2020-01-07 05:05:11
Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie coast features everything you’d want from a beach: gentle waves, ice cream stands — even a lighthouse. But the region boasts more than Lake Erie’s shore. Get a thrill at the horse races or on a wooden roller coaster. Hit the links, and then rest in luxury. Search for wildlife at a nearby preserve. Taste-test wines at a picturesque vineyard, or stroll through art galleries and exhibits. The region’s state parks and glittering lakes teem with hiking, hunting, history, and heritage, offering something exciting for visitors of all ages. HIGHLIGHTS PRESQUE ISLE STATE PARK, ERIE A 3,200-acre peninsula boasting sandy beaches and direct access to Lake Erie, this is the spot to swim, boat, fish, and spot migrating birds, just 4 miles from downtown Erie. Take the 90-minute guided boat tour on “Lady Kate” to experience the sights, wildlife, and more. SPLASH LAGOON INDOOR WATER PARK RESORT, ERIE Seven exhilarating water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, splash areas, and more — all indoors — provide water fun for the whole family, no matter what time of year you visit. WALDAMEER PARK & WATER WORLD, ERIE Take your pick from more than 100 rides, roller coasters, slides and attractions. Ride on the Ravine Flyer II wooden coaster or go body surfing in the 500,000-gallon wave pool. MAURICE K. GODDARD STATE PARK, SANDY LAKE The wetlands at this 2,856-acre park are a haven for waterfowl, while the 1,680-acre Lake Helm is heaven for anglers and boaters. During winter months, bring your sled to the 1-acre sledding hill at the dam for some fast-paced fun. PYMATUNING STATE PARK, JAMESTOWN As one of the largest state parks in the Keystone State — and boasting the state’s largest lake — this expansive park offers endless recreation: camping, boating, fishing, and swimming. CONNEAUT LAKE PARK, CONNEAUT At this historic amusement park dating back to 1892, there’s no better way to embrace nostalgia than to ride the classic Blue Streak wooden roller coaster, built in 1938. OIL CREEK STATE PARK, OIL CITY Hike past wetlands and waterfalls, or take a self-guided tour of this cradle of the oil industry, which is the site of the world’s first commercial oil well. From March to early June, drop in a canoe to explore the park on a scenic float. FIND MORE “GREAT” DESTINATIONS It’s not all about Lake Erie. Go beyond the region’s Great Lake to discover some other “great” attractions showcasing the area’s history and natural beauty. Connect to the Samuel Justus Recreation Trail, running between Oil City and Franklin. The 5.8-mile trail hugs the Allegheny River, making for a scenic journey, and the paved path means a smooth ride for bicyclists and hikers alike. While you’re in Oil City, stop in at the Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry. Housed in a 1905 Beaux Arts-style building and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum’s exhibits range from the period-perfect Victorian Room to the new dinosaur exhibit. For a low-key lake experience, check into the Edinboro Lake Resort in Edinboro, where you can dine on the shores of Edinboro Lake and stay in a private cabin just off the water. While you’re there, swim, fish, rent a boat, or enjoy the resort’s lineup of live music. Explore the unique flavors of craft beers, sparkling and hard ciders, high-quality wines, and locally made spirits when you follow the Crawford County Toasting Tour. In Grove City, take an open-air safari bus tour at the new Keystone Safari, a 143-acre adventure park featuring free-roaming animals in a natural setting. You also can spot wildlife as you zipline on one of the adventure courses. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Daffin’s Candies in Sharon as you visit the Chocolate Kingdom, an attraction boasting a 400-pound chocolate turtle and a miniature village complete with chocolate castle, train, and Ferris wheel. Explore the 205 acres of old-growth forest at Erie’s Asbury Woods, featuring native Pennsylvania plant species alongside wetlands and landscaped gardens. Step into the Nature Center for an interactive classroom and animal exhibits. At the Drake Well Museum and Park in Titusville, stand where Edwin Drake struck oil in 1859, ushering in the modern petroleum industry. View working replicas of Drake’s steam engine and derrick, and then enjoy the 240-acre park surrounding the well. < EXPERIENCE MARITIME HISTORY WITH A DAY SAIL ON THIS FLAGSHIP
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