10 Free Things to do in Erie That You Shouldn't Miss

A family tradition in Erie since 1903, Pulakos Chocolates has continued to create the finest chocolates while still honoring the methods of its creators. Our copper pots and marble slabs have seen 110 years of chocolate making, and have carried our traditions into the 21st century. During our years in business, we have created a unique selection of chocolates you will not find anywhere else

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) is an educational center dedicated to teaching visitors about the unique 3,200 acres of Presque Isle and the many different forms of life that inhabit the 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, the site of Pennsylvania’s only seashore. While some facilities along the Great Lakes offer environmental education and others do research, none offer research, education, and visitor services in one place, making TREC a unique destination for learning, wonder, and fun. TREC is open year-round and offers free admission to its changing interactive exhibits, glass-enclosed tower, and orientation movie. Learn about the history of Presque Isle and how you can contribute to keeping it pristine and beautiful.

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. 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. Open 5AM to sunset year-round, after sunset visitors must be in a vehicle.

A family tradition in Erie since 1903, Pulakos Chocolates has continued to create the finest chocolates while still honoring the methods of its creators. Our copper pots and marble slabs have seen 110 years of chocolate making, and have carried our traditions into the 21st century. During our years in business, we have created a unique selection of chocolates you will not find anywhere else.