As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, explore the cities and sites that have shaped its history. This three-day itinerary showcases some of the historic places in Erie that offer a glimpse into the region's foundation.

Estimated read time: 6 minutes

Where to Stay: Spencer House Bed and Breakfast, a beautifully preserved 1876 Victorian mansion on Erie’s historic Millionaire’s Row.

Day 1: Arrival

Stretch your legs with a walk along Millionaire's Row

Start with a walk along Millionaire’s Row on West 6^th Street to admire Erie’s grand historic homes, many built by some of Erie’s first residents. You can read more about the people who built Millionaire’s Row in the 2026 Erie Visitor Guide.

Dine at The Brewerie at Union Station – Erie’s first brewpub housed in a 1927 art deco landmark.

When you’re looking for a solid meal, a good brew, and a lot of history, The Brewerie at Union Station is the natural place to go. The Brewerie is located inside Erie’s historic Union Station, a former train station that encompasses two city blocks, and has been a stop for many notable passengers in American history. Alongside your dinner, try their Apparition Ale, an homage to the restaurant’s “resident ghost,” Clara.

Day 2: Explore Erie's Foundation

Grab Breakfast at The Lawrence Park Dinor, a retro spot on the Historic Register

The Lawrence Park Dinor is a retro silk city dinor, and the only dinor in Pennsylvania on the Historic Register. It’s a small space, but the breakfast is worth the wait. Everything is scratch made but priced for a budget. Order the Grilled Cinnamon Roll if you’re craving something sweet, or the Rust Belt Breakfast Sandwich for a savory option. Sit at the counter if you can find the space, and ask about the regional way Erieites spell “dinor.”

Explore local history and Frank Lloyd Wright’s office at the Hagen History Center

Back on Millionaire’s Row, the Hagen History Center is the hub for history in Erie County. The museum’s Erie campus in the Watson-Curtze Mansion is reason enough for a visit: the 24-room Richardsonian Romanesque style mansion features extraordinary architecture, stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork. The campus includes exhibits such as “The Story of Us,” detailing the extensive history of the discovery and settling of Erie, and  Frank Lloyd Wright’s original San Francisco office. That exhibit will be expanded in spring 2026 to feature artifacts and hands-on activities dedicated to Frank Lloyd Wright’s life and story.

Step aboard history at the Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara

The most famous historical event to center around Erie occurred during the War of 1812, when Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry made Erie into a bustling naval base and shipyard during the Battle of Lake Erie. You’ll find references to Commodore Perry throughout the region, a nod to his historic win which helped secure control of the Great Lakes. The Museum is home to artifacts and exhibits that shed light on the significance of this battle, and is also the current home port of the U.S. Brig Niagara, Pennsylvania’s flagship. Though the Niagara has been out of port for repairs since 2024, she’ll return to Erie on July 2 for tours and public sails.

Dine with a view at Oliver’s Rooftop

Continue your time on Erie’s Bayfront at Oliver’s Rooftop, located on the top floor of the Hampton Inn Erie Bayfront, next door. The restaurant is one of Erie’s nicest and, again, pays homage to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry through its name and nautical décor. Reserve a window table for sweeping views of Presque Isle Bay while you enjoy your meal. Try their Famous Parmesan Herb-Crusted Walleye for a classic Great Lakes meal.

Day 3: Waterfront Heritage

Enjoy brunch and cocktails in an old cider mill at Luminary Distilling

What is now a micro-distillery offering a modern brunch menu on Sundays has been a staple of Erie for more than a century. Fuhrman’s Cider has been crafting small batch apple cider since 1896. Though the original mill is gone, you can still experience the heritage of the cider mill at Luminary. Their menu serves up house-made bakery items, like the donuts in their Chicken & Donuts, or Blackened Shrimp Benedict.

Tour Presque Isle Lighthouse for stunning Lake views and a peek into the 19^th century

Head to Presque Isle State Park for your final stop, and tour the Presque Isle Lighthouse. Construction of the lighthouse began in 1872, and houses artifacts depicting how the lighthouse worked, and how the service keepers and their families lived in the dwelling. The lighthouse is located near Presque Isle’s famous beaches, and offers stunning views of Lake Erie from the top of the tower.