About Erie, Pennsylvania

Welcome to Erie: Pennsylvania’s fifth largest city and only port on the Great Lakes.

At the heart of the region is the lake that shares our name: Lake Erie. But it goes so far beyond that. Erie is a one-of-a-kind place to forget the day-to-day, with scenic trails to wander, miles of sandy beaches, and just about every water activity you could fathom. It's a timeless, favorite family vacation spot and a city on the rise, where creatives, makers, innovators and entrepreneurs are celebrated, and bringing renewed energy to Erie's shore. The result? A cool, charming small city brimming with unique shops, cultural happenings, and mouth watering dining.

Erie is a destination where all are welcome to experience their version of the good life.

Basic Facts about Erie, Pennsylvania

• The City of Erie was founded in 1795 and named after the Eriez Nation, a Native American tribe who once lived along the southern shores of Lake Erie.
• Approximately 270,000 people reside in Erie County, including 93,000 in the City of Erie (2020 Census).
• Erie County encompasses approximately 1,558 square miles (including land and water) with Lake Erie to the north, Ohio to the west, and New York to the northeast
• Erie is easily accessible from Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Toronto via I-79, I-90, or scenic routes such as Route 5 (The Great Lakes Seaway Trail – An America’s Byway™) and historic PA Route 6.

Accolades and Notables

• Presque Isle State Park is Erie’s top attraction and is the most visited state park in Pennsylvania, drawing millions to its shores each year.
• Erie is a Certified Welcoming City, recognized for its LGBTQIA+ inclusive policies and immigrant-friendly atmosphere. The City of Erie has scored a perfect 100 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (MEI) three years in a row. 
• Erie’s refugee and immigrant population is robust, representing more than 50 nationalities.
• Erie was once home to one of the busiest shipbuilding operations on the Great Lakes and is referred to as the “Flagship City” in honor of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s U.S. Brig Niagara, which is homeported in Erie.
• Smith’s Hot Dogs, made in Erie since 1927, are a hometown staple and one of the region’s most iconic local foods.
• Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in downtown Erie, with more than 6,000 regional employees.
• Waldameer Park & Water World, established in 1896, is one of the oldest amusement parks in the country.
• The Erie Art Museum is one of the oldest arts institutions in Pennsylvania.
• Famous people from Erie include astronaut Paul J. Weitz, former U.S. Homeland Security Director and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, Pat Monahan (lead singer of pop rock group Train), actor Ann B. Davis (“Alice” from The Brady Bunch), Billy Blanks (American fitness guru and marital artist), and writer/TV personality Marc Brown (Arthur creator).

About VisitErie

Mission Statement: VisitErie is the leader of marketing Erie’s tourism industry and promoting its economic growth.

VisitErie is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Erie County, responsible for promoting the region as a year-round destination for leisure travel, conventions, and sporting events. In July 2001, the Erie Area Convention and Visitors Bureau became a standalone 501c6 organization, and was designated as the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Erie County, Pennsylvania. In October 2007, the organization changed its name to VisitErie. 

VisitErie works to inspire travel to Erie County, Pennsylvania year-round through targeted marketing campaigns, publication of the annual Erie Visitor Guide, and attracting conventions and sporting events. As a partner-based DMO, VisitErie currently works with more than 300 partner businesses in Erie County. VisitErie has been awarded locally and nationally for its marketing campaigns and community leadership. 

Tourism is Erie County's third-largest industry, generating more than $1.2 billion in visitor spending annually and supporting an average of 15,000 local jobs. 

To request a copy of VisitErie's 2024 Annual Report, please contact Christine Temple or view it here.