Swimming, boating, hiking, biking, rollerblading, and bird watching, if you love it all, Erie, PA, is a place to be. Check our list of the top 15 FREE things to do in Erie, PA. Whether you are planning a weekend trip or a staycation, Erie, Pennsylvania, is one of the most amazing places to visit in America.
In this post, we will talk about the best things to do in Erie, PA, that you can enjoy without paying a single penny. *Read the details carefully. Some of the free things to do in Erie, PA, such as Lake Shore Railway Museums and Freeport beach, offer free activities on specific days.
Let’s see what is there to do in Erie, PA, for free?
1. Presque Isle State Park
Spanning across 3,200 acres, the Isle State Park offers a range of free things to do in Erie, PA, such as hiking, biking, inline skating, boating, fishing, swimming, sports such as volleyball water skiing, canoeing, and boating.
- How To Pronounce Presque Isle?
It is way easier than said: Presque will be pronounced “Presk” (rhyming with Esque) and Isle rhymes with “pile.”
2. Lagoon By Pontoon Rides
One of the best things to do in Erie, PA, Pontoon rides help you discover the untouched natural beauty of the Lagoons at Presque Isle State Park. These rides are completely free and run every day from memorial day to Labor Day. Read more about this free ride at Lagoon By Pontoon Rides.
3. Bicentennial Tower
Capture the mesmerizing view of Erie from the top of the city’s iconic Bicentennial Tower. You can get the best view of Erie’s bayfront and Presque Isle State Park from the top of this 137-feet high tower.
4. Tom Ridge Environmental Center
A fun and educational museum-like center, TREC offers an exciting range of free things to do in Erie, PA. It has both indoor and outdoor events. Exhibits events remain the same, but the outdoor events might vary by season. They mainly include fishing or cast iron cooking.
- Is parking free at Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Erie, PA?
Yes, parking and admission are absolutely free. Plan to spend about 3 hours (not including a movie) on a rainy day for extra fun.
5. Live Outdoor Concerts
Thanks to its decent locality, miles-long coastline, and pleasant year-round nature, Erie, PA, witnesses more live concerns than any other American State. These live concerts are primarily offered in the summer and are among the best things to do in Erie, PA. You can check all upcoming live concerts in Erie here.
6. Erie Zoo – 3-5 PM (Free-hours)
Do you need something other than sightseeing? Wildlife watching at Erie zoo can be one of the best things to do in Erie, PA. Interestingly, the zoo has to offer free entries between 3 to 5 PM.
- How long does it take to go through Erie Zoo?
It will hardly take 2 hours to watch 400 animals in a walk-through.
- How big is the Erie Zoo?
It spans across 15 acres and is home to over 400 animals, including lions, bears, deers, and aquariums.
Also Read: Top Seven Most-rated Famous Places In Switzerland
7. Fishing In The Lake Erie
When it comes to one of the best year-round things to do in Erie, PA, Fishing tops the list. Lake Erie is the most popular fishing destination in the city. Fishing in Lake Erie is absolutely free for all under 16 years.
8- The Historical Society of Erie County
Regarded as one of the best things to do in Erie, PA, exploring “The Historical Society Of Erie County” is an enclosed experience in itself. It has an impressive collection of medieval documents, including 3,800 historical maps, 321, 775 photographs, 5,530 rare books, and 4,880 architectural drawings that are sure to hit you. These three landmark properties are the Hagen History Center, the Yellow House, and the White House.
9- Port Erie Bicentennial Tower
If you are in Erie to spend a relaxing weekend, visiting Port Erie Bicentennial Tower and capturing the panoramic view of Lake Erie is perfect. Located in the downtown area, the tower was built in 1996 and is regarded as one of the best things to do in Erie, PA. The tower is 187-feet tall, becoming one of the most significant architectural structures in the city.
10- Erie Art Museum
Whether you are on a weekend trip or having summer vacation, there is no sort of exciting yet free things to do in Erie, PA. Opened in 1898 as the Erie Art Club, this museum is the city’s best spot for people with an artistic mindset.
Over the years, the Erie Art Museum has changed multiple locations, but its collection is huge and impressive. You can bless yourself with a glance at over 8,000 unique and rare pieces of art and artifacts.
11- Asbury Woods
Spanned across 205 acres of forest, Asbury Woods is famous for streams, fields, and wetlands that offer visitors free-of-cost entertainment and relaxation. Loaded with pristine meadows, Asbury Woods hosts numerous cultural events and other programs throughout the year. Talking about the best things to do in Erie, PA, Asbury Woods offers hiking, fishing, biking, cross-country skiing, running, craft workshop, etc.
12- Downtown Erie, Pennsylvania
A trip to Erie is incomplete without visiting the Downtown area to explore local shops, boutiques, clubs, bars, and restaurants with local food. Capturing mesmerizing sunset views on the lake of Erie is regarded as one of the best things to do in Erie, PA. Although dining around the city’s restaurant is another excellent option.
13- Great Lakes Seaway Trail
Are you excited for impressive sightseeing in Erie, PA? The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is your go-to-go place. Considered as one of the best things to do in Erie, PA, exploring the Great Lakes provides tourists with a special opportunity to capture some spectacular scenery of colorful trees and rolling hills. Get your camera ready!
14- Lake Shore Railway Museum
Being a donation-funded small railway museum in Erie, this place puts a smile on millions of faces every year, especially children. Located near the old New York Railroad Passenger Depot, this museum has some of the oldest steam locomotives and many artifacts. If you have plenty of time and want to spend a pleasant time with your family, visiting the Lake Shore Railway Museum is one of the best things to do in Erie, PA.
15- Firefighters Historical Museum
The former fire engine station #4, Firefighters Historical Museum, was opened in 1903 and displays a range of apparatuses, uniforms, tools, and other items carried from firefighting history. Exploring this museum is regarded as one of the best things to do in Erie, PA, for everyone who enjoys the history of firefighters and keen to know the profession in-depth.
Do you know some other free things to do in Erie, PA? Please let us know in the comments below. We would feature them in our post!