African American Heritage Trail

VisitErie has partnered with the creators of A Shared Heritage Tour and Erie Arts & Culture to create the African American Heritage Trail, a tour that celebrates Erie County Black History, available through VisitErie’s ‘Hello Erie’ trip planner app. The Erie African American History Tour features historic points of interest, public art, and businesses that pay tribute to the City of Erie's African American heritage, including the church where internationally celebrated soloist and composer Harry T. Burleigh sang in the choir. New Jerusalem, one of Erie's oldest neighborhoods, is where African American families provided much-needed refuge for men and women fleeing enslavement through the Underground Railroad.

Erie’s Lighthouses

Explore Erie’s three lighthouses: the Presque Isle Lighthouse, the North Pier Light and the Erie Land Lighthouse. The Presque Isle and Erie Land Lighthouses offer visitors the chance to climb their towers and take in panoramic views of Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park, all while learning the history and function of each light. The North Pier Light is on the tip of the north pier at Presque Isle State Park just past the entrance to the Coast Guard Station. Although it’s not an actual house, the North Pier Light is available to view year-round. Public tours of the Presque Isle Lighthouse and the Land Lighthouse run May through September.

Pennsylvania Historical Markers of Erie County

Erie County is home to more than 50 historical markers, each one dedicated to either a person, place or event that has had a historical significance to Erie County, Pennsylvania, or the country. Travel throughout the City of Erie and surrounding towns of Union City, Corry, Edinboro, Girard, Waterford and others to discover such markers honoring the Erie Extension Canal, Fort LeBoeuf, Harry Kellar, Perry's Shipyards and Miracles on Maple Hill. Click here to access the tour information.

Historical marker information was compiled by Bethany DeMuth from the Erie Times-News.

Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk

The Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk features 15 sculptures in Downtown Erie and the Bayfront District, representing the work of 13 different artists from throughout the United States. The inaugural set of sculptures are on display through August 2023. For a list and map of current sculptures, click here.

Home Port Erie Driving Tour

Purchase the Erie County Historical Society's Home Port self guided driving tour to visit historic Bayfront and waterfront sites. With the purchase of the driving tour ($15), guests will receive the book 'Home Port Erie' by Robert MacDonald & David Frew.

Underground Railroad Biking Route

Adventure Cycling Association’s Underground Railroad Bicycle Route, which memorializes the network of clandestine routes by which African freedom seekers attempted to escape slavery before and during the Civil War, is a 1,997-mile bicycle route from Mobile, Alabama to Owen Sound, Ontario that passes through the City of Erie and along the shoreline of Erie County.

Washington's Trail

This self-guided driving tour through western Pennsylvania follows the route of young George Washington's first military and diplomatic venture from fall 1753 through winter 1754. Today, the route follows major roads, however in some areas there are alternate historic or scenic routes suggested which may more closely align with Washington's travel in the fall of 1753, and these are likely to be back roads.

Additional Tours found on the 'Hello Erie' Trip Planner App:

• • West Bayfront Walking Tour
  • Energizing Outdoor Adventures and Trails
  • Get Your Grape On in Lake Erie Wine Country

Experience More!

While you are here, dive in, get your hands dirty and try something new!  Test your skills at pottery making, horseback riding, whiskey tasting, fishing and more.  Click any of the links below and watch our suggestions to experience a new adventure!