Tom Ridge Environmental Center

One of the coolest FREE things to do in Erie. It's like a museum, a movie theater, and an environmental center, all rolled into one. Also, I love the observation tower, where you can go up to the top and see everything for miles around. Highly recommended on your way into Presque Isle State Park (it's the first right before you actually arrive on the Peninsula). Also, in Summertime, look for the "Ravine Flyer" roller coaster, which travels on a bridge over the highway from Waldameer Park, and does a turn right below the Tom Ridge center . . . especially cool from the top of the observation tower.

P.S. When you visit Presque Isle State Park in the off-season, most of the beach bathrooms are closed for the winter, so I like to stop here before (and sometimes after) my visit to the peninsula just to use the bathrooms . . . best bathrooms for the buck (free) anywhere, because they are eco-friendly, and they have the most interesting sinks for washing your hands, . . . never have I seen sinks like these anywhere . . . check them out!

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center focuses on the history of the local area - starting back with the glacial era, through early settlement, to current state - focusing on the environmental aspects. There's a lot of eco-diversity in Erie making this a good spot for such a place. There are a lot of "read the signs", yet also some interactive exhibits. It is FREE - except for the movies.

There's a tower to ascend with a view of the surrounding area; glad we did it - but unlike other reviewers - I didn't think the view was anything special... the trees blocked most of the Presque Isle peninsula - and 1/3 of the view was of the water park across the street.

Yet all-in-all - a good stop over, and a great way to learn some good history and environmental knowledge. We spent an hour.

Oh yes, each movie is shown only once per day, so if there's one you want to see - check the website and plan accordingly.

This place is really great! It's a free nature museum offering video, hands-on play for kids, and some interesting history of the whole Lake Erie and local PA areas. Thanks to Tom Ridge for your enthusiasm and dedication to environmental education! Thanks to Erie for making this vision come alive!

The location is perfect for exploring more of the local scenery, too! If nature is only part of your interest - it's really close to Waldemere amusement park. Unlike Six Flags or the sorts, you can purchase rides one by one and avoid the expensive all-day pass style park system. If camping, fishing, volleyball, or swimming float your boat - check out the shore along Lake Erie on Presque Isle (just keep driving a bit past TREC) and spend the day on the beach!

This is a new building located at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park. Inside is an educational center dedicated to teaching visitors about Presque Isle. I learned a few things about Lake Erie that I didn't know before. For example, where was I when flying saucers attacked! And, I have never heard of the Creature from Lake Erie! ;) http://www.flickr.com/photos/thelonebeader/3079172992/in/set-72157601472080158/

Aside from that, there are research facilities, interactive exhibits, a GIANT screen movie theatre, cafe, and gift shop. If you are interested in wildlife, fishing, and the world around you, this is a great place to check out. Entrance is free, so bring the kids! :D

Its FREE people.

This place is EXCELLENT for children where they can run and explore all over the place. You learn all about Erie, Great Lakes and the life that lives around it and in it. I can say it is one of the very bright jewels of the Erie area and all parents should bring their children down.

There is a place where they can hang their coats and just let them explore but keep them away from the gift shop as the things that can be broken are in this place.

What I like about this place the very most is you learn all about everything in the Great Lakes including the fish and what type (I like eating fish). There is a movie theater without the popcorn a lot of art deco from life of Erie.

I'm going to return again and take it all in and I'll post more pictures.

Thanks for the read.

Fun, educational center on Presque history and today. Great for kids and adults. 365° Tower overlook

A very educational place. Free museum for people that are interested in history and the origins of the area. Views of the area ate spectacular. A very picturesque view of the lake and surrounding amusement/water parks.

This place is great for kids and adults. I brought my son last week on a trip to Erie and he's a science lover and he was impressed. We watched the IMAX film, it was really interesting as well. The view from the top of the tower is nice. It's nice that they are able to offer this to the public for no fee.

Cool place to go!! It's completely free to come in and learn all about our lake and the animals that live there. My kids love coming to play here and the view from the top of the tower is amazing!

A fine diversion and a good way to orient yourself with Presque Isle if you're unfamiliar. The films are wonderful (we've seen some at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh; that's the quality we're talking). The only complaint is that it's not enough. It's easy to move around and docents are eager to engage visitors. The lookout tower gives a lovely but limited view of PISP in summer (in winter, more may be visible). Kids may get bored easily with only a few interactive exhibits but the exhibits are all in keeping with the center's purpose. Very interesting uses of eco-tech, many of which I'd love to see implemented at the park itself.

Worth an hour of your time (more if you take in a film) and a quiet respite from all the activity in the area.