Five Great Reasons to Visit Lake Erie.

Once again, it’s that fantastic time of the year when you dream about your summer vacation plans! You’ve heard all about the Great Lakes but each one is great in it’s own way. How do you decide which one to visit? As someone who grew up on the shore of Lake Erie, I may be able to help you decide. I’m hoping to make the case for Lake Erie. So, read on and learn if Lake Erie is really worth your visit.

Presque Isle State Park. Photo courtesy of Dean Zeller

Our Beautiful Beaches

If miles of sandy shores and clear warm water are your jam, then you’re going to love Lake Erie which features over 800 miles of shoreline and the warmest waters of any Great Lake. At an average depth of around 60 feet, Lake Erie warms to near 75 degrees (Fahrenheit) by mid-summer.

Peak summer water temperatures (28 year average, degrees Fahrenheit, courtesy of NOAA):

• Erie, 76

• Saint Clair, 75

• Ontario, 73

• Michigan, 71

• Huron, 69

• Superior. 61

But Lake Erie isn’t just a great place to work on your tan. With over 4.2 million visitors annually, it ‘s commonplace to see people swimming, and kayaking at Presque Isle State Park. Beachgoers will also enjoy Geneva on the Lake and Maumee bay State Park which are popular destinations. For the record, since I am often asked…of course, it’s okay to swim in Lake Erie! I grew up swimming there. In fact, mom used to send my brother and I down to the Lake to bathe with a bar of soap after having been deemed “too dirty for the house”. As kids, it was just part of another idyllic day down on the farm.

A concord grape farm where the author was raised (Lake Erie in the background).

Wineries and Vineyards

The largest concord grape growing region east of the Mississippi resides on Lake Erie. This beautiful wine country is located near the center of the south shore near Erie, PA. This is where I was raised. Interestingly, grape farms were established in this region during the 1870’s because of the “Lake Effect” weather which protects the vines from harsh temperatures. Concord grapes are used to make grape juice and grape jelly. In fact, Welch’s East Coast facility is located in the region. Nestled amongst these vineyards, you’ll find over 20 wineries featuring locally grown wine varietals (not just concords). Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards, taste the wine, listen to live music, and even attend wine festivals throughout the year. Even if wine tasting isn’t your thing, you’ll still walk away with some amazing views of the Lake. Many feel that this area is the nicest part of Lake Erie.

The U.S. Brig Niagara. Courtesy of Tim McLaughlin, used with permission from VisitErie.

Historic Landmarks

Lake Erie is steeped in our nation's maritime history and is best known for the Battle of Lake Erie which was a turning point in our nation’s history. History buffs looking to explore the war of 1812 can experience living history first hand while aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara under sail. While in Erie, don’t forget to check out the accompanying maritime museum which has everything from an actual demonstration of the destructive power of a cannonball to a full-size, indoor, tall-ship rig used for sail training.

Another great find is Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial which honors those who fought in the battle of lake Erie. Interestingly, the memorial is located on Put-in-Bay island in Ohio, and is reachable only by ferry, boat, airplanes, air, boats, and private boats.

If history isn’t your thing, you can always visit one of the seven wonders of the world. Located at the eastern end of Lake Erie just north of Buffalo, New York, Niagara Falls State Park is something to see with your own eyes! Each year, this popular attraction draws visitors from all over the world.

sailing on Lake Erie aboard Your Sailing Adventure’s sailboat, Sotto Voce.

Outdoor Recreation

Speaking of boats...recently, people have been seizing more opportunities for outdoor recreation. For those wondering if Lake Erie is worth the visit, why not experience the Lake for yourself? Lake Erie is home to 6 sailing charter boat tour companies like my company, Your Sailing Adventure which offer a wide range of experiences from wine and food pairings under sail, to sailing lessons, and even relaxation cruises. As many discover, there's no experience necessary (and you'll finally be able to check that one off your bucket list!)

Hikers, cyclers, and campers will find many of the State parks which surround Lake Erie ideal for exploring nature, and taking in great scenery. Presque Isle State Park is wildly popular to everyone from birdwatchers, beach goers, runners, hunters, and offers fantastic views of Lake Erie.

Not far down the road is Geneva State Park which lures many vacationers who enjoy fishing, boating and swimming. There’s also something here for nature enthusiasts who are free to explore nearly 700 acres of freshwater marshes and estuaries.

Don't forget to stop by East Harbor State Park which resides on a peninsula that stretches into Lake Erie. Nature lovers will enjoy a wide variety of birds which live on the fringe of Ohio’s prairie marsh zone in an area 120 miles long and 30 to 40 miles wide.

Image courtesy of Cory Elder, XTR Fishing Charters

Fantastic Fishing

Recently, ranked number three bass lake by bass master magazine, Lake Erie offers a wide variety of fish including bass, steelhead, trout, and even bluegill. But locals favor the walleye and perch which are plentiful and can often be found in local restaurants during the summer. There are also a number of commercial charters which can be commissioned for fishing excursions. We recommend XTR Fishing Charters who feature new equipment and a great experience. But don’t take my word for it. The smiles of his guests and fish they catch tell a story all of their own. I can definitively tell you that everyone should try fishing from a boat on a Great Lake at least once in their lives. It’s a truly unique and exhilarating experience.

You’ve probably figured out by now that I love living on Lake Erie. I hope you will find your time spent here as rewarding as I do. For me, Lake Erie is worth a visit. Recently, I’ve visited all of the Great Lakes and I am still inexorably drawn to Erie. Don’t get me wrong, each Lake is unique. Each with a “personality” of it’s own and each is worth experiencing. Not all lakes are “great”, but all of the Great Lakes certainly deserve that moniker.

Thanks for reading. I hope to see you this summer.

Scott Hitz is the owner of Your Sailing Adventure LLC. a sailing charter company which operates in Erie, PA. He was raised on a 80 acre concord grape farm in Ripley, NY and for the past 25 years has called Erie his home.