Asbury Woods 4105 Asbury Road , Erie 814.835.5356 , asburywoods . org
Reconnect with nature exploring old-growth forests , landscaped gardens , wetlands and boardwalk and dirt trails on this 216-acre nature preserve . The lovely outdoor attraction also offers environmental education experiences . Watch the website for special events throughout the year !
Erie Art Museum 20 East 5th Street , Erie 814.459.5477 , erieartmuseum . org
This art museum always has something new to see , with traveling art exhibits in addition to more permanent collections . It has a collection of more than 8,000 objects from local and regional artists plus those who are very well-known in the art world . The museum also hosts a variety of events and classes for all ages . Check the website for information on its Spring Show .
Erie Land Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Street , Erie 814.833.3604 , presqueislelighthouse . org
This historic lighthouse was built in 1818 , the first commissioned lighthouse on the Great Lakes . It has gone through many changes but is open seasonally for visitors to explore the interior and get stunning views from the top !
Erie Maritime Museum & U . S . Brig Niagara 150 East Front Street , Erie 1.833.365.7245 , sailfnl . org
The Erie Maritime Museum explores the maritime heritage of the region and is also the home port of the U . S . Brig Niagara , a reconstruction of the historic relief flagship of Oliver Hazard Perry during the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813 . This is a rare opportunity to see a faithful reproduction of a 19th century warship . expERIEnce Children ’ s Museum 420 French Street , Erie 814.453.3743 , eriechildrensmuseum . org
For more than 25 years , the expERIEnce Children ’ s Museum has featured fun and educational exhibits and programs designed for those 8 and under — and has been in the process of revamping and remodeling for an even better experience ! It offers a hands-on interactive experience for kids , with various opportunities to “ create , explore , imagine and play .”
Firefighters Historical Museum 428 Chestnut Street , Erie 814.456.5969 , firefightershistoricalmuseum . org
Founded in 1968 , this museum is dedicated to all firefighters who have risked their lives in the effort to protect people ’ s lives and property from disasters . It is in the former Erie Fire Engine Co . No . 4 station , which was built in 1903 , and features equipment and gear throughout the years . This museum is open seasonally , usually reopening the first week of June .
Hagen History Center ( Girard ) Battles Estate 436 Walnut Street , Girard 814.454.1813 , eriehistory . org
This estate is comprised of the Yellow House and the White House , both built in the 1850s-1860s . The homes have been turned into museums , with information and memorabilia related to the both the prominent Battles family and general regional history . Various events are held at the estate , and there are also walking trails around the property .
Hagen History Center ( Erie ) Watson-Curtze Mansion 356 West 6th Street , Erie 814.454.1813 , eriehistory . org
This 1890s Richardsonian Romanesque style mansion is now a regional history museum on a campus that includes a Carriage House and the Wood-Morrison House . There are historical collections related to the families , military service , indigenous people and more . There is also a New Exhibit building that has multiple exhibits including a reconstructed version of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright ’ s San Francisco office . The Carriage House serves as the visitor center and gift shop .
Glass Growers Gallery 10 East 5th Street , Erie glassgrowersgallery . com
This gallery displays functional , curated art of jewelry , pottery , glass , wood and metal . Started in 1974 , it features many regional artists and others from across the country , offering rotating exhibits , artist workshops and events .
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