Triple Tower Tuesday on August 5th
Free admission to view Lake Erie from three local towers
The Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation, Lake Erie Lights of PA and Erie Western PA Port Authority are teaming up to give residents and visitors the opportunity to experience three of the most spectacular views of Lake Erie, all for free on August 5th.
Lake Erie Lights of PA, a nonprofit which provides educational opportunities and seeks to preserve the history of Erie's three lighthouses, will offer free climbs to the top of Erie Land Lighthouse, located at the foot of Lighthouse Street on Erie's eastside. Moving to city center, Erie Western PA Port Authority will host free elevator access to the top of Erie's Bicentennial Tower located on the north end of Dobbins Landing. Crossing into Millcreek Township, the tower at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center on Peninsula Drive offers the options of elevator or stairs to catch the view from the top.
The Erie Land Lighthouse hosts a spectacular view of Lake Erie, Perry's Monument, and the channel entrance to Presque Isle Bay from 56' in the air. Originally built in 1818 to help ships safely navigate from Lake Erie into Presque Isle Bay to the Port of Erie, the lighthouse has been rebuilt three times. It was the first lighthouse commissioned on the Great Lakes in the U.S. The Tower was rebuilt in 1857 and again in 1867 and served as an important aid to navigation until it was decommissioned in 1899. Climb the 69 stairs to learn more about local maritime history.
The Bicentennial Tower located at the North End of State Street on Dobbins Landing opened in 1996 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the City of Erie. Standing an impressive 187' overlooking Presque Isle Bay, visitors can take an elevator to the highest observation tower at 138' and catch a glimpse of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, the City of Erie, surrounding areas and on a clear day, see all the way to Long Point, Canada. The Bicentennial Tower is owned and operated by the Erie Western PA Port Authority.
The 75' tower at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) opened in May 2006 and provides the option to take an elevator or climb 134 steps to the spectacular observation deck. Overlooking Presque Isle State Park, Lake Erie, Waldameer Amusement Park and the emerging Gateway District, the TREC tower is also a favorite spot for bird watching as they soar over treetops and Presque Isle. While visiting TREC, learn about the history and formation of Presque Isle through engaging exhibits, visit the gift shop and let the little ones run wild in the outdoor playground.
Jennifer Farrar, President & CEO, Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation commented, "Lake Erie has been driving the history of our city and region since humans first populated the area. Our three organizations are pleased to collaborate to offer residents and visitors alike the opportunity to see this incredible natural resource from three unique vantage points. Of course, there's lots of trees, people, buildings, boats, birds, cars and more to see from these incredible towers." Averie Shaughnessy-Comfort, Executive Director, Presque Isle Lighthouse Station, added, "We are thrilled to partner for this fun day and allow free access to some of the best views around. Plus, it's a wonderful way to learn about our local, maritime and natural history."
How to Enjoy Triple Tower Tuesday
FREE admission to all three towers on August 5, 2025
Erie Land Lighthouse, 2 Lighthouse Street
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
On-site parking available
Bicentennial Tower, 1 State Street
10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Limited free parking on Dobbins Landing; metered parking on State Street
Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Drive
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
On-site parking available