Tom Ridge Environmental Center

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center sits at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park and serves as the interpretive gateway to the peninsula. Its exhibits explain the geology of the tombolo, the ecology of the various beach and dune habitats, the history of human use of the peninsula, and the seasonal migration patterns that make Presque Isle such a significant stopover for birds.

The centre includes a large-format film theatre showing films about the Great Lakes and local natural history, a gift shop, and the observation tower with views over the park. For anyone wanting to understand what they're seeing before walking the trails, it's a worthwhile stop. Admission is free; the film theatre has a small charge.

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The center's 75-foot observation tower was designed to give visitors a view of the entire Presque Isle peninsula in a single sweep — a useful orientation before walking or cycling the park. On a clear day you can see across the lake toward Canada, some 50 miles north, which reminds you that Lake Erie is an inland sea as much as a lake.

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