Alerts

Marina EV Charging Stations to Close Temporarily The Presque Isle State Park Marina EV charging stations will be closed to the public beginning September 27, 2023. This closure is due to the Marina Rehabilitation Project, which is tentatively scheduled to be completed June 6, 2024.

SPOT THE PROBLEM. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that poses a serious threat to Pennsylvania’s resources, businesses, and economy. To date, our park does NOT have these pests. Help us stay lanternfly free and stop the spread. Visit the Penn State Extension’s Spotted Lanternfly website to learn how to identify it, report it, and inspect your vehicle or gear when traveling to and from the quarantine zone.

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.

Presque Isle is a day-use park that provides year-round recreational opportunities. Overnight accommodations are available nearby.

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.

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.

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.

Tom Ridge Environmental Center

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) is the gateway to Presque Isle State Park, and the gateway to discovery.

This 65,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art, green-designed facility encourages visitors to experience the unique history and ever-changing, diverse ecosystems of Presque Isle State Park.

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is open daily from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., except on major holidays and Sundays and Mondays from November 1 to March 31 when it is closed.

Built to symbolize the peninsula in its architectural design, the TREC opened during 2006 and is the first building in the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks to earn a LEED silver certification rating.

This multi-functional building houses the park office, laboratories, and many opportunities for visitors.

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.

Admission is free to the interactive exhibits and the 75-foot observation tower.

Seasons and Hours

The park is open every day of the year, 5:00 A.M. to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk. After sunset, only tenants and people engaged in evening driving are permitted in the park.

The Presque Isle State Park Office, located in the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M., except for major holidays.

The beaches and other areas are open specific seasons and hours. Contact the park office for facility seasons and hours.

Reservations

Presque Isle State Park is a day-use only park. No overnight facilities are available, but picnic pavilions are reservable. Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday to Saturday.

Directions

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

GPS DD: Lat. 42.10964  Long. -80.15384

Special Event Guidelines for Presque Isle State Park

As a significant natural asset, additional guidelines have been adopted to protect the park’s archeological, historic, and natural resources during special events:

Presque Isle State Park Special Event Guidelines and Application (PDF)

Special Event Application Only (DOC)

Learn, Experience, Connect

Environmental Education

The park offers a wide variety of environmental education programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks, and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding, and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

The Presque Isle curriculum allows students of all ages to explore the resources of the park.

The curriculum helps meet the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Environment and Ecology, Science and Technology, and others set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

During the summer, Presque Isle State Park offers DCNR's DiscoverE program. Young learners explore the outdoors through structured play, reinforced by stories, and crafts.

Older youth participate in educational and recreational activities, and conduct special projects.

Public Programs

Environmental educators at Presque Isle offer educational and recreational programs throughout the year.

There are programs on history, art, wildlife, plants, and outdoor recreation.

Pontoon boat rides through the interior of the peninsula provide opportunities to view abundant wildlife and scenic views. Kayaking the lagoons is very popular.

Presque Isle Boat Tours

A scenic tour of Lake Erie is offered at the park. A concession is located at the Perry Monument. Contact the park office for prices and a schedule.

Scuba Diving

Recreational scuba diving is permitted in designated waters of Presque Isle State Park.

Divers must be certified and must register at the Public Safety Building to receive information on waters open for diving.

Snorkeling is prohibited in Presque Isle State Park waters.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Two-plug, electric-vehicle charging stations are available for public use in the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Beach 8, and Marina parking lots.

Please move to another parking space once your vehicle has been charged.

Access for People with Disabilities

This activity or structure is ADA accessible.

ADA accessible restrooms, picnic tables, fishing areas, swimming areas, and parking spaces have been designated throughout the park. The East Pier and West Pier areas feature spectacular views of Presque Isle Bay and the skyline of Erie. ADA accessible services are:

Fishing- East Pier, West Pier, North Pier, and Rotary Pavilion

Swimming - Beach #7 (Waterworks Beach) and Beach #8 (Pettinato Beach)

Picnicking - Beach #7 (Waterworks Beach), Rotary Pavilion, and Cookhouse Pavilion

Restrooms - Public Safety Building (Ranger Station), Rotary Pavilion, East Pier, West Pier, Perry Monument, and Presque Isle Lighthouse

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center also is ADA accessible.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

In an Emergency

Call 911 and contact an employee.

Directions to the nearest hospital are posted on bulletin boards and at the Public Safety Building and Tom Ridge Environmental Center.

Nearest Hospital

UPMC Hamot
201 State Street
Erie, PA 16550
814-877-6000