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Presque Isle in running for best Pennsylvania attraction

Presque Isle’s many attractions and events have qualified it for the Pennsylvania Best Attraction award.

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It is currently in second place, behind Knoebel's Amusement Resort in Elysburg. It is ahead of the likes of Fallingwater and Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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Probably the most notable part of Presque Isle is its 11 miles of beach that draws in tourists from around the country and keeps locals coming back.

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The Multi-purpose Trail, also known as the Karl Boyes Multi-purpose National Recreation Trail. The trail starts as soon as one enters the park and spans around 13 miles around the perimeter of the park. It takes around 90 minutes to traverse the trail, and bikes can be rented at Beach 7. People also often traverse the trail by running or walking, which takes a few hours.

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For six weeks in June and July, Beach 1 is transformed into a free, open-air concert venue. Acts from around the region travel to perform for beachgoers.

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Presque Isle contains many different lagoons that can be accessed by canoe, kayak, or other boats. Boats can be rented across the bridge near the Perry Monument.

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Even during winter, there are plenty of things to do. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing is possible during winter, and are common activities by beachgoers.

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At the western end of the park, one can find Sunset Park between beaches 9 and 10. This part of the park is special in that people from all over the region come to fly their kites. It is also known as “Kite Beach”.

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Nearby is the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, which talks about the environmental aspects and history of the park. It is technically the “beginning” of the park and is a must-see attraction. The park itself is full of much wildlife. According to goerie.com, Presque Isle is home to over 320 types of birds species. It also hosts a variety of fish species in its lake and lagoons.

Nearby the park is Sara’s, a restaurant that sells a variety of foods and desserts and is a staple in the area. Friends and family come here often to fill their stomachs.

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For three days every July, an event called Discover Presque Isle is hosted. Many people come to this three day event, from beach sculpting on Beach 8, to many kites on Sunset Point, to a vendor alley at Waterworks. A duathlon is hosted which is a combination of biking and running with by oneself or with a partner. At night, people take out neon glow sticks, candles and laser lights to light up the beach.

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The Presque Isle lighthouse is also a hotspot that many tourists visit. It can be found at Beach 8, and is Lake Erie’s second oldest lighthouse. Atop the lighthouse is a large view of Lake Erie itself.

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Painted turtles at Graveyard Pond can also be observed. There are two telescopes, an educational panel, and a bench and can be reached by steps or a ramp.

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Various picnic pavilions can be rented out for parties and birthdays. A large cookhouse that seats 200 people features an enclosed food area with electrical support and running water. Pavilions are rented first come, first served by calling the park office at 1-888-PA-Parks.

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Hunting is banned for most species and times inside the park. Controlled duck and geese species can be hunted during hunting season. Hunters must be properly licensed, as any other hunting location requires.

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The contest is being run by USA Today and Presque Isle can be voted for once per day until October 10th at noon.

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Presque Isle and Pennylvania’s other attractions can be voted for online at http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-pennsylvania-attraction/

By Mike Murphy, Opinion Editor

10/3/2017

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