Erie Bayfront, Maritime Museum, US Brig Niagara, and More

This weekend, September 8th-11th, Tall Ships Erie will take place on the Erie's Bayfront. This year's celebration will be honor of the 25th anniversary of the rebuilding of the US Brig Niagara. You will be able to see these ships in action in Presque Isle Bay and out on Lake Erie for this awesome event. The rubber duck that created a huge sensation in Pittsburgh two years ago, and in Philly last year, will make an appearance for the festival as well. 

The US Brig Niagara is also known as the Flagship Niagara. The ship was named the flagship of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for it is a great example of the ingenuity and resilience of our state to people both abroad in Canada, and stateside. The ship was one of nine small ships (six of which were built in Erie) that joined with three other ships to fight the British Navy and retook Detroit and helped turn the tide in the War of 1812. Oliver Hazard Perry commanded the fleet and is memorialized at nearby Presque Isle State Park.

The Niagara is available for sailing from the Erie Maritime Museum on the Bayfront in Erie. Rides during the event are sold out, but festivities will still be occurring along the shores, in addition to views afforded of these ships sailing throughout the Erie Bayfront and from Presque Isle State Park. 

You can also learn more about Lake Erie's nautical history from the naval battles of the War of 1812 to now at the museum. 

The marinas on the Bayfront are also a nice place to relax, with nice playground areas, eateries, accommodations, entertainment areas, and more. 

The Niagara is utilized as a sailing school ship, helping to pass along the old art of sailing.

On the Port Erie Bayfront, you can also climb 138 feet to the top of the Bicentennial Tower to get a bird's eye view of the action. Be sure to drop by Erie to check out the many different sites and sights along the waters of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie during the Tall Ships Erie Festival. The festivities can be best experienced in the Port Erie/Erie Bayfront area, but you will also get great views of the ship from the peninsula at Presque Isle State Park, easily one of our favorite places in the state. Even if you miss Tall Ships, this is an all around awesome place to visit at any time of the year.