Discover Erie, PAs Industrial and Natural Charm: Exploring the Outdoors

Erie, Pennsylvania is a city with a long history of industry and resilience. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, this bluecollar town has been revitalizing itself over the past decade. For travelers who wish to explore its dual nature industrial grit alongside natural beauty there are plenty of options.

Presque Isle State Park (301 Peninsula Dr., Erie, PA 16505) is one such example that encapsulates both the regions industrial past and wild present in perfect harmony. The park boasts seven miles of beaches along Lake Erie as well as hiking trails through forests and marshes. Visitors can also take an educational boat tour around Presque Isle Bay where they will learn about the local wildlife like migratory birds, fish species including bass walleye trout steelhead salmon panfish perch catfish pike musky smallmouth largemouth carp suckers sturgeon whitebass crappie sunfish yellowperch rockbass gobies drum sheepshead emeraldshiner sculpin blacktusk lizardfish burbot alewives mooneye goldeye shad rainbow smelt pomoxis triacanthus niger Semotilus atromaculatus Lepomis gibbosus Galeocerdo cuvieri Alosa pseudoharengus Petromyzontidae Ctenophora Invertebrates Amphibians Reptiles Mammals .

Another great place to explore is Asbury Woods (4105 Asbury Rd., Eerie PA 16506). This park offers over four miles of walking trails that wind through wetlands and forests full of native trees like American beechs maples oaks hickories black cherry birches spruces hemlocks cedars red pine norway pine white pine honeylocust dogwood magnolia sycamore locust. By exploring this dense foliage, visitors can catch a glimpse of the local wildlife including whitetailed deer, eastern cottontail rabbits opossums raccoons porcupines shrews moles muskrats weasels mink otters red and gray foxes coyotes woodchucks groundhogs chipmunks squirrels bats.

For a historical perspective on Eries industrial past, head to the historic Bicentennial Tower (1 Sassafras Pier, Erie PA 16507). The tower provides stunning views of both Lake Erie and downtown Eerie. Visitors can also learn about the history of Eerie in the observation deck museum dedicated to its military aircraft production during World War 2 as well as other exhibits highlighting important events in Pennsylvanias history.

In conclusion, visiting these three destinations will provide travelers with an authentic experience that captures what makes Eerie so special: natural beauty alongside gritty industry and rich cultural heritage. From Presque Isle State Park to Asbury Woods to Bicentennial Tower there is plenty here for everyone who loves nature or rusty machinery!