Summer 2021 Bicentennial Tower, Erie PA Photo by JesArts Pics
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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
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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!

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 1,798 reviews

Type

Observation Deck

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

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.

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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

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