Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park is a protected natural area on a curved peninsula in Lake Erie with seven different habitats connecting forests, wetlands, and sandy shores. The peninsula extends from the shoreline in a long curve that forms a sheltered bay where boats anchor and birds rest.

The peninsula served as a shipbuilding site in 1813 for Commodore Perry's fleet before the Battle of Lake Erie. French, British, and American military posts took turns occupying the area throughout the 19th century until it became a park in 1921.

The name means "almost an island" in French, reflecting how this curved landform appears from the mainland shore as it reaches into the water. Local residents use the beaches and paths for daily walks and seasonal rituals tied to the rhythm of the lake.

The grounds open before sunrise and close at sunset, allowing visitors to swim, walk, or cycle throughout the day. Most paths are flat and suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, especially along the waterfront promenade.

More threatened and rare species live here than in any comparable area across Pennsylvania, drawing biologists and bird watchers year-round. The Tom Ridge Environmental Center features a 75-foot (23-meter) observation tower offering views of the entire curved peninsula.

Location: Millcreek Township

Inception: 1921

Operator: Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks

Address: Peninsula Drive

Website: https://dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/PresqueIsleStatePark

GPS coordinates: 42.16310,-80.10080

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:34