Lake Erie region state parks are nice to add to your list of things to do on your visit to Northwestern PA.
Beaches are open daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Couples, kids and the entire family will enjoy being outdoors and by the water.
Each park has different activities available, so each family member can find something they like to do.
You can swim, cook hot dogs and hamburgers for a family picnic, go hiking, play frisbee golf or go biking.
Don’t forget to stay and watch a Lake Erie region sunset one evening as it catches the sky on fire with lovely orange colors.
Erie Bluffs State Park
Erie PA 814-833-7424
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/eriebluffs.aspx
Located in western Erie County PA, 12 miles west of Erie.
Currently underdeveloped shoreline with no park facilities.
Maurice K. Goddard State Park
684 Lake Wilhelm Road
Sandy Lake PA 16145
724-253-4833
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/mauricekgoddard.aspx
5 minutes off I-79. Exit 130 (Sandy Lake-Greenville) go W on PA 358 towards Greenville .1 mile, right onto Sheakleyville Road. At first stop sign, right onto Lake Wilhelm Road.
- fishing on Lake Wilheim
- wetlands and forests for spotting wildlife including ospreys and eagles
- biking
- hiking
- picnic – tables, pavilions, charcoal grills
- boating – launches and a marina, rentals of pontoons, canoes and row boats
- In winter: ice fishing, ice boating, ice skating, sledding and tobogganing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling in this Lake Erie region park
Oil Creek State Park
305 State Park Road
Oil City PA 16301
814-676-5915
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/oilcreek.aspx
North – between Drake Well Museum and Titusville PA. 4 miles south of Oil City. Main entrance off PA 8, 1 mile N of Rouseville PA.
- The first commercial oil well is located here
- The Train Station Visitor Center is open Saturday and Sunday 11 am to 5 pm with historical displays and programs
- Hunt Farm Tableau and Benninghoff Farm Tableau offer displays
- picnic – pavilions, charcoal grills, tables, water fountains, playing fields
- canoeing
- fishing on Boughton, Toy or Jones Runs
- hiking
- biking
- In winter – cross country skiing
- Oil City PA Hotels
Presque Isle State Park
301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 1
Erie PA 16505
814-833-7424 http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/presqueisle.aspx
PA 832 N. This is a National Natural Landmark with migratory birds including rare breeds.
Visit Tom Ridge Environmental Center for interactive exhibits and an observation tower. Free admission. Various events held here throughout the year in this Lake Erie region park.
- swimming at PA’s only surf beach
- boating – 4 launches, a marina, rentals of canoes, kayaks, small motorboats and pontoons
- fishing
- picnic – tables, charcoal grills, pavilions
- hiking
- biking
- jogging
- water skiing
- inline skating
- scuba diving permitted in certain areas
- In winter: cross country skiing, ice fishing, ice boating and ice skating
- Enjoy a 90 minute scenic boat tour and view lighthouses, shores, a natural preserve and wildlife
- Erie PA Hotels
Pymatuning State Park
2660 Williamsfield Road
Jamestown PA 16134
724-932-3141
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/pymatuning.aspx
Park’s south shore reached from US 322. North shore reached from US 6. East shore reached from PA 285.
This is PA’s largest state park which has the largest lake in PA, Pymatuning Reservoir.
- camping mid April through mid October – cabin rentals, group tenting area
- learning center
- wildlife viewing areas
- fish hatchery
- boatiing – launches, 3 marinas, rentals of pontoons, motorboats, rowboats, canoes
- picnic – tables, pavilions, charcoal grills
- fishing
- feed the fish
- swimming
- hiking
- In winter: ice fishing, ice boating, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, sledding
- Underdeveloped areas open for exploration include Clark Island and Blackjack Swamp
Have fun exploring the state parks in Pennsylvania!