Bicentennial Tower
1 State St, Erie, PA, 16507
Standing high along Erie’s bayfront, Bicentennial Tower is a landmark on the tourist-friendly Dobbins Landing. Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park, and the city all are in view from this dual-decked observation tower. The tower’s lower observation deck is free, making it a must-do on any Erie itinerary.
The basics
Bicentennial Tower is in full view for most travelers, whether you’re chartering a fishing boat on Presque Isle Bay or taking a guided tour of Erie’s landmarks. At its top, the tower reaches 187 feet (56 meters), but the highest spot for vista-seekers is the second observation deck at 138 feet (42 meters). For anyone who’d just as soon avoid heights, the 17-foot (5-meter) observation deck offers a scenic view all the same.
Things to know before you go
Stair and elevator access to the observation towers is available.
Pick up a souvenir at the tower’s gift shop (no climbing required).
A small concession stand on the first observation deck is great for midday snacking.
How to get there
Bicentennial Tower is on Dobbins Landing in Erie. You’ll see it as you drive along Bayfront Parkway; turn north onto State Street and you’ve arrived. Bus 20A, taxis, and rideshares will also drop you off by the tower. You can also walk to it from most museums and landmarks along this busy bayfront area, or take the water taxi from Presque Isle State Park during the summer months.
When to get there
Plan a visit to Bicentennial Tower when the forecast calls for clear skies, and you might see Long Point in Ontario, Canada. Generally the tower is open daily from May through September, and only on the weekends between October and April; in season, there’s free admission on the first Tuesday of the month. The observation decks may close depending on the weather, so keep an eye on the skies.
More attractions on the Lake Erie Bayfront
You don’t need to scale the observation decks to see why the bayfront is a hub of activity. The Bayfront Convention Center, Flagship Niagara League, Visit Erie tourist information center, and Erie Maritime Museum surround the Bicentennial Tower, instantly helping you create an itinerary of nearby sights. You can walk between these attractions, so park in a central location.
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