Presque Isle State Park sits right on the edge of Lake Erie in northwestern Pennsylvania. It’s about four miles west of downtown Erie, and it’s actually a curved peninsula that stretches into the lake. This place is known for its long beaches, calm bay, and different outdoor activities. It’s also Pennsylvania’s only seashore, which makes it pretty special for a state park.
You can swim, hike, bike, fish, bird watch, and relax by the water. The park has 11 beaches, more than 13 miles of trails, and plenty of spots for picnics. It’s open every day of the year from 5:00 A.M. until sunset.
Today, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before you go, including how to get there, where to park, what activities are available, which areas are best for families, and even what you should know about wildlife and seasonal changes.
Things to Do at Presque Isle State Park
Before you head out, it helps to know what’s available—here’s a breakdown of the top things to do at Presque Isle State Park, no matter the season or your pace.
1. Swimming & Beaches
Swimming is one of the main reasons people visit Presque Isle State Park. It’s the only place in Pennsylvania where you can swim in a lake surf. The park has 11 public beaches along Lake Erie, and each one has its own features. Beaches are open every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty from 12:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. daily. Swimming is only allowed in the zones marked and guarded by lifeguards. Outside those areas, you can wade up to your knees but no farther than 10 feet from the shore.
Let’s go through the beaches one by one.
- Beach 1 is near the park’s entrance. It has a long sandy stretch, a reserved pavilion, and restrooms.
- Beach 3, also known as Barracks Beach, is nearby. It has restrooms and three picnic pavilions that are first-come, first-served. This beach is also smoke-free.
- Beach 6 (Lyons Beach) is one of the larger beaches and has a beach house with changing areas, restrooms, and sand volleyball courts.
- Beach 7 (Waterworks Beach) is ADA-accessible. There’s a ramp that leads to the water, and beach wheelchairs are available at the Public Safety Building. It’s also close to picnic spots, a playground, and the Rotary Pavilion.
- Beach 8 (Pettinato Beach) is also accessible and has a ramp to the water, along with changing rooms and restrooms.
- Mill Road Beaches include Stone Jetty, Short Jetty, Saw Mill, Ainsworth, and Goddard. Swimming is not allowed at any of these, but people can still walk the shoreline and use the picnic areas. Restrooms are available at Saw Mill. These are smoke-free areas.
- Beach 9 (Pine Tree Beach) has picnic areas, a pavilion you can reserve, and a restroom.
- Beach 10 (Budny Beach) sits between Sunset Point and Gull Point. It has changing rooms and restrooms. This area is popular with kite flyers and windsurfers.
- Beach 11 (Kohler Beach) is the most sheltered. It has shallow water, a large sandy area, and a beach house with restrooms and changing areas. There’s also a picnic pavilion and playground nearby.
There are some important rules to remember. Smoking is banned at Beaches 3, 8, and 11. Smoking areas are set up away from the sand. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and e-cigarettes. Dogs are allowed on the sand and in the water outside the guarded swim zones, but they must be on a leash. Inside the guarded areas, dogs are only allowed in the tree line.
2. Hiking & Trails
Presque Isle State Park has over 11 miles of hiking-only trails and another 13.5 miles on the paved Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail. Most hiking trails are short, easy, and well-suited for beginners. They pass through forests, sand dunes, marshes, ponds, and lagoons. Trail conditions can change depending on the season—some areas flood or stay muddy—so it’s important to wear proper footwear and check conditions before heading out.
Here’s a breakdown of each trail:
- A-Trail (0.2 miles) – Out-and-back. Connects Pine Tree Picnic Area to Dead Pond Trail. Crosses sand ridges. Often wet.
- B-Trail (0.25 miles) – Connector. Goes through a pine stand and links Pine Tree Road to Dead Pond Trail.
- Canoe Portage Trail (0.25 miles) – Out-and-back. Links Pettinato Beach (Beach 8) to Marina Lake. Walks between dunes and forest.
- Dead Pond Trail (2.0 miles) – Out-and-back. Crosses dunes and goes through oak-maple forest and sand plains.
- Duck Pond Trail (0.5 miles)– Out-and-back. Connects to Canoe Portage and Old Gas Well Trails. Northern section can be muddy.
- Fox Trail (0.5 miles) – Connector. Passes through swamps and forests. Links Sidewalk Trail to the Multi-purpose Trail.
- Graveyard Pond Trail (0.75 miles) – Out-and-back. Runs along Graveyard Pond.Offers lagoon views.Has benches, restrooms, picnic tables, and water.
- Gull Point Trail (1.5 miles) – Out-and-back. Rated most difficult. Passes through the Gull Point Natural Area. The trail is sandy and often wet. From April 1 to October 31, stay on the trail to protect nesting birds.
- Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail (13.5 miles) – Loop. Paved and ADA accessible. Open to hikers, cyclists, and skiers. Plowed in winter from the entrance to the Public Safety Building. Snow-covered beyond that for skiing.
- Long Pond Trail (1.0 mile) – Connector. Follows Long Pond.Includes a boat landing. Often wet. Beavers have cut a channel across the trail near the eastern end.
- Marsh Trail (0.25 miles) – Connector. Crosses brush around Cranberry Pond. Connects to other trails. Good for birdwatching.
- North Pier Trail (0.7 miles) – Out-and-back. Runs from North Pier to Beach 11. Passes an old World War II firing range.
- Old Gas Well Trail (0.5 miles) – Out-and-back. Goes from Beach 7 to the Marina.Passes an active gas well.
- Pine Tree Trail (0.7 miles) – Out-and-back. Follows a sand plain and pine forest.Passes a former biology field lab site.
- Ridge Trail (0.5 miles) – Out-and-back. Runs along a 300-year-old beach ridge near Cranberry Pond. It can be linked with other trails.
- Sidewalk Trail (1.25 miles) – Out-and-back. Built in 1925. Originally, it was a boardwalk connecting the Presque Isle Lighthouse to Misery Bay.
Most trails lack blaze markers, so it’s best to bring a park map or GPS. Trailhead signs list length and type, which helps you plan your route.
3. Biking & Rollerblading
Biking and rollerblading are easy and popular ways to explore Presque Isle State Park. The main path for both is the Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail, a 13.5-mile paved loop that circles the entire park. This trail is ADA accessible and part of the Pennsylvania Seaway Trail, which follows Lake Erie’s shoreline.
The trail is open to bikes, rollerblades, walkers, and joggers. It runs past beaches, wooded areas, lagoons, and open lake views. During the winter, the section from the park entrance to the Public Safety Building is plowed for walkers, while the rest is left snow-covered for cross-country skiing.
If you don’t bring your own bike or skates, you can rent gear at Yellow Bike Rental, located at the Waterworks Pumphouse near the Cookhouse Pavilion. They offer:
- Bicycles
- Four-wheeled surreys
- Tricycles
- Rollerblades
- Paddle boats
Rental hours are 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day and 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on weekends in May and September, depending on the weather. To check availability or ask questions, call 814-835-8900.
According to Pennsylvania law, bike helmets are required for anyone under age 12. The trail is open to both regular bikes and e-bikes, but bikes are not allowed on hiking-only trails or in areas marked as restricted. Riders should follow posted speed limits and stay in control, especially in busy areas.
4. Boating & Water Sports
Presque Isle State Park has plenty of options for boating and water activities. You can use non-powered boats like kayaks and canoes or registered motorboats. But it’s important to know that gas-powered motors are not allowed in the park’s interior lagoons. These lagoons stretch between Misery Bay and Marina Lake. You can still boat through them, but only with electric or paddle-powered boats.
There are four main boat launch areas in the park:
- Vista Launch – Best for small boats and jet skis
- Niagara Launch – Two ramps for small to medium boats
- West Pier Launch – The largest launch with four ramps, good for bigger boats
- Lagoon Launch – For small to medium boats with access to the lagoons
The park also has a marina with nearly 500 boat slips that can hold boats up to 42 feet long. The marina is open from May 1 to October 31. If you want a permanent slip, there’s a waitlist. For details, call the marina office at 814-833-0176 or the park office at 814-833-7424. The marina has fuel, a sewage pump-out station, and sells snacks and drinks.
If you don’t bring your own boat, you can rent one at the Presque Isle Canoe and Boat Livery, located on Graveyard Pond across from Misery Bay. They rent canoes, kayaks, small motorboats, and pontoon boats. Rentals are available from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. during the summer and 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on weekends in spring and fall. Call 814-838-3938 to check availability.
Another way to get on the water is by taking a boat tour on the Lady Kate, a 65-foot tour boat that leaves from Perry Monument. The tour is 14 miles long and takes about 90 minutes. Along the way, you’ll see the Erie skyline, lighthouses, beaches, and wildlife. Tours are available on weekends in spring and fall and daily during the summer. Sunset cruises are also offered in peak season. To check times and prices, call 814-836-0201 or 800-988-5780. Tours can be canceled for bad weather or low attendance.
Water skiing is allowed in Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie, but not within 500 feet of shore unless you’re starting or finishing. Surfing is allowed on the lakeside year-round but only outside swimming zones during lifeguard hours. Surfing is not allowed near Gull Point Natural Area from April 1 to October 31.
For safety, always check the weather and water conditions. You can listen to updates on Marine Channel 16 or NOAA Weather Radio at 162.400 MHz. All boats, including kayaks and canoes, must be properly registered or have a valid launch permit.
5. Wildlife Watching & Birding
Presque Isle State Park is one of the top places in Pennsylvania for birdwatching. It’s located along the Atlantic Flyway, a major route for birds that migrate between North and South America. Because of its location and mix of habitats, the park attracts birds throughout the year.
So far, more than 339 bird species have been recorded at the park, which includes 47 species of special concern in Pennsylvania. The number of birds you can see depends on the season. Here’s what to expect:
- March and late November through December – Waterfowl migration
- April and September – Shorebird migration peaks
- Mid-May and September – Best time to see warblers
- October – Monarch butterfly migration and fall foliage
- December – The park takes part in the Christmas Bird Count
One of the best places to see birds is the Gull Point Natural Area. This part of the park is known for its changing landscape and sensitive environment. It’s a key stop for shorebirds. From April 1 to November 30, public access to the marked trail is limited. Visitors are required to stay on the path to protect birds that are nesting or feeding.
You can also spot birds and wildlife at places like Frys Landing, Graveyard Pond, Cranberry Pond, and the lagoon areas. These spots are quieter and often have benches or picnic tables nearby, which makes them good for sitting and watching.
If you’re new to birding or want to see what’s been spotted recently, stop at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC). There, you can get a bird checklist and talk with staff about current conditions or sightings.
Besides birds, the park is home to other animals like white-tailed deer, beavers, chipmunks, turtles, and different types of fish and frogs. The park has six ecological zones, ranging from sandy shorelines and dunes to forests and marshes. Each one supports different types of wildlife.
6. Winter Recreation
Presque Isle State Park stays open all year, including through the winter. While it’s popular in summer for swimming and boating, it also offers several cold-weather activities when snow and ice arrive.
Cross-country skiing is available on park trails. One main route is the Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail. From the Public Safety Building entrance, the trail is plowed for walking. Beyond that point, the Perry Monument is left snow-covered for skiing. Other trails in the park are also open for skiing, and some are better suited for snowshoeing.
Snowshoeing is allowed throughout the park on hiking trails. Before heading out, check trail conditions and difficulty ratings since some areas may be icy or uneven.
Ice fishing is another winter option. Popular spots include Presque Isle Bay, Misery Bay, and the Presque Isle Marina. However, the park does not monitor ice thickness, so visitors must test the ice themselves using an auger. Here are the recommended thickness levels:
- At least 4 inches for one person
- 7 inches for a small group
- 6 inches for iceboating
Speaking of that, iceboating is allowed on natural ice, mostly on Presque Isle Bay. This activity depends on conditions, and the same safety rules apply—check the ice before going out.
Ice skating is permitted on Presque Isle Bay and Misery Bay, again, only when the ice is thick enough. Like other ice activities, the thickness should be at least 4 inches for one person and 7 inches for a group.
Also, from November 1 through April 30, anyone in a boat under 16 feet or in a canoe or kayak must wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Here’s a quick list of ice safety tips the park shares:
- Use an auger to check the thickness before going out
- Don’t go alone—bring someone
- Wear a personal flotation device (PFD)
- Avoid cracks, standing water, or thin-looking areas
- Stay away from docks, logs, and structures that absorb heat
- Spread out in groups to avoid adding weight in one area
- Keep an eye on the weather—warm days weaken the ice
Environmental Education and Attractions
Besides the outdoor fun, Presque Isle has places where you can learn more about nature, wildlife, and the park’s history—here are the main educational spots and attractions.
1. Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC)
The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) is Presque Isle State Park’s main visitor and education center. It’s located right at the park entrance and is free to enter. The center is open daily from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. from April 1 through October 31 and from Tuesday to Saturday during the off-season, November 1 through March 31. The park office, also inside TREC, is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., all year except major holidays.
TREC is designed to help people understand Presque Isle’s natural features. It has interactive exhibits, a 75-foot observation tower, and a four-story Big Green Screen Theater that shows nature and science films. You can also stop by the Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts, which sells souvenirs and supports park programs, or grab food at the Sunset Café, which overlooks the park.
Besides exhibits, TREC is a center for environmental research. It has labs and classrooms used by scientists and educators. The center also offers programs for schools and public visitors to learn more about the park’s wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation work.
2. Presque Isle Lighthouse & Historic Sites
The Presque Isle Lighthouse is one of the historic landmarks inside Presque Isle State Park. It was built in 1872 and began operating in 1873 to help guide ships on Lake Erie. The lighthouse is made of red brick and includes a square tower connected to a keeper’s house. In 1896, the original 40-foot tower was raised by 17 feet to improve visibility. Today, it still flashes a white light and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.
In 2014, the lighthouse opened to the public after years of housing park employees. During the warmer months, visitors can take guided tours of the building, including a climb to the top of the tower for a view of the lake and the surrounding area. The tours explain how the lighthouse worked, what life was like for the keepers, and how it helped ships navigate the lake.
Not far from there, the North Pier Light stands at the entrance to Presque Isle Bay. It started as a wooden tower in 1830 and was replaced in 1858 with a stronger metal design. The light was moved to its current location in 1940. You can walk right up to it, although the structure itself isn’t open to the public.
Also nearby is the Erie Land Lighthouse, which was first built in 1818, making it the earliest American lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The current structure dates to 1867. This lighthouse is open for tours during the summer, giving people a look at how early navigational tools worked and why they were important for shipping on Lake Erie.
Plan Your Visit to Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is open daily from 5:00 AM to sunset, so there’s no excuse not to get out and explore every season. In summer, you can swim, boat, fish, bike, or hike. Spring and fall bring bird migration and changing scenery. In winter, the park stays active with ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and iceboating.
The park is easy to access and free to enter. There are 11 beaches, over 13 miles of paved trail, and several boat launches. You can walk a shoreline, climb a lighthouse, or take a boat tour on the same day.
Before you visit, check the weather. Conditions near Lake Erie can change quickly and may affect trail access, ice safety, or water-based activities. For updates and maps, stop by the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at the park entrance.
