Do something different while in town and take a self-guided or guided tour of our area! From murals to lighthouses, heritage trails and more, experience awesome is right around the corner! Tours can also be found on the FREE ‘Hello Erie’ trip planner app. PLUS our partners at Rupp Limousine offer various tours including wineries, breweries and distilleries.
To learn more information, visit the links throughout or watch a video at the bottom of this page.
Please check with each business for tour specifics and availability.
Did you know Erie County is home to over 50 historical markers? Each marker is dedicated to either a person, place or event that has had a historical significance to our community on a state, regional and even national level. Travel throughout the City of Erie and surrounding towns of Union City, Corry, Edinboro, Girard, Waterford and others to discover such markers honoring the Erie Extension Canal, Fort LeBoeuf, Harry Kellar, Perry's Shipyards and Miracles on Maple Hill. Also included in the list are missing markers and their significance along with GPS coordinates for every stop on this list. All historical marker information was compiled by Bethany DeMuth from the Erie Times News. Click here to access the tour information. (Pictured: Memorial Park in Erie PA)
VisitErie has partnered with the creators of A Shared Heritage Tour and Erie Arts & Culture to create a new tour that celebrates Erie County Black History. The new self-guided audio-narrated tour is available through VisitErie’s ‘Hello Erie’ mobile app. The African American History Tour features historic points of interest, public art, and businesses that pay tribute to the City of Erie's African American heritage. including the church where internationally celebrated soloist and composer Harry T. Burleigh sang in the choir. Burleigh's achievements include adapting African American spirituals into his own compositions. Another stop, New Jerusalem, is one of Erie's oldest neighborhoods. Here African American families provided much-needed refuge for men and women fleeing enslavement through the Underground Railroad. The tour also includes several murals paying tribute to Erie's African American heritage.
You can download the FREE 'Hello Erie' mobile app from iTunes or Google Play. Once downloaded, open up the app and click on "Tours". You can also download the app by using the following QR code.
Erie Arts & Culture assisted the Erie Downtown Development Corporation to plan and implement the first-ever Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk, a year-round outdoor exhibition of art. This privately funded initiative was curated by a panel of local leaders, art enthusiasts, and Downtown stakeholders. The Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk features 15 sculptures in Downtown Erie and the Bayfront, representing the work of 13 different artists from throughout the United States. The inaugural set of sculptures are on display through August 2023. As you participate in the Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk, Erie Arts & Culture encourages you to think critically about public art. They've created a handy guide to assist you in the process. The questions they encourage you to reflect on are intended to assist you in moving beyond immediate responses such as "I like/don't like it" and "I don't get it." For a list and map of current sculptures, click here. (pictured is "Big Sky" by Nathan Pierce)
Take a self-guided tour of Erie's Mural Arts! Explore over 80 murals located throughout Erie County. Explore by yourself or with family and friends. Make it an adventure in the pursuit of great art! Be inspired by the creativity of our local muralists and residents. Most of the murals are located outside, however, there are a few located inside buildings (specifics can be found in the mural descriptions). The majority of murals are not artificially lit, therefore we recommend viewing them during daylight hours. (pictured is "Rudy" located at Methodist Towers in downtown Erie).
Download the Erie County Mural List
The Erie Land Lighthouse opened to the public summer 2021 for the first time in the historic site’s history. The lighthouse, located at the foot of Lighthouse Street on the east side of Erie, has previously only been available to tour during special events. The Presque Isle Light station, who also operates the Presque Isle Lighthouse on the state park, opened the lighthouse for tours every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and on every first Tuesday of each month will offer tours free of cost. Visitors will be able to climb the tower, get panoramic views of Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and the North Pier Lighthouse, and learn about the history and function of the lighthouse. The Presque Isle Lighthouse, located on Presque Isle State Park, also reopened for the 2021 season. That lighthouse will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. More information on tours and programs can be found at www.presqueislelighthouse.org. Both lighthouses have implemented new health protocols to ensure the safety of staff and guests. To view another Erie "light", just walk out along the north pier at Presque Isle (just past the entrance to the Coast Guard Station) and view the North Pier Light.
Our friends at Courtyard Winery have created several cool tours including a private winemaker tour for you to try out.
Click here to learn more.
Purchase the Erie County Historical Society's Home Port driving tour to visit historic Bayfront sites. This self-guided driving tour features historic waterfront sites including the Erie Maritime Museum. With the purchase of the driving tour ($10), guests will receive the book 'Home Port Erie' by Robert MacDonald & David Frew. Purchase this tour.
Adventure Cycling Association’s Underground Railroad Bicycle Route, which memorializes the network of clandestine routes by which African freedom seekers attempted to escape slavery before and during the Civil War, is a 1,997-mile bicycle route from Mobile, Alabama to Owen Sound, Ontario that passes through the City of Erie and along the shoreline of Erie County. To view the various routes click here.
Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”
The Erie Regional Chamber is leading Erie’s economic evolution through awareness, advocacy, and access to the people, education, and information integral to elevating regional success and economic growth. Become a member today and join us in championing a vibrant and sustainable regional economy.
The Bayfront Grille Restaurant at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel is excited to announce that our Bayside Patio is open for Lunch and Dinner. Please check Open Table for reservations or contact the restaurant directly at 814-454-2005.
Experience the holidays at Port Farms November 26th through December 23rd. The farm features horse-drawn carriage & sleigh rides, Santa's Workshop with holiday activities, surprise visits from Santa, live music, pick your own Christmas trees, holiday decor, and more. The farm will be open Wednesday - Sunday. Create lasting memories with your family and friends at Port Farms! www.portfarms.com
UPMC Hamot is a 423-bed hospital in Erie, PA, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services, and serves as a regional referral hub and Level II Trauma Center.
Erie International Airport is serviced by American Airlines and United Airlines with daily flights to Charlotte, Chicago, and Washington D.C. with connecting flights to the east coast, west coast, and international destinations. Book your flight today at www.aa.com or www.united.com.
Join us today! The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern is sure to give you an unforgettable and care-free dining experience. Enjoy a nautical atmosphere with a beautiful view of Presque Isle Bay.
Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.
The Creation Station is an unique arts and crafts studio where kids can create and have fun!
Book your birthday party, register for a ladies night out or stop in during open Craft days and choose a project from the project board.
Local wine is great for holiday entertaining, plus it makes a great gift! Stop by to try (and pick up) award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA.
The Cork 1794 is the perfect spot for a date night or special occasion! Indoor and outside seating available with amazing food.
VisitErie – 208 East Bayfront Parkway – Erie PA 16507 – (814) 454-1000 – [email protected]
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