Presque Isle Lighthouse — Attraction in Millcreek Township

What does the illustrious state of Pennsylvania have in store for me, I wondered to myself as I wandered the shores of what every Arby's employee insisted was a lake though I have known lakes in my time and I could not convince myself that something so large and with so few water skiers negotiating property malignancies on cell phones was anything but an ocean?

I must admit I tried to take a water taxi rather than impunge myself on the land made nearly rectangular after a long legacy of being allowed to be as bumpy as it desired. The Lenape and Susquehannock, among others, thrived in this area, and the descendants of William Penn did considerably worse through several rounds of purchasing land from people who did not own it and often did not even inhabit it until the state reached its current situation today.

Imagine my surprise, then, to have missed the last water taxi in New York City and to find myself standing next to a tall white tower mounted on material that appeared to be brick. I attempted to scale the side but, it being broad daylight and my Agent having scheduled me to perform at an all-one-can-eat sushi bar in the town nearest to the south, I fell down immediately and decided against it. Taking pity on me, a passing gull bartered for my sandwich a note he said was addressed to the most ill-fitting spectacle in the area. It was a bargain, as he also agreed to pass on a telegram from my Agent reading

RILAN STOP DO NOT SHOW THIS TO ANYONE STOP COME BACK IMMEDIATELY FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL VOTE STOP THE WIND IS ON THE WATER AND THE WATER IS STILL STILL STOP

As this was of no use to me, I was delighted to receive in return a sonnet whose style I recognized from Wally's uncle, a budding poet in his own right and reputed to be quite the catch-and-release:

Don't tear away the veil of truth just yet - There's a bit of lace left clean on it still And if it but falls over the contours Of morality, we may as well spill A bit more dust on its folds, and let it Settle like nature in its curve and flow, Claiming light as its own as if it dared Shine like the moon and fall under its tow But light loves like, and sheer things cannot stay Clean when the world they...

Lake Erie in Pennsylvania is a true hidden gem for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and families alike. The most popular area on the Pennsylvania side is Presque Isle State Park, located near Erie, PA. This park offers stunning sandy beaches, walking and biking trails, fishing spots, and breathtaking sunset views over the water. The beaches are clean and family-friendly, especially Beach 6 and Beach 10, where the water is usually calm for swimming. The vibe is peaceful but lively during the summer months, with lots of visitors enjoying picnics, boating, and kite flying. If you're into water activities, Lake Erie won’t disappoint. Kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and fishing are very popular. Fishing enthusiasts often visit for walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass, as Lake Erie is known for its rich fish population. There’s also plenty to do beyond the water. The Tom Ridge Environmental Center offers interesting exhibits about the lake’s ecology and history, which is educational for both kids and adults. The only downside can be that, during peak summer weekends, the park can get crowded, and parking may require a little patience. Also, since it’s a lake, sometimes after heavy rains the water quality can temporarily affect swimming advisories.

• Pros: Beautiful beaches, lots of activities, family-friendly, gorgeous sunsets, well-maintained facilities. • Cons: Crowded on holidays, occasional...

Presque Isle Lighthouse (Erie, PA) If you’re looking for a beautiful, affordable family stop — this one checks all the boxes ✅

We started our day at Presque Isle Lighthouse, tucked away in the heart of the state park. For just $8 per person, we toured the lighthouse and got to explore the restored keeper’s house — packed with local history, stories, and charm. Honestly, I could’ve stayed another 30 minutes just in that section alone!

The climb to the top is steep (as expected with lighthouses), but the views are worth it. The beach nearby had amazingly soft sand, crystal-clear water, clean restrooms, and picnic tables — perfect for families. 🏖️

We also found a few scenic pull-offs throughout the park to take in the lake views, and the gift shop had affordable souvenirs that help support the park and lighthouse.

👉 Travel Tip: Tickets and bundle tours can be purchased right on-site. No need to plan way ahead.

Sometimes the best adventures are the simple, low-cost ones that spark curiosity and bring everyone together.

Highly recommend adding this to your next family...