Presque Isle State Park

Presque 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. A National Natural Landmark, Presque Isle is a favorite spot for migrating birds. Because of the many unique habitats, Presque Isle contains a greater number of the state's endangered, threatened and rare species than any other area of comparable size in Pennsylvania.

The gateway to Presque Isle is the new Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC). An educational center at heart, TREC is dedicated to teaching visitors about Presque Isle and the many different forms of life that inhabit this unique peninsula. TREC also serves as a center for research, contributing to conservation efforts and promoting environmental awareness, helping to preserve the unparalleled beauty of Presque Isle. There is free admission to the interactive exhibits and the 75-foot observation tower.

Presque Isle State Park is featured in a 30-minute video created in partnership with the Pennsylvania Cable Network, which is available for purchase at their Web site. www.pcntv.com/stateparks.html

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Tom Ridge Environmental Center - Directions - Weather  - Recreation  - Trails  - Winter Report  - Environmental Education  - Calendar of Events  - Accessibility  - History  - Wildlife Watching  - Nearby Attractions  - Volunteers  - Rules and Regs  - General Rules  - In an Emergency  - Contact Us  - Downloadables and Maps

Park Advisories

Directions

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center and Presque Isle State Park can be reached by PA 832. The park can also be reached by boat. The road system within the park forms a loop approximately 13 miles in length.

Resource Management Plan Draft Revision

The Presque Isle State Park Resource Management Plan undergoes an update and revision on a five-year cycle. The current cycle began in 2008 and the final stage in this revision process is the solicitation of public comment on the draft plan.

All comments will be reviewed before this draft plan is finalized. Comments will be accepted until June 30, 2009.

Presque Isle State Park Resource Management Plan Draft (pdf) (695 kb, 5/09)

e-mail your comments to: presqueislesp@state.pa.us

Introduction

Presque Isle is a recurving sand spit jutting into Lake Erie and has the only surf beach in the Commonwealth. Its geological and biological diversity, and its historical significance will spark your interest. The location of the park on Lake Erie makes it a favorite spot for bird migration.

Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches lakeward into Lake Erie. The park is reached by PA Route 832 or by boat. The road system within the park forms a loop approximately 13 miles in length.

The neck of the peninsula is attached to the mainland four miles west of downtown Erie. The park creates Presque Isle Bay, a wide and deep harbor for the city of Erie. The bay attracts many pleasure boats and worldwide freighters, making Erie an important Great Lakes shipping port.

Presque Isle is a National Natural Landmark. Because of the many unique habitats, Presque Isle contains a greater number of the state's endangered, threatened and rare species than any other area of comparable size in Pennsylvania.

Presque Isle is a major recreational landmark for about four million visitors each year. 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.

Whether you come to enjoy the sandy beaches, study ecological diversity or learn about the historical significance of the peninsula, there is something for everyone at Presque Isle State Park.

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking  - Biking  - Boat Tours  - Marina  - Water-skiing  - Scuba Diving  - Picnicking  - Swimming  - Boating  - Fishing  - Hunting  - Wildlife Watching  - Winter Activities 

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.

Boating: Both 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.

For complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

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.

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.

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.

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. 2005 rates are adults: $14 child: $9 and under 5 free. Group rates ( over 25 people) $1 of each fare. Call for reservations local 814-836-0201 or toll free 800-988-5780. piboattours.com Cruise schedules and prices are subject to change. Any trip may be cancelled due to sever weather, mechanical difficulties, or fewer reservations than required.

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.

Hiking: 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. Explore trails for more information.

Biking: 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.

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.

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.

Hunting: 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.

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.

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.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

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

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.

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.

Make a reservation

Winter Activities: Popular winter activities include ice fishing, iceboating and ice skating which occur on Presque Isle Bay, Misery Bay and in the Marina area. Contact the park office for conditions. A cross-country ski concession, located at the picnic shelter area, operates during the winter, conditions permitting. Equipment rental is available.

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 current snow and ice depths.

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.

Special Activities at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center: In addition to the 'Big Green Screen' movies and the changeable exhibit area, there are special activities like scavenger hunts, family night at the movies, and music concerts planned throughout the year. Check out the web-site at www.trecpi.org or call 814-833-7424 to find out what’s new.

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. Earth911 has beach water quality information.

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.

Environmental Education and Interpretative Programs

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.

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.

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

Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

Access for People with Disabilities

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.

Nearby Attractions

Erie Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
800-524-3743 or 814-454-7191
www.VisitEriePa.com

Erie Regional and Growth Partnership
800-524-3743 or 814-454-7191
www.EriePa.com

General Rules and Safety Notices

• Outdoor recreational activities are restricted to locations where physical improvements or postings designate the appropriate purpose and use. Similarly, fires and the disposal of hot coals are permitted only in provided facilities. Do not bury hot coals in the sand. Place trash and all other litter in provided containers and only dispose of trash and litter accumulated during the use of state recreation areas.
• All pets must be on a leash not exceeding six feet in length and attended at all times. Pets must be controlled at all times. Pets are not permitted in the swimming areas.
• Inflatable or buoyant swim aids are allowed only with direct adult supervision and on guarded beaches.
• Swimming is only permitted on guarded beaches during times when guards are on duty.
• Diving at beach areas is prohibited. This includes running entry devices and diving from the shoulders of another.
• Winter ice conditions on the Lake Erie side of the park are unpredictable, PLEASE STAY OFF ICE DUNES.
• Deer Ticks are found at the park. Precautions should be taken when walking through grassy or bushy areas.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• Do your part to keep wildlife wild! Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance and do not feed or approach wild animals, including gulls and geese.
• All Pennsylvania state parks have instituted a recycling and waste reduction program. We urge all park visitors to join us in the recycling effort. During your stay, please use the recycling containers placed at various locations in the park.

In an Emergency

Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.

Nearest Hospital:
Hamot Hospital
201 State Street
Erie, PA 16550
814-877-6000

For More Information Contact

Presque Isle State Park
301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 1
Erie, PA 16505-2042
814-833-7424
Manager: Harry Z. Leslie

E-mail: presqueislesp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.

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