Summer 2021 Bicentennial Tower, Erie PA Photo by JesArts Pics
1 / 10

Bicentennial Tower

4.6
·2k reviews·Erie, United States

187-ft. tower with observation decks offering panoramic vistas of Lake Erie & the city. A symbol of Erie's maritime heritage.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Clear day mornings

Best visibility to Canada

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Summer 2021 Bicentennial Tower, Erie PA Photo by JesArts Pics

Bicentennial Tower

Best Time

Clear day mornings

Best visibility to Canada

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

187-ft. tower with observation decks offering panoramic vistas of Lake Erie & the city. A symbol of Erie's maritime heritage.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"From the top, you get a beautiful view of the lake and the city. It’s definitely one of the must-see spots in Erie, PA."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check the Weather First

Clear days offer views of Canada! Don't miss out on the best visibility.

🎟️ Small Fee, Big Views

A modest fee grants access to the observation deck. Worth every penny for the scenery!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Lake Erie Views

Panoramic Lake Erie Views

Observation Deck

Gaze out at Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, and even Canada on a clear day. Unforgettable vistas!

City Skyline at Dusk

City Skyline at Dusk

Observation Deck

Witness Erie's transformation as the sun sets and city lights begin to twinkle. Magical!

Maritime Heritage Connection

Maritime Heritage Connection

Dobbins Landing

Located at Dobbins Landing, it's a symbol of Erie's connection to its maritime past.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit during clear days for the best chance to see Canada from the top! Evenings offer a stunning city skyline, but check operating hours as they can vary seasonally. Weekends can get busy, so consider a weekday visit if possible.

Ticket & Access

A small fee grants access to the observation deck via elevator. While there are stairs, the elevator is recommended for ease. Arrive early on busy days to avoid potential queues, especially during peak tourist season.

Best Times

When
Clear day mornings
Why
Best visibility to Canada
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, great views
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset evenings
Why
Stunning city lights
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bicentennial tower, Erie Pa USA Unforgettable trips, walks, acquaintances, meetings, places!!! Thanks a lot @carriefroess and @ephockeyacademy #ephockey #hockey #ukrainianhockey #hockeycamp #tower #playhockey #подорожсша #подорож #українцівсша #хокей #хокейнийкемп #хокеїсти
hockey_2012_kv
32 likes • 421 views

🎯 Check the Weather First

Clear days offer views of Canada! Don't miss out on the best visibility. Instagram

🎟️ Small Fee, Big Views

A modest fee grants access to the observation deck. Worth every penny for the scenery! Reddit

Don’t overlook Erie as just another Great Lakes stop. The Bicentennial Tower marks the city’s 200th anniversary, standing 187 feet above Presque Isle Bay. From the top, you can see all the way to Canada on a clear day — proof that Erie is more than a pit stop, it’s a view worth climbing for. Day 41 of posting one photo a day — until the algorithm figures it out. 📍 Bicentennial Tower, Erie, Pennsy...
wanderingwidowtravels
0 likes • 185 views
The Bicentennial Tower at night. #bicentennialtower #bicentennialtowererie #bicentennialtowereriepa #erie #city #skyline #lakeerie #pennsylvania #dronepilot #dronevideo #dronefly #droneshots #droneporn
willycmelo
7 likes • 283 views

🚶‍♀️ Elevator is Your Friend

Skip the stairs and take the elevator for easy access to the top. Reddit

📸 Capture the Skyline

Visit at sunset for a breathtaking view of the city lights. Instagram

~Save This~ if your visiting the Port of Erie Pa and Presque Isle bay area. Bicentennial Tower has a 138' observation deck with stunning views of Presque Bay, Lake Erie, and even Canada on a clear day. It's open to the public 7 days a week! . . . . . . #bicentennialtower #visiterie #portoferie #lakeerie #presqueisle #presquislebay #lakeviews #pa #beachviews #lakeerieliving #pennslyvania #lakee...
swopefamilyadventures
74 likes • 2.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check the Weather First

Clear days offer views of Canada! Don't miss out on the best visibility. Instagram

🎟️ Small Fee, Big Views

A modest fee grants access to the observation deck. Worth every penny for the scenery! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Elevator is Your Friend

Skip the stairs and take the elevator for easy access to the top. Reddit

📸 Capture the Skyline

Visit at sunset for a breathtaking view of the city lights. Instagram

📍 Explore Nearby

The tower is near the Maritime Museum and boat tours. Make a day of it! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Bicentennial Tower for its stunning, expansive views of Lake Erie, the bay, and the city skyline, often noting the ability to see Canada on clear days. The small admission fee and elevator access are highlighted as significant positives, making it an accessible and worthwhile attraction for all ages. Some minor points of dislike include seasonal operating hours and potential crowds during peak times.

"Beautiful views!!! Definitely worth the small fee. We noticed it when we were at the maritime museum but had run out of time so we went the next day. Good for all ages. Loved the elevator after the stairs at the land lighthouse!"

Sabrina Deeter

"The Bicentennial Tower in Erie is a great place to visit. From the top, you get a beautiful view of the lake and the city. It’s definitely one of the must-see spots in Erie, PA"

Ari Kendal

"A beautiful tower on the end of a pier with a small restaurant and gift shop at the bottom. It is in a nice location with many things to do nearby and multiple boat tours are available on the pier as well. The views are the main reason to go up to the tower and they were great, could see over as far as you could see on lake Erie and the entire bayfront. They do have an elevator so you don't have to walk up all those stairs lol. I would recommend stopping by here if you are in the Erie area."

Captain “Dad” Jackson

What People Like

Spectacular panoramic views
Affordable admission fee
Easy elevator access

What People Dislike

Seasonal operating hours
Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Bicentennial Tower is located at Dobbins Landing on the waterfront in Erie, PA. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors arrive as part of exploring the bayfront area. Instagram+1

Yes, there are parking lots available near Dobbins Landing and the surrounding bayfront area. Parking fees may apply depending on the lot and time of year. Instagram

If you are staying or visiting attractions along the bayfront, walking to the Bicentennial Tower is a pleasant option. It's a central point on the waterfront. Instagram

Erie's public transportation system may have routes that service the downtown and bayfront areas. It's advisable to check the local transit authority's schedule for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

The tower has an elevator, making it accessible for most visitors, including those with mobility challenges. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is a small fee to access the observation deck, often around $6 per person. This fee allows you to take the elevator to the top. Reddit

Tickets are typically purchased on-site. It's recommended to check the official operating hours and any potential booking requirements, especially during peak season or special events. Instagram

Operating hours can vary seasonally and may be affected by weather. It's best to check the official website or local listings before your visit. Many sources indicate it's open 7 days a week during its operating season. Instagram

The tower is generally considered good for all ages. Children can enjoy the views, and the elevator makes it accessible for families. Reddit

While there are stairs, the elevator is the primary and recommended way to reach the observation deck for most visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

From the 138-foot observation deck, you get stunning panoramic views of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, the Erie skyline, and on clear days, you can see as far as Canada. InstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! The elevated perspective offers fantastic opportunities for landscape and cityscape photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. Instagram+1

Yes, articulating binoculars are often available at the top, allowing you to get a closer look at distant sights, including Port Dover, Ontario. Reddit

Sunset provides a dramatic backdrop with city lights, while clear mornings offer the best chance for distant views of Canada. Instagram+1

On exceptionally clear days, visitors have reported being able to see Port Dover, Ontario, across Lake Erie. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is typically a small restaurant and gift shop located at the base of the tower on Dobbins Landing. Reddit

The bayfront area around Dobbins Landing offers various dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants. Reddit

While there might not be specific restrictions, it's generally best to consume outside food in designated areas or before/after your visit to the observation deck. Reddit

Some restaurants along the bayfront may offer views of the water, though the primary viewing experience is from the tower itself. Reddit

Popular spots often include seafood restaurants along the bayfront and various local eateries throughout the city. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bicentennial Tower is a fantastic family-friendly attraction. The elevator makes it easy for everyone, including strollers and little legs, to reach the top. Kids will be fascinated by the expansive views and the chance to spot boats on the lake. It's a great way to break up a day of exploring and offers a unique perspective of Erie. Reddit

Consider visiting on a clear day so the children can experience the thrill of potentially seeing another country. Pack some snacks and drinks, as while there are facilities at the base, the observation deck is purely for viewing. It's a memorable experience that offers both fun and a touch of educational value about geography and local landmarks. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Bicentennial Tower is a must-visit. The 360-degree views provide endless opportunities for capturing stunning landscapes, cityscapes, and waterscapes. Golden hour, particularly sunset, is a prime time to visit, offering dramatic lighting and vibrant colors as the city lights begin to illuminate. Instagram+1

Bring your telephoto lens to take advantage of the articulating binoculars and capture distant details. The tower itself also makes for interesting foreground elements in your shots. Remember to check the operating hours, as early morning or late evening visits might be limited by closing times. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The Bicentennial Tower offers incredible value for its small admission fee. For around $6, you get access to spectacular views that rival those of much more expensive attractions. It's an affordable way to experience a significant landmark and enjoy panoramic vistas of Lake Erie and the surrounding area. Reddit

Combine your visit with free activities like exploring Presque Isle State Park or walking along the bayfront. Pack a picnic to enjoy before or after your tower visit to save on dining costs. The tower is a perfect addition to a budget-friendly itinerary in Erie. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Experiencing the Views

The primary draw of the Bicentennial Tower is its breathtaking panoramic views. Standing at 187 feet, the observation deck offers an unparalleled perspective of Presque Isle Bay, the vast expanse of Lake Erie, and the charming Erie cityscape. On exceptionally clear days, visitors have reported spotting the distant shores of Canada, a testament to the tower's strategic location. The experience is enhanced by articulating binoculars available for use, allowing for a closer look at the horizon and any passing vessels. InstagramReddit+1

Many visitors recommend visiting during different times of the day to appreciate the changing scenery. Sunrise can offer a serene start, while sunset paints the sky with vibrant colors, transforming the city into a twinkling spectacle. The tower's accessibility via an elevator makes this incredible vantage point available to almost everyone, ensuring that the stunning vistas are not missed. Instagram+1

Beyond the immediate views, the tower serves as a landmark and a symbol of Erie's maritime heritage. Its presence at Dobbins Landing places it amidst other waterfront attractions, making it a convenient and rewarding stop for any visitor exploring the Port of Erie. Instagram+1

Planning Your Visit

To make the most of your trip to the Bicentennial Tower, consider the weather. Clear days are essential for maximizing the viewing potential, especially if you hope to see Canada. Check the forecast before you go, and aim for a time when the skies are bright and cloud-free. Weekday visits tend to be less crowded than weekends, allowing for a more relaxed experience. Instagram+1

While there's a small admission fee, it's widely considered a worthwhile investment for the experience. The tower is equipped with an elevator, making the ascent to the observation deck easy and comfortable for all ages and mobility levels. This convenience is frequently highlighted by visitors who appreciate not having to climb numerous stairs. Reddit

Combine your visit to the tower with other nearby attractions. Dobbins Landing itself offers a pleasant atmosphere, and the Maritime Museum is just a short walk away. Boat tours also frequently depart from the pier, providing another way to experience the beauty of Presque Isle Bay. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2