Explore Erie your way and on your own time! These tours offer the flexibility to explore Erie County's heritage, public art, and the history that has touched this region.
Did you know there's a whole other Erie to explore? Behind just about every attraction, activity, and appetizer is a chance to win prizes from VisitErie. Through December 31, use the Unlock Erie Challenge on the 'Hello Erie' App to guide your trip to Erie. Use the app to check in to locations around Erie County. As you check in to more locations and complete more tiers, you'll win bigger prizes.
Here's how it works:
1. Download the 'Hello Erie' App (it's free!)
2. Click on 'Unlock Erie' to see the three tiers and the attractions in each tier
3. When you're at a location, use the app and follow the prompts to check in. Once you've completed that tier's objective, a completion badge will be displayed.
4. Bring your completion badge to VisitErie's office to show your badge and claim your prize! If you can't pick up your prizes in person, give us a call and we'll mail them. As you move on to the next tier, the prizes get bigger and better!
Prizes and objectives are as follows:
Must be 18 years or older to participate. No purchase necessary. Contest entry subject to complete terms and conditions. See full contest rules here. Void where prohibited.
By entering this contest, you understand that you are providing your information to VisitErie and not to Meta. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered, or associated with Meta. VisitErie will never ask for personal information including credit cards, social security numbers or bank information.
Curated by VisitErie and local Erie-based partners, these tours offer visitors an opportunity to explore Erie County using the free 'Hello Erie' App. Use the app to guide you through the stops on these tours, and catch a glimpse of what makes this region unique. Download the 'Hello Erie' App here.
African American Heritage Trail
Featuring more than 40 stops, the Erie African American History Tour showcases historic points of interest, public art, and businesses that pay tribute to the City of Erie's African American heritage, including the church where internationally celebrated soloist and composer Harry T. Burleigh sang in the choir, as well as New Jerusalem, one of Erie's oldest neighborhoods, where African American families provided much-needed refuge for men and women fleeing enslavement through the Underground Railroad.
The tour was created in partnership between VisitErie, Erie Arts & Culture, and the creators of A Shared Heritage Tour, and includes audio descriptions that detail the historical significance at each stop.
Murals of Erie County
In recent years, Erie’s urban landscape has transformed into a captivating canvas of creativity through a remarkable collection of mural art. Nearly 100 public murals are located throughout Erie County, creating an ideal self-guided tour option for visitors seeking Instagram-worthy moments. These murals draw inspiration from Erie’s community and the neighborhoods in which they reside. Through their works, the artists hope that residents and visitors alike will see themselves reflected in such bold, colorful ways, reminding them of the possibilities that creativity makes possible.
Download the Murals of Erie County booklet here. The list of murals was created in partnership between VisitErie and Erie Arts & Culture.
Pictured: "Joy" by Peruvian Artist Ana Balcazar, located at 562 E 12th Street
Traveling through the region? These tours mark historically significant places that include Erie County.
Pennsylvania Historical Markers of Erie County
Erie County is home to more than 50 historical markers, each one dedicated to either a person, place or event that has had a historical significance to Erie County, Pennsylvania, or the country. Stops include markers honoring the Erie Extension Canal, Fort LeBoeuf, Ida Tarbell, Perry's Shipyards and Miracles on Maple Hill. Click here for a list of markers.
PA Route 6 Public Art and Mural Trail
This trail consists of more than 50 stops throughout the 11-county PA Route 6 corridor, including Erie County. Each stop can be viewed through an interactive map that pinpoints the exact location of each art piece and mural.
Underground Railroad Biking Route
Adventure Cycling Association’s Underground Railroad Bicycle Route, which memorializes the network of clandestine routes by which African freedom seekers attempted to escape slavery before and during the Civil War, is a 1,997-mile bicycle route from Mobile, Alabama to Owen Sound, Ontario that passes through the City of Erie and along the shoreline of Erie County.
Washington's Trail
This self-guided driving tour through western Pennsylvania follows the route of young George Washington's first military and diplomatic venture from fall 1753 through winter 1754. Today, the route follows major roads, however in some areas there are alternate historic or scenic routes suggested which may more closely align with Washington's travel in the fall of 1753, and these are likely to be back roads.
Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.
Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row
Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.
Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
Chances are, you are planning your trip to Erie. Why not download your free guide that's been put together right here, by those who know the region the best!