FISHING!

Lake Erie was ranked #3 out of the Top 100 Best Bass Lakes of the Decade by Bassmaster Magazine.  View the slideshow here.  Fishing enthusiasts are presented with a variety of options in the spring. Steelhead is plentiful from late September to early May in Lake Erie tributaries and creeks.  In April, pan fish and bass are found in smaller ponds, while pike and muskies are seen in Presque Isle Bay depending on the ice melt.  April also brings the arrival of trout season plus the appearance of bass and walleye in Lake Erie.  All of the above mentioned fish species are available in May with the exception of Steelhead.  Smallmouth bass travel to Presque Isle Bay in May to spawn and June is heavy with trout, bluegill and inland pike.

For more interesting fish bits: 

• FishUSA.com
• FishErie.com
• ESC FishingInfo sheet 
• Northwest Pennsylvania Fishing Report
• Fishing Lake Erie & its Tributaries:  http://www.fishandboat.com/Resource/Lakes/Pages/LakeErie.aspx
• Lake Erie Tributary Fishing map 
• Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission mobile app, click here.  

Self Guided Tours - Driving/Walking

Grab your family or friends and set out for a do-it-yourself outdoor adventure! Here are our suggestions for fun outdoor tours:

Download the FREE Hello Erie mobile app to access these GPS-based tours:

• African American History Tour (with audio narration!) celebrating Erie County Black History through numerous historical markers, points of interest, public art and businesses. 
• Gems of The City, a walking tour of historic (lower) Downtown Erie (Dickson House, Hamot House, Captain John Richard’s House, St. Patrick’s Church and more)
• West Bayfront Walking Tour which includes the Bicentennial Tower, Dobbins Landing, West Canal Basin and more. 
• For a list of other tours, please visit our DIY Tours page.  

Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk

Erie Arts & Culture assisted the Erie Downtown Development Corporation to plan and implement  the first-ever Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk, a year-round outdoor exhibition of art. This privately funded initiative was curated by a panel of local leaders, art enthusiasts, and Downtown stakeholders. The Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk features 15 sculptures in Downtown Erie and the Bayfront, representing the work of 13 different artists from throughout the United States. The inaugural set of sculptures are on display through August 2023. As you participate in the Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk, we encourage you to think critically about public art. We've created a handy guide to assist you in the process. The questions we encourage you to reflect on are intended to assist you in moving beyond immediate responses such as "I like/don't like it" and "I don't get it." For a list and map of current sculptures, click here.  (pictured is "Big Sky" by Nathan Pierce)

Erie County Mural Arts Tour

Take a self-guided tour of Erie's Mural Arts! Explore over 80 murals located throughout Erie County. Explore by yourself or with family and friends.  Make it an adventure in the pursuit of great art! Be inspired by the creativity of our local muralists and residents.  Most of the murals are located outside, however, there are a few located inside buildings (specifics can be found in the mural descriptions).  The majority of murals are not artificially lit, therefore we recommend viewing them during daylight hours. (pictured: "Sugar" inside Romolo Chocolates) 

Download the Erie County Mural List

Download the Erie County Mural Google Map

Lighthouse Tours

Lighthouses hours vary.  Please contact them direct for specific hours and days of operation. The Erie Land Lighthouse opened to the public summer 2021 for the first time in the historic site’s history.  The lighthouse, located at the foot of Lighthouse Street on the east side of Erie, has previously only been available to tour during special events.  The Presque Isle Light station, who also operates the Presque Isle Lighthouse on the state park, offers tours every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and on free every first Tuesday of each month. Visitors will be able to climb the tower, get panoramic views of Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and the North Pier Lighthouse, and learn about the history and function of the lighthouse. The Presque Isle Lighthouse, located on Presque Isle State Park, reopened in 2021. That lighthouse is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. More information on tours and programs can be found at  www.presqueislelighthouse.org. Both lighthouses have implemented new protocols to ensure the safety of staff and guests. To view another Erie "light", just walk out along the north pier at Presque Isle (just past the entrance to the Coast Guard Station) and view the North Pier Light.