PARKS.

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Make a reservation.

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Swimming: The sandy beaches, washed by the clear waters of Lake Erie, provide visitors with the only surf swimming within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Beaches are open daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day unless otherwise posted. The regular hours are 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information call Lifeguard Headquarters (seasonal) 814-833-0526.

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Beach 1: This long stretch of sand is located near the park entrance and has a beach house (without concessions).

Barracks Beach: Near Beach 1, this beach has modern restrooms and three first-come, first-served picnic pavilions.

Beach 6: This large beach has sand volleyball courts, a beach house with changing areas, restrooms, and a food and beverage concession.

Beach 7 (Waterworks Beach): In addition to modern restrooms, this beach features a ramp that provides ADA access to the water's edge and is adjacent to picnic areas, including playground equipment and pavilions.

Beach 8 (Pettinato Beach): (Pettinato Beach): This wide expanse of sandy beach has a beach house with changing areas, restrooms, and food and beverage concession.

Mill Road Beaches: (Stone Jetty, Short Jetty, Saw Mill, Ainsworth, Goddard) These beaches allow visitors to enjoy unspoiled, relatively quiet beaches. Restrooms are located at Short Jetty and Saw Mill. The Mill Road beaches incorporate swimming areas with shaded picnic facilities.

Beach 9 (Pine Tree): This beach has picnic facilities, a picnic pavilion and a restroom.

Beach 10 (Budny Beach): Equipped with a beach house with changing areas, restrooms, and food and beverage concession, this beach lies between the Sunset Point area (popular with kite flyers and wind surfers) and Gull Point.

Beach 11: This is the most sheltered beach and features shallow water, a large sandy beach, and a beach house with changing areas, restrooms, and a food and beverage concession and is adjacent to picnic areas, including playground equipment and a picnic pavilion.

Boating: Non-powered craft and registered motorboats are permitted. Internal combustion engines are prohibited in the interior lagoons, which are defined as the continuous body of water between Misery Bay and Marina Bay, excluding Grave Yard Pond. A boat rental concession is located in the Grave Yard Pond area and provides a variety of powered and non-powered craft. Beaching of boats along Presque Isle shoreline is permitted except at the Gull Point Natural Area between April 1 and November 30, and within 100 feet of designated swimming areas. A slow minimum height swell speed must be observed within all park waters which includes all waters within 500 feet of the shoreline.

Water conditions can change dramatically in a very short period of time. Please heed all weather notices. Listen to marine channel 16, the Coast Guard Emergency Channel on a VHF radio, or NOAA Weather Radio 162.400 MHZ, for current boating conditions.

Motorboats must display a current boat registration. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks, available at most state park offices; launching permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

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Boat Launches: A total of four launching areas are available which can accommodate various sizes of craft. Vista Launch is only recommended for small watercraft and personal watercraft (jet skis). Niagara Launch has two ramps and can accommodate small to medium sized craft. West Pier Launch area is the largest facility with four launching lanes and is recommended for larger watercraft. The Lagoon Launch area can accommodate small to medium sized craft.

Fluctuations in lake levels may impact launching procedures.

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Marina: A marina with nearly 500 slips that can accommodate boats up to 42 feet in length is open May 1 through October 31. Individuals wishing to moor their craft on a permanent or temporary basis need to contact the marina office or park office to determine slip availability as waiting lists exist for permanent assignments.

For more information call the Marina Office (seasonal) at 814-833-0176 or 814-833-7424.

A park concession, located in the marina, has gasoline and diesel fuel, a sewage pump-out station, and a variety of food and refreshment items.

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Water-skiing: Water skiing is permitted in Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. Water skiing is prohibited within 500 feet of the shore except for the purpose of takeoff or approach.

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Presque Isle Scenic Boat Tours: Departing from Perry Monument on Presque Isle State Park, experience the scenic beauty of the Peninsula and Erie waterfront while viewing three historic lighthouses on the 65-foot great lakes vessel, "Lady Kate." The 14-mile, 90-minute tour ventures out onto the open waters of Lake Erie. You will view Presque Isle's shores, Erie's skyline, lighthouses, ships, the beaches, Gull Point Nature Preserve, wildlife and numerous other sights. Live narration takes place on each tour by knowledgeable guides that identify and describe points of interest while they supply enlightening information about the area's ecology, history, development, nature and more. Tour departures vary seasonally: Mid-May through Mid-June and after Labor day through September 30; are Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. The summer season of mid-June through Labor day; are 7 days per week 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and sunset cruises which depart 1 hour prior to sunset. Group tours may be booked for any day or time. Call for reservations local 814-836-0201 or toll free 800-988-5780. Cruise schedules and prices are subject to change. Any trip may be cancelled due to sever weather, mechanical difficulties, or fewer reservations than required.

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Presque Isle Canoe and Boat Livery: On Graveyard Pond across from Misery Bay, the boat rental offers canoes, kayaks, small motorboats and pontoon boats for rent. The boat livery is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m .on weekends during mid-April through mid-October. For further information call 814-838-3938.

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Recreational Scuba Diving: Recreational scuba diving is permitted in designated waters of Presque Isle State Park. Divers must be certified and must register at the park office and receive information on waters open for diving. Snorkeling is not permitted in Presque Isle State Park waters.

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Fishing: Common species are perch, bass, walleye, trout and steelhead in Lake Erie, and panfish, perch, bass, muskellunge, walleye, northern pike, crappies, smelt and steelhead in Presque Isle Bay. Bowfishing is permitted. Popular shore fishing locations are Waterworks and Ferry Dock ponds, East and West piers, Perry Monument, North Pier, lagoons and all boat landings. There are accessible fishing piers, picnic pavilions, picnic tables and grills at the East Pier and West Pier areas.

Complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

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Hunting and Firearms: Hunting is prohibited in the park except for controlled duck and goose hunting in season. Hunting is restricted to designated and authorized blinds only. Regulated wildlife management hunts may be conducted if needed.

Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.

Complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.

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Hiking: 11 miles of trails
There are approximately 11 miles of hiking trails at the park. Bicycling and in-line skating are not permitted on hiking trails. Due to fluctuating lake levels, portions of trails may be seasonally flooded and not passable without appropriate footwear.

Fox Trail: This trail winds through wooded swamps and oak-maple forests. It is maintained and groomed as a cross-country ski trail in the winter. (.5 miles)

Old Gas Well Trail: This trail follows a ridge between Beach 7 and the Marina. The trail passes a gas well that produces gas used at Presque Isle State Park. (.5 miles)

Canoe Portage Trail: This short walk between sand dunes and forest connects Pettinato Beach (Beach 8) to Marina Lake. (.25 miles)

Ridge Trail: This trail follows the edge of Cranberry Pond along a portion of ridge that was a beach dune 300 years ago. (.5 miles)

Marsh Trail: This trail bisects Cranberry Pond, one of the many ponds on Presque Isle. The pond formed as water was trapped between two ridges. (.25 miles)

Sidewalk Trail: This historic trail was originally constructed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service as a path from the Presque Isle Lighthouse to the U.S. Lighthouse Service boathouse in Misery Bay. The trail was once a wooden boardwalk and was resurfaced with concrete in 1925. (1.25 miles)

Dead Pond Trail: This trail leads over several former dunes and through several distinct ecological zones. You will walk through oak-maple forest, pines and sandplains. (2 miles)

A-Trail: This short trail connects Pine Tree Picnic Area to Dead Pond Trail and passes through a vernal pond. When the vernal pond fills with water in the spring, the trail is wet. (.2 miles)

B-Trail: This short trail connects Pine Tree Road to Dead Pond Trail and passes through a stand of pines. (.25 miles)

Pine Tree Trail: This trail follows the edge of a sandplain community and a stand of pines. Located along this trail are the remains of the Biology Field Lab that was used by Dr. O. E. Jennings to study plant succession on Presque Isle. (.7 miles)

Gull Point Trail: This trail begins at the kiosk at the east end of the Budny Beach (Beach 10) parking lot and makes a loop through Gull Point. At the southeast end of the loop, a trail leads to the edge of the Special Management Area and an observation platform for viewing shorebirds. (1.5 miles)

North Pier Trail: This trail follows the shoreline between North Pier and Beach 11, along one of the sand ridges. An old firing range used for training during World War II may be seen along this trail. (.7 miles)

Grave Yard Pond Trail: This trail follows the shoreline along Grave Yard Pond, which as legend has it was the final resting place for many of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's men during the winter of 1813-1814. Two boat landings along the trail offer scenic views of the lagoons and Big Pond (.75 miles)

Long Pond Trail: This trail follows the shoreline of Long Pond, one of the ponds within the lagoon. Approximately halfway along this trail is a boat landing. The landing is a popular fishing spot and offers a scenic view of the lagoon. (1 mile) Duck Pond Trail: This trail begins at Duck Pond and intersects the Canoe Portage Trail and connects with the Old Gas Well Trail. (.5 miles)

Duck Pond Trail: This trail begins at Duck Pond and intersects the Canoe Portage Trail and connects with the Old Gas Well Trail. (.5 miles)

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Biking: 13.5 miles of trails
The Karl Boyes Multi-purpose National Recreation Trail makes a 13.5-mile circuit of the park. This paved trail is designated as a National Recreation Trail. This ADA accessible trail is popular with bicyclists, in-line skaters and joggers. This paved trail is designated as a National Recreation Trail. This ADA accessible trail is popular with bicyclists, in-line skaters and joggers. During the winter, the trail is plowed from the entrance to the park office for hikers. For cross-country skiers, the trail is left snow covered from the park office to Perry Monument. The trail was renamed in 2003 for the late State Representative Karl Boyes. Without his vision and tireless efforts, the trail would not exist.

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Yellow Bike Rentals: In the Waterworks Pumphouse area, near the Cookhouse Pavilion, the bike rental offers bicycles, four wheeled surreys, tricycles, roller blades and paddle boats for rent. The bike rental is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends during May and September, weather permitting. For further information call 814-835-8900.

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Winter Activities

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In addition to recreational activities, experience the natural wonders of Presque Isle during the winter months. Look for the impressive ice dunes, formed by the combination of lake ice, wave surge and freezing spray. Take a walk along the beach and you will likely see animal footprints in the snow.

Explore the Winter Report for the current snow and ice depths.

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Cross-country Skiing: The trails of the park can be skiied, conditions permitting.

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Winter Concession: In Shelter 1 near the Waterworks Ponds, the concession offers cross country skis and snowshoes for rent. The concession is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends beginning mid-November through March, provided suitable snow conditions exist.

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Ice Fishing: Presque Isle Bay and Misery Bay are popular for ice fishing. Ice thickness is not monitored. Be sure to carry safety equipment.

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Ice Skating: Presque Isle Bay and Misery Bay are popular for skating on the natural ice surface. Ice thickness is not monitored. Be sure to carry safety equipment

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Iceboating: Presque Isle Bay is popular for iceboating. Ice thickness is not monitored. Be sure to carry safety equipment.

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Environmental Education and Interpretation

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Environmental Education: All are welcome to the environmental education programs offered at Presque Isle and the Tom Ridge Center, whether you are a teacher, student scout or someone who wants to learn more about the environment, Presque Isle has a program for you. A new offering in environmental education for students is the Presque Isle Curriculum. This series offers student of all ages the opportunity to engage themselves in the resources of the park. This program also helps meet the Pennsylvania Academic Standards set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Environment and Ecology, Science and Technology and more.

If you are a Boy Scot of Girl Scout contact the park about their Scout Days. These programs are specifically designed for the scouting community to help meet requirements for badges, pins, achievements and more. If you are part of a large scout group, contact the park office about programs designed for your group needs.

Summertime sees many youths at Presque Isle taking part in the Pennsylvania State Parks’ Youth Environmental Learning Series (YELS). Young people who participate in YELS not only learn about the peninsula environment, they earn patches. The program is designed to meet different learning levels from pre-schoolers through high school aged youth.

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Public Programs: There is something for everyone on the peninsula. Environmental educators at Presque Isle offer educational program throughout the year. Whether you are interested in history, art, wildlife, plants, or just want to take a hike with a leader, you’ll find it at Presque Isle. Pontoon boat rides through the interior of the peninsula provide opportunities to view abundant wildlife and scenic views. Kayaking the lagoons and going at your own pace is very popular. If you like to bike, take the paved multi-purpose trail that forms a large loop through the park. Nighttime is a great time to take in a community program offered by park staff. Don’t limit yourself to just coming to Presque Isle in the summer-spring, fall and winter are all great times for exploration. Crowds tend to lessen after the summer season, and the peace and solitude of the park are in full swing. You might want to take in the spring and fall migrations of waterfowl, do snowshoeing or cross-country skiing or just take in a beautiful sunset along the beach. Contact the park at 814-833-7424 for seasonal programs.

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Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.

Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

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Access for People with Disabilities

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The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is ADA accessible. Accessible picnic tables and parking spaces have been designated throughout the park. All restrooms at Presque Isle State Park are accessible. The 13.5-mile Multi-purpose National Recreational Trail consists entirely of a paved surface and provides access throughout the park. Access to surf-type swimming is provided via a ramp and mats at Waterworks Beach (Beach 7). There are accessible fishing piers, picnic pavilions, picnic tables and grills at the East Pier and West Pier areas, which also provide spectacular views of Presque Isle Bay and the skyline of Erie. The Stull Interpretive Center is accessible.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

The Nature of Presque Isle

There are six distinct ecological zones on Presque Isle, each with a different plant and animal community. The record of geological succession can be traced through each of these zones. The zones include: Lake Erie, the bay and shoreline; sand plain and new ponds; dunes and ridges; old ponds and marshes; thicket and sub-climax forest; and climax forest.

Because of the diversity of ecological zones at Presque Isle State Park, many different species of plants and wildlife inhabit the park from the shoreline to the climax forest. Of all the plants and animals on Presque Isle, birds are the most studied and understood. The peninsula's location along the Atlantic Flyway and the diversity of natural habitats make Presque Isle State Park a haven for bird life. Migrating birds, including several species of special concern, rest, feed, and nest here. Over 320 species of birds have been recorded on Presque Isle; at least 39 of these are listed as species of special concern.

In cooperation with Penn State Behrend, The Tom ridge Environmental Center has launced the Natural History Museum Web site Dynamic Dunes. The seven collections in Dynamic Dunes contains more than 3,800 records of species collected in northwestern Pennsylvania. The collections provide a resource for scientific studies of the ecology of the region and provide a record of the area's biodiversity. http://dynamicdunes.bd.psu.edu/

Birding

Presque Isle State Park has been rated by Birder's World magazine as one of the top birding spots in the country. Presque Isle's location on the Atlantic Flyway makes it a favorable spot for birds to stop to feed and rest on their migration across Lake Erie. Waterfowl migration occurs in March and in late November through December. Shorebird migration peaks in April and in September. Warbler migration is observed in mid-May and in September. Over 300 different species of birds have been identified on the peninsula. A bird checklist is available at the Stull Interpretive Center or the park office.

A Migrating Peninsula

Geologist believe that 11,000 years ago Erie was under a giant sheet of ice called a continental glacier. As the glacier melted and retreated north, rocks, pebbles and sand fell off creating a ridge called a “moraine.” So much ice melted that the valley to the north of Erie became a lake. The waves of newly created Lake Erie deposited sand on the moraine and created Presque Isle.

Presque Isle is a great location to see longshore drift in action. Wave by wave, eastward-moving wind pushes water and sediments. The accompanying forces of erosion and deposition continually shape Presque Isle's eastward migrating coast. This action greatly impacts the beaches and interior lands. When Presque Isle first formed, it probably was about three miles to the west.

Although the French name Presque Isle means "almost an island," the area has actually been a real island several times. Storm waves have broken through the neck to isolate the main section of the spit at least four times since 1819.

A number of shoreline management techniques dating to the 1800s have been used to compensate for the loss of beach sand and serve to protect the park. Since 1819, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has attempted to control erosion at Presque Isle and has successfully closed a number of breaches in the neck of the peninsula caused by storms.

Efforts to control beach erosion now consists of a combined thrust of beach nourishment and 58 breakwaters. Breakwaters slow erosion by partially blocking the waves; as the waves lose energy, they drop sand. The result is less sand carried along the shoreline and a "building out" of the beaches. The breakwaters have reduced the huge volumes of sand required to nourish the beaches.

For more information on park geology contact the park office and ask for these publications: Presque Isle State Park - A Dynamic Interface of Water and Land, or Presque Isle: A Peninsula that Wants To Be an Island.

Gull Point: A Fragile Ecosystem

The most ecologically dynamic area on Presque Isle, Gull Point, harbors some of the best examples of ecological succession in the park. This dynamic area, however, is also the most fragile. Many of Gull Point's plant species are threatened or endangered in Pennsylvania.

Jutting out into Lake Erie, Gull Point offers a safe haven and resting spot for migrating and nesting birds. Shorebirds migrate yearly from beyond the Arctic Circle to the southern reaches of South America and back again.

To preserve the resources of this area, the easternmost portion of Gull Point has been set aside as a State Park Natural Area for rare and migratory shorebirds to rest, feed and possibly nest. The natural area is closed to all public use from April 1 through November 30. Visitors can view this area from an observation platform reached via the Gull Point Hiking Trail.

Seasonal Natural Attractions

January to February: Ice dunes form on Lake Erie; skiing and snowshoeing

April to May: Early spring migrants and shorebirds, osprey and bald eagle sighted during migration (May) Peak of warbler migration

June to July: Summer wildflowers, shorebird migration begins, aquatic wildflowers in bloom

August: Summer wildflowers in great abundance; young herons seen in lagoons

September: Fall warbler migration through month; bird banding; osprey and bald eagle often sighted

October: Waterfowl migration; monarch butterfly migration, foliage best in second week

December: Christmas Bird Count within 10 days of Christmas

 

Early History: The Eriez Indians lived along the southern shores of Lake Erie and were the early inhabitants of the area. According to legend, the Eriez ventured far into the Lake to find the pllce where the sun sank into the waters. The spirits of the lake caused a great sorm to arise, so the Great Spirit stretched out his left arm into the lake to protect the Eriez from the storm. Where the sheltering arm of the Great Spirit had lain in the lake, a great sandbar in the shape of an arm-like peninsula was formed to act for all ages as a shelter and harbor of refuge for the Great Spirit's favorite children, the Eriez. It was not until the French occupied this part of the new world in the 1700s that it became known as Presque Isle, which translated means "almost an Island.

Presque Isle Lighthouse: The Presque Isle Lighthouse located near the Mill Road beaches is the second oldest lighthouse on Lake Erie. Built in 1872, the 57-foot high tower has a red brick dwelling at its base and is currently used as a park residence. The lighthouse is owned by the State, but it flashes a white light that is still maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. An education kiosk is adjacent to the property.

North Pier Light: Guiding ships into Erie Harbor since 1858, this square, metal pier head light is located at the end of the Erie Harbor Channel. Visitors can walk out to the light and watch the boat traffic in the harbor channel.

Perry Monument - Misery Bay: During the War of 1812, six of eleven ships commanded by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s fleet were built at the mouth of Cascade Creek in Erie, PA. Little Bay at Presque Isle was the temporary home of the fleet. The shores and waters of Presque Isle protected the fleet during construction.

On September 10, 1813, in the Battle of Lake Erie (at Put-in-Bay near Sandusky, Ohio), Commodore Perry and his men defeated the British. During the battle Perry’s first flagship, the Lawrence, was heavily damaged requiring Perry to transfer to the Brig Niagara. He then re-engaged and defeated the British fleet using the Niagara as his flagship. After the battle, Perry and his men returned to Little Bay at Presque Isle to repair their fleet and seek medical treatment for the wounded. During the winter of 1812-1814, many of Perry's crew suffered from poor living conditions and the harsh winters. Many died. In remembrance of those hardships during those winters, Little Bay was renamed Misery Bay by the surviving sailors.

The Perry Monument on Crystal Point was built in 1926 to commemorate this significant battle and honor those brave sailors who fought and died for their country.

A working replica of The Flagship Niagara has been built and is now the Flagship of Pennsylvania. It can be seen across the bay from Presque Isle where it is berthed at the PA Maritime Museum.

Waterworks Park: The city of Erie developed this area in search of a cleaner water source. In 1908, workers began placing a pipe from the lake to the settling basins. In 1917, the pumphouse was built. At that time it contained a steam boiler and engine. Water was drawn from the lake to the settling basins and then pumped across the bay to the city of Erie. This pumphouse and water supply system operated from 1917 until 1949. Currently the pumphouse is used as a zebra mussel control facility for Erie's water supply as well as a surrey and bike rental concession.

Keep in Touch

Add yourself to the DCNR's online community to receive info on this park, or parks in general.

Volunteering

Like to spend time in the outdoors, meet friendly people and help make Pennsylvania State Parks great? Volunteering at a park might be for you.

Becoming a Conservation Volunteer is easy.

• Sign up to be a Conservation Volunteer
  OR
• Contact your local state park directly and ask for the Conservation Volunteer coordinator - you'll be hooked up with an interesting and appropriate project in Pennsylvania's natural resources.
   

Scouts and organized groups can earn free camping by completing service projects.

Join a Friends Group

The Presque Isle Partnership is a non-profit organization unique to the Great Lakes Region and solely supports Presque Isle State Park. The Partnership works year-round to make our Great Park Better.  Our events and projects do great things for the environment and also make your visit to Presque Isle extra special. www.discoverpi.com

Friends of the Tom Ridge Center is a 501 (c)3 corporation committed to raising a three-million dollar fund, to accomplish its mission: to forge a partnership between the private sector and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at Presque Isle State Park in order to preserve and enhance educational programming, natural history research and visitor services opportunities.The Friends has many naming opportunities for donors and the donor's name will be placed on the Wall of Honor at the Center.  A healthy endowment ensures the strength, stability, and independence of an institution over time.  www.friendsoftrec.org

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

Believing that each generation is responsible for leaving behind a better legacy of good conservation, the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation (PPFF) was created in 1999 to give supporters and users of Pennsylvania's parks and forests a positive way to contribute to the conservation of our publicly-owned properties. The Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation welcomes the support of individuals and businesses who share a commitment to conserving, protecting, and enhancing the natural, scenic, and recreational areas of this commonwealth. www.paparksandforests.org

Make a Donation

To a park - find this park's address below

To a park's friends group - see above

To a park or the Bureau of State Parks - Pennsylvania Parks and Forestry Foundation www.paparksandforests.org

Through a purchase at a park gift shop

Thank you for your support!

Education Programs

We love when young people ask us how to get involved!

DiscoverE has programs for young people ages 4 to 17, provided by Pennsylvania State Park educators. By combining recreation and education, we hope to motivate children to learn more and return often, leading to a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment and conservation leadership. 

In Watershed Education, teachers and students assess water quality of a local stream on a quarterly basis and develop strategies to solve local water quality problems. 

ECO Camp - Exploring Careers Outdoors - is a week-long residential camp for a cross-section of high school youth from across Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Participate in action-packed, hands on activities and recreational adventures in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests that expose youth to conservation, recreation and careers in natural resources. Learn how people make a living working in the outdoors.

Explore education for more information on these and other programs.

Explore the Calendar of Events to find a program near you.

iConservePA

Do you take conservation personally? iConservePA is a Web site managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources whose vision is to inspire citizens to value their natural resources, engage in conservation practices and experience the outdoors. Take conservation personally.

Come Work with Us

Pennsylvania State Parks and the Department of Conservation and Natrual Resources offer a wide range of civil service and non-civil service jobs, from foresters, to rangers, to engineers, to educators, to botanists and so much more. Learn what is currently available.

Tell us What You Think

Contact this park with compliments, concerns and issues about the park.

Presque Isle State Park

Nearby Attractions

Information on nearby attractions is available from: 

Erie Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. www.VisitEriePa.com

Erie Regional and Growth Partnership. www.EriePa.com

Maps and Downloadables

Below are many of the maps and publications for this park. You can read them or download them and might need special software (all free) to view the publications.

You must have the free Adobe Reader to view the maps and brochures that are in pdf format (.pdf).

Alternate versions of the text of the brochures are in rich text and text formats. Click on the files to view them. To download (.rtf) files:
For Windows users, right click on the link then left click on "Save target as" to download the file to your computer. For Mac users, hold down the "Options" button and click on the link, then select "Save" to download the file to your computer.

Recreational Guide

Presque Isle State Park Map (.pdf) (275 kb, 3/11)

Interactive GIS Map

The Interactive GIS Map uses Geographic Information Systems to create a map that does not need to be downloaded and features driving directions, searchable park amenities and customizable maps. Please note that the background maps are maintained by a variety of public sources and driving directions usually go to the nearest large road.

Directions Map

Presque Isle State Park Directions Map (.pdf) (192 kb, 3/11)

Swimming Map

Swimming Beach Map of Presque Isle State Park (.pdf) (142 kb, 3/11)