The French name "Presque Isle" means "almost an island." But there's nothing "almost" about recreation on this peninsula that curves out into Lake Erie. Presque Isle in Pennsylvania offers a full slate of summer fun.
Take swimming. Eleven beaches edge the lake, and nine of them have lifeguards. What you do besides cooling off in the lake depends on where you park your towel. On Beach 6 you can play volleyball, and on Beach 7 you can take the kids to an adjacent playground. Kids also like Beach 11. It's unguarded, but shallow water invites young waders and their parents. Sunset Point draws surfers, boaters and kite flyers.
Face away from the lake and you discover 10 miles of hiking trails. Many of them wind through distinct ecological zones. Signage on the self-guided interpretive trail alerts walkers to natural phenomena in the park. Dead Pond Trail traverses an oak-maple forest, pines and sand plains. The Recreational Trail follows the Presque Isle shoreline and is wheelchair accessible.
Because Presque Isle is flat, biking here is effortless. Rent bikes and do a 13.5-mile loop around the park. The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is a great place to stop and learn about the ecology of the area through interactive exhibits and an orientation movie.
And when you want to get back on water, choose from several boating options. You can rent powered and non-powered craft at Grave Yard Pond. Or you can park your own small- to medium-sized craft at one of five launches. There's also a marina with nearly 500 slips and a gasoline and fuel concession. Water-skiing is permitted 500 feet away from the shore.
If you want to let someone else navigate, consider a tour. A pontoon ride glides over serene lagoons while Presque Isle Boat Tours offers stable rides on the lake.