Discover the top things to do in Erie like visiting Splash Lagoon

Whether you want to hit the trails or hit the jackpot, you can find a variety of things to do just minutes from your guest room at the Country Inn & Suites in Erie. Enjoy a beachside picnic at Presque Isle State Park, meet the alpacas at the Erie Zoo, or brave the thrill rides at Waldameer Park & Water World, all within eight miles of the hotel. If you want to buy sunscreen or a new bathing suit before a day on the shores of Lake Erie, you can peruse the shops at Millcreek Mall Complex or Peach Street Marketplace. Feeling lucky? Presque Isle Downs and Casino has over 1,500 slot machines and table games like roulette, blackjack, craps, and poker. You can also place your bets on live Thoroughbred races at the on-site track.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Landmark
  • Nature
  • Nightlife
  • Shopping

Splash Lagoon

0.15 mi / 0.24 km from the hotel
Climb to the top of the 12-level tree house or swim to the bottom of the sparkling pool at this Polynesian-themed indoor water park, consistently rated one of the best in the country by numerous family magazines.

Erie Zoo

3.48 mi / 5.61 km from the hotel
Set aside at least two hours to see all the attractions at Erie Zoo. Watch the wacky penguins in the Children’s Adventure Area, stop to smell the flowers in the botanical garden, and ride the train from one end of the 15-acre park to the other.

Millcreek Mall Complex

1.69 mi / 2.72 km from the hotel
Among its nearly 200 retailers and restaurants, the Millcreek Mall Complex features anchor stores such as JCPenney and Boscov’s as well as specialty shops like Heritage Wine Cellars, Yankee Candle, and Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Peach Street Marketplace

0.75 mi / 1.2 km from the hotel
Find your new favorite outfit at this sprawling outdoor strip mall, which offers brands like Burlington, Gap Outlet, Old Navy, and Kohl’s.

Peek'n Peak Resort

17.77 mi / 28.6 km from the hotel
This resort offers more than two dozen skiing and snowboarding slopes, a ropes course, zip lines, and an 18-hole golf course. When you want to take a break, stop by the on-site Serenity Spa for a therapeutic treatment.

Presque Isle Downs and Casino

2.95 mi / 4.74 km from the hotel
Play poker or pull the lever on a slot machine at Presque Isle Casino, which also offers a thrilling racetrack. After cheering on your favorite Thoroughbred, you can unwind in one of the on-site restaurants such as The Brew Brothers or Backstretch Buffet.

Presque Isle State Park

8.01 mi / 12.9 km from the hotel
This 3,200-acre park is situated on a picturesque peninsula with miles of coastline along Lake Erie. Recreational activities include boating, bicycling, skating, hiking, fishing, and swimming.

Tom Ridge Environmental Center

5.7 mi / 9.17 km from the hotel
At this environmental center, you and your kids can learn about Erie’s indigenous wildlife and local conservation efforts. But don’t let the learning fool you—the sculptures, big-screen theater, and 70-foot-tall tower are also lots of fun!

Waldameer Park & Water World

5.7 mi / 9.17 km from the hotel
Do you have what it takes to tame the Steel Dragon roller coaster? If not, don’t worry; Waldameer Park & Water World features more than 100 other rides, slides, shows, and attractions for visitors of all ages.

ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum

5.61 mi / 9.03 km from the hotel
Find hours of interactive fun at this museum, which boasts kid-favorite exhibits like the Open Studio Art Center and Amazing Airwaves. Check the website for upcoming events.

Erie Art Museum

6.09 mi / 9.8 km from the hotel
This popular museum boasts more than 8,000 pieces ranging from American ceramics to comic book art. Visit during the afternoon on the second Sunday of the month to enjoy pay-what-you-want admission.

Bicentennial Tower

6.3 mi / 10.14 km from the hotel
Visitors and locals alike flock to this landmark, which was built to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Erie. Climb to the tower’s 138-foot-high observation deck to take in stunning views of Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park.