Atlas Obscura Itineraries

The Explorer’s Guide to Erie, Pennsylvania

Perched on the southern shore of its namesake Great Lake, Erie, Pennsylvania is a port town with a rich history and a treasure chest of natural wonders. Where else can you hike through six ecosystems in one waterfront park? The area is home to the state’s only sandy beaches, savannas, waterfalls, and hundreds of exotic birds like the roving plover. It’s also heaping with local charm and out-of-the-ordinary fun. From grabbing breakfast at a retro “dinor” with a unique regional spelling to hiking along bluffs to soak up jaw-dropping views of Lake Erie, this itinerary unearths the area’s hidden gems (including the two ultimate sunset spots in the county). Along the way, take in a minor league baseball game—with all its offbeat customs—and visit the burial site of General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, who was dug up and boiled (we’ll explain). End your day by grabbing a craft beer and bite in an iconic train station that has hosted presidents, sports greats, and—some locals say—ghosts.