Insider’s Guide to Discover Presque Isle 2024

Next week is one of the best to visit Erie – it’s Discover Presque Isle week! This is a week-long celebration at Presque Isle State Park that is chocked full of activities, events, and opportunities to try or learn something new.

You can get the full schedule/run down of events at the Presque Isle Partnership’s (PIP) website.

By the way, PIP is an official non-profit partner to DCNR at Presque Isle State Park that generates private support and builds strategic partnerships to fund improvements at the park. This organization has had a huge impact on our beloved state park, funding everything from the new lifeguard stations to beach wheelchairs to Mobi mats and picnic tables, and so much more.

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of Discover Presque Isle. I remember going to the first one. In fact, one very memorable DPI for me was the first outing with my newborn Kelly, who will soon turn 23. She was just a few days old in 2001, but I strapped her into a stroller and took her to the craft show at DPI because I didn’t want to miss it. I don’t think I’ve ever missed one!

So, if you plan to visit DPI next week, I’ve got some insider advice for you.

Tip No. 1: Bike around to all the activities. We started doing this as soon as the kids were old enough to handle a slow ride around the park. Traffic is heavy on DPI weekend and it’s only one lane for about half of the park. It’s much easier – and faster – to cycle around and stop at all the various locations. We just park at Beach No. 1 and then hit the multipurpose trail. (You may want to take a bike lock.) Don’t have a bike? You can rent one at the Yellow Bike Rental at the park, or – even easier – rent an electric bike from eBike Drop, an electric bike rental company the brings the bike(s) to you and picks them up when you’re done. Insider tip: The total distance around the park on the multi-purpose trail is just shy of 13 miles.

Make a plan. Look at the DPI schedule ahead of time and figure out what things you most want to see or do. The park is big, and events/activities are spread out among the entire park, so make a plan centered around your must-do’s and fit in other things along the way. A map of the park may help you. You can download one here.

Beach 11 is the farthest beach. Many of the activities and events, including the Sunset Concert Series, Sand Sculpture competition, and Art in the Park & Food Festival, are held at Beach 11, which is near the tip of Presque Isle. It’s a 20-minute drive from the entrance to Beach 11 on a good day and it is going to take much longer DPI weekend, so plan accordingly!

See the sand sculptures Saturday. There is a sand sculpture contest on Saturday that is definitely worth stopping by. The construction of the sculptures, which is fascinating to watch, takes place from 9:30 a.m. until the judging at 12:30 p.m.  After the awards presentation at 1 p.m., the sculptures stay up for viewing through Sunday, but they are not maintained and, occasionally, are spoiled early by wind/water or inconsiderate beachgoers.

Don’t miss Kite Beach. This is an often-overlooked item on the DPI schedule, but it’s hard to miss on your drive around the park as the colorful, elaborate, whimsical and enormous kites demand attention. This beach is always windy and is beloved by kite enthusiasts who come out in force for DPI weekend. It’s truly something to see. Insider tip: Chat up some of the kite flyers. They often enjoy talking and sharing their passion with visitors. They might even let the kids take a turn! Note that there’s a special Kite Beach Illumination on Friday night.

PISP does not have concessions. The park no longer has a company providing concessions. The good news is that on DPI weekend, you’re likely to find plenty of food trucks and food vendors on the park. You can also find vending machines at some of the beaches. On Saturday and Sunday morning, you can have breakfast at the Rotary Club’s Pancake Breakfast held on both days from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

Namaste on Beach 8. There is free yoga, pilates, and yoglaties classes offered every day next week at 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Beach 8. See the full schedule here. Bring a mat, or a thick towel or two.

Check out Art in the Park. What started as a run-of-the-mill craft show three decades ago has grown into much more of an art fair with artisans selling beautiful and unique handmade wares. You’ll find the fair at Beach 11 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, along with lots of food trucks/vendors.

The early bird gets on the pontoon. If you want to take advantage of the one-hour free interpretive guided pontoon boat rides in the lagoons, get there early as they can only seat 16 on each ride, and the slots fill up fast. Insider tip: You can’t sign up for family members/friends. All participants must be present when you sign up.

Beach Concerts Rock. You have two opportunities to rock out on Beach 11. The final concert of the UPMC Sunset Concert Series is on Wednesday night and on Saturday there will be nine hours of live music from 2 to 10 p.m. on the Z102.3 Rock Stage. Insider tip: Don’t forget the sunscreen for the daytime and bug spray for the night time. Also, the best part of the sunset is AFTER the sun sinks, so stay awhile and let everyone else rush out.

Bring some cash. While most programs at DPI are free, donations are encouraged and appreciated as they help to further the Presque Isle Partnership mission. Another good way to support the park – buy a button (not only is this a souvenir, but if you pin it on, it’s a sign of your support), an official event T-shirt (just $20!) from Erie’s own Erie Apparel, or take a chance on baskets at the Beach Bucket Raffle.

Less fun, but good-to-know things

PA parks are dry. Alcohol is not permitted at any Pennsylvania State Park, including Presque Isle.

Swimming only allowed at guarded beaches. Swimming is only permitted at guarded beaches and most – if not all – of them will be open on DPI weekend. Insider tip: You can wade up to your knees anywhere, even unguarded beaches.

Dogs cannot swim at guarded beaches. Dogs must be leashed and must stay at the tree line, i.e., the trees near the road, at any swimming beach.  Here is a map of where dogs can swim. Insider tip: Algae can be a problem at the park, especially for dogs who tend to drink a lot of water while swimming. It can make dogs very sick. If the water is unsafe, warning signs will be posted.

Share the road. Sometimes people at PISP get upset with cyclists on the road because they think they should be on the multi-purpose trail. But, faster bikers should not be on the trail as they are hazardous to all of the walkers, runners, surreys, casual bikers, roller bladers. Be advised that you have to share the road with cyclists at PISP and state law requires you to give them four feet when passing. Insider tip: Rangers have and will ticket for not following this rule.

Set your cruise control. This is unlikely to be a problem on DPI weekend as heavy traffic will force you to drive slow but should you find yourself with some open road, do what I do when I’m at the park and set your cruise control to 25 mph. It’s very easy to drive faster, but it’s dangerous for wildlife/park visitors, and your wallet if the rangers bust you (and they do give tickets).

No parking means no parking.  In general, if you can get your entire vehicle with all four tires off the road and the multipurpose trail (which runs alongside the road from Perry Monument on), you can park along the road throughout the park. But, if the rangers have no-parking signs posted, obey them. Trust me, they mean it.