America's North Coast is rich in historical sites and tourist attractions. The Great Lakes were the earliest 'highways' into the west, transporting troops, supplies, settlers and trade goods. Control Dish High Speed Internet the lakes was strategic. Erie is Pennsylvania's fourth largest city and only port. Streamyx Account played a key role in the War of 1812. From Presque Isle Peninsula to city center, Erie is an evolving tourist center. Consider a mini-vacation or extended stay in this City-By-The-Lake. Include these local attractions in your itinerary.
1. Erie Maritime Museum - This is the best of Erie's bayfront attractions. The compact museum tells the story of the U.S. Brig Niagara. The building was formerly a power Baltimore Business Services One generator remains to give visitors a glimpse of its original purpose.
A short movie documents the famous Battle of Lake Erie. Exhibits explain the conflict that helped turned the War of 1812 into a U.S. Victory. Other displays detail the sailors' life Celcom Center Malaysia ship. A ship's mast rises from the floor to illustrate what it's like to 'climb the rigging' high above a boat deck. The only thing missing is the yaw of the ship.
The mid-section of the U.S. Lawrence, Perry's original flagship, is also on display. Niagara's own cannon bombarded the hull during a special recreation at Fort Indian Town Gap. The splintered hull returned to the museum. It vividly portrays the dangers of warfare aboard a wooden vessel.
The second floor contains exhibits and artifacts of the U.S.S. Wolverine. The ship was America's first iron-hulled naval vessel. She patrolled the waters of Lake Erie during some of the more turbulent times along the U.S./Canadian border.
When in port, the recreated US Brig streamyx network is open to the public. She ties up beside the museum. Alternate summers, she sails as a floating Ambassador to ports along the Great Lakes and eastern seaboard. Niagara should be home in 2009 and open to visitors.
2. Dobbins Landing -Encompassing several blocks along the lakefront, the Landing has several points of interest. Bicentennial Tower, a 187-foot observation tower, was built for the city's 200th birthday, celebrated in 1996. Two observations decks offer panoramic views of the lake, Presque Isle State Park and downtown. Stairs are free - elevator access requires a ticket. A snack bar nestles in the base of the tower.
At the landing, you can catch a ride on the water taxi or board the Victorian Princess for a lake cruise aboard the authentic paddle-wheel steamer. Bayfront Gallery is an artist's co-op at East Dobbins Landing. Waterfront restaurants offer everything from burgers to fresh seafood and choice steaks.
3. Wayne Block House -On the grounds of Soldiers internet radio dance Sailors Home on E. Third Street, this reconstructed blockhouse represents part of the original Fort Presque Isle. France built the original Fort de la Presqui'le in 1753 on Presque Isle Bay. Cheap Adsl defenses included Fort LeBoeuf, Fort Machault & Fort Duquesne. The line of forts, stretching from Erie to Pittsburgh, protected their route to the Ohio River. After losing the Battle of Fort Niagara in 1759, French troops burned the fort and retreated to Canada. British troops rebuilt Fort Presque Isle. After the Revolution, George Washington appointed General "Mad Anthony" Wayne as Commander of the Army and sent him to Erie in 1786 to deal with the Indians. Wayne died ten years later and was buried at the fort. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania reconstructed the blockhouse in 1880 as a tribute to General Wayne.
4. Historic District - The 1890's were Erie's heyday. West Sixth Street is known as 'millionaire's row'. It showcases the architecture and affluence of the Gay 90's. The 1891 Watson-Curtze Mansion housed only two families. Watson was president of a local paper company. In 1923 the family sold the mansion to Curtze, another local entrepreneur. Upon his death, the home was donated as a museum. The 24-room mansion boasts 17 closets, 5 baths and 12 fireplaces. Stained glass windows, plaster friezes, and natural stone, marble and woodwork are original. In 1959 the Historical Society converted the adjacent carriage house into the Erie Planetarium.
5. The Firefighter's Historical Museum is nearby on Chestnut St. The 1903 firehouse has two floors of fire equipment and memorabilia - more than 1300 items. Dickson Tavern, is the oldest building in Erie, and pre-dates the War of 1812. Commodore Perry built his fleet near here & Lafayette dined at the Tavern. It was also a stop for the Underground Railroad. The Tavern sits on the corner of French & Second Streets.
6. Discovery Square - This complex on State Street includes the Erie County History Center & Cashier's Museum. The three-story Greek Revival Cashier's house was built in 1839. Empire-style furnishings date from the 1800's. Explore "Voices from Erie County History" and the Admiral Curtze Maritime Hall. Visit Kids Korner. Adjacent is the Erie Art Museum, hosting a variety of permanent and seasonal displays. From the soft-sculpture "Avalon Restaurant" gallery to modern art, there's something to suit everyone's taste. The Art Museum was originally The Customs House. ExpERIEnce Children's Museum is also at Discovery Square.
7. Erie Land Light - On Lighthouse Street in Dunn Park, the original Erie Land Light was one of the first two lighthouses on Lake Erie. (The other was in Buffalo, built the same year, 1818.) The tower was only twenty feet tall. It sat atop the bluff on the mainland overlooking the harbor. The tower proved unstable and was replaced by a 56-foot tower in 1858. When the second tower began to deteriorate, testing showed a layer of quicksand under the foundation. A third tower with a massive foundation was completed in 1867. Erie Land lighthouse was permanently closed in 1899. It was restored and rededicated in 2004. The lightkeeper's cottage is still used by the caretakers.
8. Presque Isle State Park - TheTom Ridge Environmental Center stands sentinel at the entrance to Presque Isle, sharing that honor with Waldameer Amusement Park. Birders can pick up a checklist of the more than 300 species spotted on the peninsula. The Big Green Screen shows nature films on a 4-story, 45-foot wide theater screen. Two films alternate several times daily. TREC also has its own 'lighthouse' - 131 steps to the top (we took the elevator) for panoramic views. Exhibits take visitors through the history and geology of the region. Interactive displays focus on the effects of wind, water and humans on the land.
Presque Isle State Park is the jewel of the Great Lakes. The National Natural Landmark boasts seven miles of sandy beaches, rolling surf and man-made attractions. Near the eastern end of the peninsula stands the Presque Isle Lighthouse. Built in 1872, this lighthouse on the northern side of the harbor made the Erie Land Light obsolete.
Lake cruises aboard the 65-foot Lady Kate sail from Perry Monument near the entrance to Presque Isle.
9. Erie Zoo - This 15-acre gem is constantly expanding. More than 300 animals, including many African natives, live in natural habitats. Even grown-ups enjoy the vintage carousel, tossing food to the bears, and watching the otters. The Wild Asia exhibit includes native deer, orangutans, and other species. Pack a lunch to enjoy in the picnic grotto, ride the train and get up close and personal with the animals in the Petting Zoo.
10. Amusement Parks - Waldameer Park/Water World is Erie's historic amusement park (c. 1896). It sits at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie. In addition to classic rides, midway attractions and the water park, Waldameer has added new entertainments in recent years. Mega Disc'O Thrill, a spinning 'sombrero' on a 120-foot track, will premier in 2009.
Splash Lagoon, Erie's indoor waterpark, is popular year-round. Located at the south end of Peach Street, it is Adsl Isp to shopping, dining and theaters. Several hotels adjoin the complex.
For shopping, the Peach Street corridor is clustered with dozens of complexes. In addition, Millcreek Mall's 175 stores, restaurants and theaters anchor the shopping district. The Mall is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation.
Take time to expERIEnce some of ERIE's history and attractions. Erie is located on I-90 midway between Buffalo NY and Cleveland OH. Greyhound, Amtrak and Erie International Airport provide convenient access. It's a worthy spot for a mini-vacation ... or longer!
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