8 Things to Do in Winter at Presque Isle
Wednesday Dec 3rd, 2025
Estimated Read Time: 5 Minutes
Though known for its beaches and water activities in the summer, Presque Isle State Park is magic all year round. Visit Presque Isle in the winter to experience all the splendor of the season and get a dose of fresh air at Pennsylvania's most visited state park.
Take a Winter Walk
Though the paved multipurpose trail is the natural place to walk year-round, there are many more places to explore Presque Isle. If the ice is thick enough, venture out onto Presque Isle Bay to catch a unique view of the park and the city of Erie that you can only get once a year. On the lake side of the peninsula, taking a walk on the beach is a new experience in the winter, with ice dunes visible from the shore.
Please view the ice dunes from afar. It is never safe to step onto the dunes.
Go Birding
Presque Isle State Park is known to be one of the top birding spots in the country, and that continues in winter. A wide variety of waterfowl can be seen from shore, as well as gull species on the shoreline, and owls high in the trees. The waterfowl migration over the peninsula happens during late November through December, and large concentrations of diving ducks can be seen off shore until ice closes over. Stop at any of the bay side vista lots to get a good view, or head to Leo's Landing and Thompson Bay for the best diversity. Snowy Owls are a stunner to see in person, and the best place to see them is at Gull Point from the designated observation platform and trail.
Cross Country Ski on Fox Trail
The half-mile Fox Trail is across from the Presque Isle Lighthouse, winding through wooded swamps and oak-maple trees, providing a picturesque, forested byway between the Sidewalk Trail and a portion of the Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail. Other trails that are great for cross-country skiing include the Sidewalk Trail and Dead Pond Trail.
Snowshoe on Long Pond Trail
This one-mile trail follows the shoreline of Long Pond, one of the ponds within the park’s lagoon, near the entrance to the East Pier. The trail is ideal for snowshoe exploration and has great opportunities to see some of the park’s wildlife population, including some very active beavers that typically cut a noticeable path through the trail near the eastern trailhead. Other snowshoe trails at the park include Pine Tree Trail and Ridge Trail.
Know Before You Go
Presque Isle State Park is open daily from 5 a.m. to sunset. After dusk, driving is allowed until 9 p.m. Keep the following in mind while you plan your trip:
- The park is dog friendly in all areas! Please keep your dog on a leash, and always pick up after them.
- The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is located at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park, and not only houses its own collection of interesting information and exhibits about Presque Isle, it's also home to the Erie Visitor Center.
Both are open Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during winter months. - Though many park restrooms are closed during the winter, those at the Rotary Pavilion, Public Safety Building, Perry Monument, the Niagara Boat Launch, Lighthouse Beach, and North Pier Light are open year-round.
- Roads at Presque Isle are plowed, but never treated with salt or other chemicals, in order to protect wildlife.
Go Ice Fishing
With its many ponds and sheltered bays, as well as wide array of fish species, Presque Isle State Park is well regarded as a top ice fishing destination in Pennsylvania. Some of the most popular locations are Presque Isle Bay, Misery Bay, Horseshoe Pond, and Presque Isle Marina. Common catches are yellow perch, panfish, northern pike, walleye, and the occasional steelhead. When ice fishing, exercise caution and think safety first: test ice thickness with an auger, always carry safety equipment, and know how to use it. Ice should be at least four inches thick for a single person, and seven inches thick for a small group.
Watch a Winter Sunset
Presque Isle is known for its world-class sunsets, and when the sun sets on the horizon between the snow-dusted sand and the frozen lake, it’s simply breathtaking. The best spot to watch is at Sunset Point, also known as Kite Beach, but any location on the lake side of Presque Isle will give viewers a great vantage point. Bring blankets and some hot cocoa and really make it an experience.
Attend an Event
Events don't end in the winter, especially when there's so much to explore. The Presque Isle Partnership hosts an annual Winter Discovery Day at Presque Isle, that's all about getting outside. The event features ice fishing, sled dog demonstrations, crafts, and more. The 2026 event is planned for Saturday, February 7. Park officials host events like guided hikes and wildlife seminars year-round.
Go Sightseeing
Though many favorite summer attractions aren't open in the same way in winter, it's fun to see them in a new light. Check out staple attractions like the Perry Monument, the Presque Isle Lighthouse, and the North Pier Light on a snowy backdrop. They make for great photo ops all year round.
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