Erie Maritime Museum

The basics

Many visitors come to the Erie Maritime Museum for exhibits detailing the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. Exhibits like the history of recreation on Lake Erie and a collection of 19th-century art and shipbuilding tools make it a unique museum. Lake Erie is Pennsylvania’s only freshwater port, and the long yet interesting museum tour offers an understanding of how the maritime industry in Lake Erie impacted the state.

Things to know before you go

• The US Brig Niagara is not accessible for visitors with mobility impairments.
• Check the schedule to see what temporary exhibits are being featured.
• Tours of the museum and Brig Niagara last 45 minutes to two hours.

How to get there

The Erie Maritime Museum is at 150 E. Front Street on Erie’s waterfront. It’s across the bay from Presque Isle State Park and 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Erie’s train station in the center of town. When arriving from out of town, Interstate 79, Interstate 90, and PA-290 all connect to the West Bayfront Parkway running along Erie’s waterfront.

When to get there

Erie Maritime Museum is open between April and September every day from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, with shorter Sunday hours. Final tickets are sold each day at 3pm. Although admission does include a guided tour of the US Brig Niagara, it’s not always in port, so check the museum’s website ahead of time.

See more maritime history at Erie’s lighthouses

Erie’s three lighthouses are instrumental in Erie’s maritime history. The Presque Isle Lighthouse is open daily in summer, while the Erie Land Lighthouse is open in summer Friday–Monday and the first Tuesday of the month; visitors can take guided tours and climb their towers. You can see the outside of the North Pier Lighthouse when the Presque Isle State Park is open, but you can't climb the tower.