🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Lake Erie Shoreline — Pennsylvania’s only Great Lakes shoreline — the state’s 63-mile window on Lake Erie, connecting PA to the vast inland seas
Pennsylvania State Park at Erie sits along Pennsylvania’s only Great Lakes shoreline — the state’s 63-mile stretch of Lake Erie coastline. Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie shore is the shortest Great Lakes frontage of any bordering state, but it’s packed with significance. Erie (population 95,000) was home to the US Brig Niagara — Oliver Hazard Perry’s flagship in the Battle of Lake Erie (1813), the decisive naval battle of the War of 1812 (“We have met the enemy and they are ours!”). The lake’s shallow western basin produces some of the best walleye fishing in the world.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Erie, PA (Lake Erie!) |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Shore | 63 miles — PA’s ONLY Great Lake! |
| Battle | Perry 1813 — “met the enemy”! |
About PA State Park at Erie
Pennsylvania State Park at Erie provides public access to Lake Erie — the only Great Lake touching Pennsylvania. Erie’s 42-mile lakeshore is the state’s only Great Lakes frontage, making every acre of lakefront precious. The park connects to the Presque Isle Bay ecosystem, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the Great Lakes. Erie’s vineyards benefit from the lake-moderated microclimate — Pennsylvania is the fourth-largest wine-producing state.
Things to Do
Swimming on Lake Erie beaches, fishing for walleye, perch, and steelhead, boating, kayaking, windsurfing, and exploring Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes heritage. Near Presque Isle State Park — one of the most visited state parks in the entire PA system.
Insider Tips
Great Lakes access: Pennsylvania’s only Great Lakes frontage is a 40-mile stretch of Lake Erie shoreline. Pro tip: Presque Isle State Park (nearby) is Pennsylvania’s most-visited state park — but this park offers quieter Erie access. Erie’s role: The Battle of Lake Erie (1813) was fought off this coast — Oliver Hazard Perry’s famous message “We have met the enemy and they are ours” was sent from these waters.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Lake Erie beaches. Fall: Lake-effect weather begins. Winter: Lake-effect snow creates a winter wonderland. Spring: Steelhead trout run in lake tributaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Pennsylvania have so little Lake Erie frontage?
Pennsylvania’s 40-mile Lake Erie shoreline (vs. Ohio’s 312 miles or New York’s 300+) is the result of the Erie Triangle — a disputed territory that Pennsylvania purchased from the federal government in 1792 for $151,640. Without this purchase, Pennsylvania would have been completely landlocked from the Great Lakes. The port of Erie became essential for the state’s commerce.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Lagoons Trail at Presque Isle is a short drive away, and Presque Isle State Park is a short drive away.
Wildlife & Nature
Pennsylvania SP at Erie — provides Lake Erie recreation. The park’s lakeshore, bluffs, and forest support bald eagles, great blue herons, and white-tailed deer. Steelhead trout run the tributary streams. Lake Erie sunsets are spectacular.
Nearby Attractions
Erie — adjacent — has the Maritime Museum and Bicentennial Tower. Presque Isle SP — nearby. Waldameer Park — nearby.
Park Location
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