Park officials gathered together "virtual copies" of Presque Isle's fauna and flora sights and sounds, the people who manage the natural environs, the memories of the Park's past, and its plans for the exciting future and information about ongoing research programs, and created a library of data.  Then they carefully designed and created a series of exciting, interactive exhibits to which they applied that data and they housed it all in a new facility. 

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center [TREC] sits atop a plateau at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park so as you decend the hill into the park you may not notice the center entrance on the right side of Peninsula Drive.  Your eyes will be drawn to the activity at Waldameer Amusement Park on the left side of the road.

You must stop by the TREC.  It gives you acess to volunteers who know and love the park and stand ready to answer any questions.  It has exhibits that will keep your attention.  It has a large sceen movie that provides a larger than life view.  It has a gift shop worth browsing.  It has a snack shop to satisfy the children and your cranky spouse.  It has really clean restrooms.   It is a good rainy day option.  [Unlike California, it occasionally rains in Erie.] 

I like the parking lot - even took a few pictures.  Islands of vegetation divide the standard asphalt sections and provide screening that gives it a "parking by the beach" look.  My wife hates it and want someone to pull the "weeds" and plant and groom the grass.  To each his own.

The public access tower [steps or elevator] that overlooks the center is not high enough to give you a good look at the lake, but it does give you a panoramic view of  west Erie, Waldemeer Amusement Park and a well designed  parking lot.  Take the elevator, enjoy the breeze and view and then scratch it off your list.  Dont forget to check out the parking lot.

Don't expect to see the entire center on your first stop.  Too much information to digest in one visit.  Just pick and choose then plan to stop again. 

The TREC does get plenty of visitors, but I never felt crowded while I was there; however, if a group of excited children are on property during your  visit the noise level goes up by a factor of 10.  When you watch the videos you will notice what I am talking about.  I wonder if OSHA makes teachers wear ear protection when leading field trips?

I filmed some video clips to introduce you to the place and to help you prepare for a visit.  When you do visit, enter the facility and go directly to the visitor information counter.  Get the map, the advice of the volunteers, and have at it.  With the exception of a small fee for the movie, this vacation stop is free, entertaining, and educational.  Can't beat that!

 [images - top to bottom - front entrance, parking lot, snack bar]

Welcome Desk

Exhibits

Gift Shop

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