Triple Tower Tuesdays Return this Summer
Free admission to view Lake Erie from three local towers
[Erie, PA, April 28, 2026] Erie residents and visitors are invited to enjoy sweeping views of Lake Erie, all for free. On the first Tuesday of every month, from May through September, three iconic bayfront towers open their doors for free public access, offering a unique vantage point of Lake Erie and the surrounding areas. This collaborative initiative of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation, Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority, and Lake Erie Lights of PA, brings the community together to enjoy Erie's waterfront from above.
Located at the gateway to Presque Isle, step into the 75' glass observation tower at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center to enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park, and Waldameer Amusement Park. Venture into Erie's Bayfront, and ascend the Bicentennial Tower located at the tip of Dobbings Landing for a spectacular perspective of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, and downtown Erie. On clear days, you can see all the way to Long Point in Ontario, Canada, 27 miles away. Moving to the foot of Lighthouse Street, visit Erie Land Lighthouse and enjoy a sweeping panorama of Lake Erie, Perry Monument, and the channel entrance to Presque Isle Bay from a 128' focal point.
About Each Tower
Rise to the top of the 75' observation tower at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, where sweeping views of Presque Isle and Lake Erie stretch in every direction. Positioned at the gateway to Presque Isle, the tower offers a unique vantage point of the peninsula, and even a bird's-eye view of Erie's very own amusement park. Around the center, explore an outdoor nature play area, free interactive exhibits and self-guided tours that bring Presque Isle's wildlife, ecosystems, and natural history to life. Tickets are available for purchase for a rotating selection of films in the 4-story, 45' wide immersive theater, all offered by the Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation.
The Bicentennial Tower, located at the north end of State Street on Dobbins Landing, originally opened in 1996 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the City of Erie. Standing at 187', with an observation deck at 138', visitors can enjoy an exciting perspective of Presque Isle Bay, Erie's Bayfront, and Downtown Erie from the city's highest observation tower. Also check out the gift shop and concession stand located at the base of the tower. The Bicentennial Tower is owned and operated by the Erie Western PA Port Authority.
The Erie Land Lighthouse, operated by Lake Erie Lights of PA, offers sweeping scenery overlooking Lake Erie, Perry Monument, and the channel entrance to Presque Isle Bay. The Erie Land Lighthouse tower stands at 49' high, but the focal point of viewing from the bluff is actually 128' high. First constructed in 1818 to guide ships safely from Lake Erie into the Port of Erie, it holds the distinction of being the first lighthouse commissioned on the Great Lakes in the United States. Rebuilt multiple times, with major reconstructions in 1857 and 1867, the tower served as a vital navigational aid until its decommissioning in 1899. Today, visitors can climb 69 steps to the top and discover the rich maritime history that once guided ships to shore.
Julie Slomski, Executive Director of Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority commented, "these monthly events go beyond just showcasing the area's unique sights but also invite visitors to uncover everything else that these three incredible facilities have to offer". Averie Shaughnessy-Comfort, Executive Director, Presque Isle Lighthouse Station, added, "Triple Tower Tuesdays offers front-row seats to the best views in town. Plus, it's a great way to learn about Erie's local, maritime, and natural history".
How to Enjoy Triple Tower Tuesdays
FREE admission to all three towers, every 1st Tuesday from May through September
Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Drive
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 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
Please note that access to Dobbins Landing remains open during construction
Erie Land Lighthouse, 2 Lighthouse Street
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (May hours 10:00 am to 3:00 pm)
On-site parking available