Travel Directions & Area Attractions

Presque Isle Passage is in the midst of a wide range of nearby attractions that suit a full spectrum of interests. From family-oriented parks, attractions and museums to outdoor attractions that are centered around Lake Erie and beyond, there is something for everyone. There is so much to explore at Presque Isle State Park alone that can fill several days of adventure. If you like to live on the wild side, you may prefer to visit the Erie Zoo, take a ride on Waldameer Park’s Ravine Flyer II, or try your luck at Presque Isle Downs & Casino.

Click here to scroll down to the interactive directions.


Parks & Outdoor Attractions
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park – Presque Isle State Park, including the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 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.
Asbury Woods
Asbury Woods Nature Center – Asbury Woods Nature Center is a playground for those who enjoy the outdoors. Popular activities include hiking, jogging, mountain biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. (Rental skis and snowshoes area available on weekends, in season.) Additional recreational facilities are available at Asbury Community Park, which is part of Asbury Woods. Asbury Woods also includes an orienteering course, with 15 hidden markers located along the Greenway Trail from the Nature Center to Brown’s Farm.
Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant – Lake Pleasant is a natural glaciered lake of approximately 60 acres in size. Although not the only species present, Rainbow Trout appear to be the most sought after prize. The lake is stocked several times a year by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission at part of the Select Trout-Stocked Lake Program. Boats are permitted, but motors (either gas or electric) are not allowed.
Tom Ridge Environmental Center
Tom Ridge Environmental Center – The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is the gateway to Presque Isle. TREC is located before the entrance to Presque Isle State Park, directly across from the entrance to Waldameer Park & Water World. The center is open year-round, offering visitors information and insights into the unique 3,200 acre Presque Isle and the many different forms of life that inhabit it. TREC features interactive exhibits, the Big Green Screen Theater, a Nature Shop & Gallery, the Sunset Café, a regional visitors’ center and a 75-foot-high observation tower overlooking the peninsula.
Wooden Nickel Buffalo Farm
Wooden Nickel Buffalo Farm – Wooden Nickel Buffalo Farm is a family farm operation. There is no fee or admission charge to view the animals, except for special events. The buffalo roam freely over their 170 acres of pasture year-round. You may be lucky enough to see them up close to the fence. You can view them in their natural state … grazing, eating hay, bulls challenging each other and butting heads, cows feeding their calves, all of the things that were almost lost forever with the white man hunted them down in the late 1800s.
Family Attractions
Erie Zoo
Erie Zoo – The Erie Zoo is home to over 400 animals, representing more than 100 species, from around the world. Winding walkways take visitors through the beautifully landscaped grounds which feature 2500 specimens from 600 species of plants. In fact, the zoo has expanded its name to include the Zoological Park and Botanical Garden of Northwestern Pennsylvania. The zoo also features a family-friendly carousel and train ride.
Splash Lagoon Indoor Waterpark
Splash Lagoon Indoor Waterpark – Splash Lagoon is Erie’s indoor water park resort where the temperature is a balmy 84° and there is never a rainy day! The park features the Kid’s Zone, with shallow water attractions just for the kids; Takin’ It Easy, with easy going rides for the times you need to slow down; Wild Slides, tube and body slides for fast-paced excitement; and Extreme Rides, for the most hardcore thrill seekers. Additional attractions include Lazer Tag, the Treasure Island Family Arcade, the Family Activity Center, Laguna Grill, and more. Open year round but generally closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the off season.
Waldameer Amusement Park and Water World
Waldameer Amusement Park & Water World – Not that “same little park” anymore, Waldameer is home to the Ravine Flyer II Coaster, winner of the coveted Golden Ticket Award as the Best New Ride in the World for 2008 as presented by Amusement Today. Three new rides have been introduced for the 2011 season. Waldameer and Water World feature scores of amusement park rides, magnificent water park slides, live shows, a modern arcade, midway games, food and refreshment centers, souvenir and gift shops, and numerous picnic pavilions – all surrounded by gorgeous landscaping.
Museums & Cultural Attractions
Erie Art Museum
Erie Art Museum – The Erie Art Museum features a collection of over 5,000 objects, including American ceramics, Tibetan paintings, Indian bronzes, contemporary baskets, and many other categories. The museum hosts 18 to 20 visiting exhibits annually and shares parts of its collection with national and international partners through traveling exhibits.
Erie Maritime Museum
Erie Maritime Museum – The main attraction at the Erie Maritime Museum is the U.S. Brig Niagara. The Niagara is docked for public viewing September through May and intermittently during the summer each year. During the summer months, the ship conducts one day sailing excursions out of Erie and voyages to other ports in the Great Lakes, as a US Coast Guard inspected Sailing School Vessel and is available for public viewing at the Erie Maritime Museum when not out sailing.
Erie Playhouse
Erie Playhouse – The stars shine bright over the Erie Playhouse, one of the oldest and largest community theatres in the nation. Recognized as one of the 10 best community theatres in the nation, it remains at the forefront of the arts not only in Northwest Pennsylvania, but the entire state. The Erie Playhouse boasts a spectacular season of provocative and diverse mainstage plays and musicals, as well as an engaging roster of musicals for younger theatre-goers. There are also one-of-a-kind concerts and captivating special events throughout the year. Broadway is 432 miles away. The great performances are right here!
Erie Philharmonic
Erie Philharmonic – Whether it’s your first time or your 100th time attending a Philharmonic concert, it’s a wonderful experience! One of the most exciting aspects of any orchestral season is the participation of distinguished guest artists. Throughout its 86-year history, the Erie Philharmonic has brought some of the world’s greatest musicians to Erie to perform with our orchestra.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff Estate
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff Estate – Set high on a cliff with sweeping views over Lake Erie, Graycliff stands as an architectural jewel awaiting your discovery. Built between 1926 and 1929, the Graycliff estate was designed by the renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright for Isabelle R. Martin and her husband, Larkin Company executive Darwin D. Martin. Graycliff served as the Martin summer home from 1927 to the mid-1940s. The complex is set amidst eight and a half acres of rolling lawns and gardens also designed by Wright. Isabelle Martin had the greatest influence over Wright’s design, with her failing vision leading her to direct the architect to create structures full of sunlight and air. Wright fulfilled her wishes magnificently.
Station Dinner Theatre
Station Dinner Theatre – The Station Dinner Theatre operates year-round and is the home of the original “A Canterbury Feast”, the longest running medieval dinner theatre in the United States. Along with its many original themed musical comedies, the Station season also includes a variety of comedies, farces and musical reviews. Combined with Chef Bob Stewart’s delicious cuisine, it all adds up to the region’s most unique and entertaining dining experience.
Sporting Events
Erie SeaWolves
Erie SeaWolves – The Erie SeaWolves are the Double-A affiliate of the American League’s Detroit Tigers. The stadium at historic Jerry Uht Park features six luxury suites, a picnic area, three main concession stands, and a raised upper deck of seats along the first base side. But perhaps the most unique feature of the park includes a “short porch” in left field where numerous home runs are belted over the fence just 312 feet away from home plate.
Presque Isle Downs and Casino
Presque Isle Downs & Casino – Presque Isle Downs & Casino is home to 2,000 slots, live thoroughbred racing, exciting live entertainment, Pennsylvania’s finest simulcasting, and traditional & international cuisine.
Wineries
Presque Isle Passage is located in Lake Erie Wine Country. The following links will help you to plan your visits.
Lake Erie Wine Country
Pennsylvania Wine & Wineries
Wine Country Harvest Festival
Arrowhead Wine Cellars Conneaut Cellars Winery Heritage Wine Cellars
Mazza Vineyards Penn Shore Vineyards Presque Isle Wine Cellars Wilhelm Winery
Colleges and Universities
Edinboro University
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
Gannon University

Mercyhurst College
LECOM, The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Sources for Additional Information
Visit Erie – The Online Visitor Guide
America’s Byways
– Miles of Fun and Adventure
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
– Full Information on Fishing and Boating
Pennsylvania Visitors Network – Erie Vacation Planning