Erie, PA Highlights and Guide to LGBTQ+ Resources

Erie, Pennsylvania, might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a getaway, but this charming lakeside city on the shores of Lake Erie has plenty to offer. Known for its natural beauty, bustling downtown, and unique history, Erie is a vibrant destination with attractions and activities that appeal to all ages. Here’s a look at some highlights that make Erie, PA, a city worth exploring.

Presque Isle State Park

• Overview: Presque Isle State Park is Erie’s crown jewel and one of Pennsylvania’s most-visited state parks. This peninsula stretches into Lake Erie, offering beaches, trails, and outdoor activities against a stunning natural backdrop.
• Activities: With 11 miles of sandy beaches, swimming, boating, fishing, and sunbathing are popular here. Biking, hiking, and birdwatching trails wind through its forests and dunes. In the colder months, snowshoeing and ice fishing are favorite pastimes.
• Tom Ridge Environmental Center: Located at the park’s entrance, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center is a free educational center with interactive exhibits about the park’s ecology and Lake Erie’s history, along with a viewing tower that provides panoramic views.

Erie Maritime Museum & U.S. Brig Niagara

• Overview: The Erie Maritime Museum is a celebration of Erie’s seafaring history and its role in the War of 1812, particularly in Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s naval victory at the Battle of Lake Erie.
• Highlights: Visitors can explore artifacts, interactive exhibits, and full-scale reproductions of ship parts. The museum is home to the U.S. Brig Niagara, a replica of Perry’s flagship, which often sets sail in the summer, offering a unique hands-on experience.
• Significance: This museum serves as a living history lesson about the region’s maritime past and provides an immersive way to learn about America’s Great Lakes battles.

Downtown Erie and the Bayfront District

• Overview: Downtown Erie is packed with local dining spots, boutique shops, art galleries, and historic buildings, while the Bayfront District, right along the lake, is a great spot for waterfront dining and attractions.
• Highlights:
  • Warner Theatre: Originally built in 1931 by Warner Bros., this historic theater is an architectural gem that hosts concerts, plays, and events, offering a stunning setting for cultural performances.
  • Erie Art Museum: This museum houses an impressive collection of American, European, and contemporary art. With rotating exhibits and events like “Gallery Night,” it’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
  • Restaurants and Bars: Places like The Brewerie at Union Station, Lavery Brewing Company, and Molly Brannigan’s Pub are beloved for their great food and lively atmospheres.
• Events: Downtown Erie hosts events like CelebrateErie, a summer arts and food festival, and the popular Erie Blues & Jazz Festival, which attracts visitors from across the state.

Waldameer Park & Water World

• Overview: Waldameer Park & Water World, located near Presque Isle, is a family-friendly amusement park with a range of rides, games, and water slides.
• Highlights: Known for its classic wooden coaster, the Ravine Flyer II, the park offers both thrilling rides and gentler options for younger children. The adjacent Water World is a perfect spot to cool off in the summer, with wave pools, lazy rivers, and water slides.
• Significance: Waldameer is a seasonal favorite for locals and tourists alike, providing an affordable and entertaining day out for families and thrill-seekers.

Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens

• Overview: The Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens covers 15 acres and features a variety of animals, from big cats and red pandas to penguins and reptiles, along with beautifully landscaped gardens.
• Highlights: The zoo offers educational exhibits, a petting zoo, and a miniature train that takes visitors on a scenic tour around the property. The botanical gardens include vibrant seasonal flowers, making it a picturesque spot year-round.
• Programs: Erie Zoo offers a range of family programs, events, and special tours, making it a fun, educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Asbury Woods Nature Center

• Overview: Located a short drive from downtown Erie, Asbury Woods Nature Center is a 205-acre preserve that’s ideal for outdoor exploration.
• Activities: With miles of walking and hiking trails, a boardwalk through wetlands, and educational exhibits, Asbury Woods provides an immersive natural experience. In the winter, it’s a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Programs: The center offers guided nature walks, educational programs for all ages, and seasonal events like maple sugaring and bird-watching tours.

Lake Erie Wine Country

• Overview: Erie is part of Lake Erie Wine Country, an AVA (American Viticultural Area) region known for its unique grape-growing conditions and scenic vineyards.
• Vineyards and Wineries: With over 20 wineries along the Lake Erie Wine Trail, visitors can sample local wines, enjoy vineyard tours, and even attend seasonal wine festivals. Popular stops include Mazza Vineyards, Lakeview Wine Cellars, and Penn Shore Vineyards.
• Significance: The region is famous for its Concord grapes and produces everything from traditional dry wines to ice wines, offering something for every palate.

Seasonal Highlights: Winter Sports and Festivals

• Peek’n Peak Resort: About 30 minutes from Erie, this resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in the winter, along with a year-round golf course, spa, and adventure park.
• Winter Festivals: Erie transforms during the winter with festive events like the annual Downtown d’Lights celebration, featuring holiday lights, ice sculptures, and family-friendly activities.
• Fishing and Ice Fishing: Lake Erie is known for its fishing, and winter is prime time for ice fishing on the Presque Isle Bay, where anglers seek species like yellow perch and walleye.

Erie Land Lighthouse

• Overview: The Erie Land Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes, first built in 1818 and reconstructed several times since.
• Highlights: This picturesque lighthouse is a testament to Erie’s maritime history and offers beautiful views of Lake Erie. The nearby grounds are perfect for a peaceful picnic or a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore.
• Tours: The lighthouse is open for tours during certain times of the year, giving visitors the chance to learn more about its history and enjoy panoramic views from the top.

Sports and Recreation: Erie SeaWolves and Bayfront Walkway

• Erie SeaWolves: A Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, the Erie SeaWolves play at UPMC Park in downtown Erie. A game here is a fun outing for families and baseball fans alike.
• Bayfront Walkway: This scenic pathway along Lake Erie offers a beautiful stroll with views of Presque Isle Bay, benches for resting, and plenty of photo ops. It’s ideal for jogging, walking, or simply enjoying Erie’s stunning lakefront.

Erie, Pennsylvania, offers several resources for the LGBTQ+ community, from supportive organizations and social groups to healthcare and inclusive events. Here’s a roundup of some key LGBTQ+ resources in Erie:

Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE)

• Overview: GEAE is Erie’s primary LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, providing a range of services, from education and outreach to community events. They focus on creating a safe, inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
• Programs: GEAE offers educational workshops, advocacy efforts, and professional development training for local businesses and organizations on LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
• Events: They host events like Pride events, fundraisers, social gatherings, and the annual "E3 Summit" (Educate, Empower, and Equality Summit), which promotes LGBTQ+ understanding and acceptance.
• Website: Greater Erie Alliance for Equality

NW PA Pride Alliance

• Overview: NW PA Pride Alliance is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the LGBTQ+ community’s visibility, equality, and rights across northwestern Pennsylvania, including Erie.
• Events: They organize the annual Erie Pride Festival and March, as well as additional events throughout the year like the Pride Picnic, holiday gatherings, and Drag Queen Bingo fundraisers.
• Outreach: NW PA Pride Alliance works to build relationships within the community and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and awareness through partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
• Website: NW PA Pride Alliance

TransFamily of NWPA

• Overview: TransFamily of NWPA is a support network for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals and their families. They work to create a supportive environment through community outreach and resources for gender identity and expression.
• Meetings: The organization offers regular support group meetings, both in-person and virtual, where people can discuss their experiences and find peer support in a safe, confidential environment.
• Programs: They also provide education on transgender issues to the general public, healthcare providers, and educators to promote greater understanding and acceptance.
• Website: TransFamily of NWPA

LGBTQ+ Youth Resources

• SafeNet Erie: SafeNet provides services to LGBTQ+ youth and those facing domestic violence or homelessness. Their support includes crisis housing, counseling, and educational programs that address the specific needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Safe Harbor Behavioral Health: This Erie-based healthcare provider offers LGBTQ+-affirming mental health services, specializing in youth and family support programs.

Community Health Net

• Overview: Community Health Net offers LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare services, including STI testing, mental health counseling, and general healthcare. Their providers are trained to understand LGBTQ+ health issues, making it a supportive resource for LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Programs: The clinic provides various health and wellness services and ensures safe and inclusive care for transgender and nonbinary individuals, including hormone therapy.
• Website: Community Health Net

Erie Pride Events

• Erie Pride Fest: Organized by NW PA Pride Alliance, Erie Pride Fest is held annually with a parade, live entertainment, community resource booths, and vendors. The event celebrates diversity and acceptance in the Erie community.
• Pride Picnic: Another signature event hosted by NW PA Pride Alliance, the Pride Picnic brings together LGBTQ+ people and allies for a day of food, games, and socializing, fostering a strong sense of community and connection.

LGBTQ+-Friendly Spaces and Social Gatherings

• Basement Transmissions: Known for its live music shows and arts events, this downtown Erie venue is LGBTQ+-friendly and frequently hosts community-centered events.
• Community Gatherings: Organizations like GEAE and NW PA Pride Alliance regularly host mixers, support group meetings, and social gatherings to help LGBTQ+ individuals connect and build a sense of community in Erie.

Erie’s LGBTQ+ resources and organizations provide a supportive network that promotes inclusivity, advocacy, and community for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in the region. Whether through social support, health services, or annual events, Erie offers a welcoming environment that continues to grow with the community’s needs.

Erie is a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational activities. Whether you’re enjoying the serenity of Presque Isle, exploring the vibrant arts and dining scene downtown, or savoring the local wines, Erie offers an authentic, welcoming experience that highlights the best of Pennsylvania’s lakeside living.