Explore Presque Isle waters with a free pontoon boat ride from DCNR. What to know

A.J. Rao, Erie Times-News
·1 min read

The natural beauty and wildlife of Presque Isle’s interior ponds and waterways can be hard to appreciate when driving around the perimeter of Presque Isle State Park.

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, consider a pontoon ride.

Beginning on Memorial Day weekend, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and volunteers will offer free interpretive pontoon boat rides throughout Misery Bay and the lagoons.

The guided, one-hour rides will allow participants to experience the plants and animals that live in the wetland habitat and to also learn more about the area's history and natural resources, according to DCNR.

Abigail Young, 4, of Pittsburgh, tries to catch a glimpse of turtles and geese while riding a pontoon boat in the lagoons at Presque Isle State Park, July 15, 2010. The free boat tours are one of the park's most popular programs.
Abigail Young, 4, of Pittsburgh, tries to catch a glimpse of turtles and geese while riding a pontoon boat in the lagoons at Presque Isle State Park, July 15, 2010. The free boat tours are one of the park's most popular programs.

When are the boat rides offered?

Beginning May 24, rides will be offered every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, through Sept. 8.

Three rides will be offered on each of those days: From 9-10 a.m., from 10:30-11:30 a.m., and from noon to 1 p.m.

For a complete list of dates, visit DCNR's Presque Isle web site.

How and where to sign up?

Sign up begins 15 minutes prior to a ride's start time at the Pontoon Boat Station just past Perry Monument in Presque Isle State Park.

All participants must be present at sign in.

DCNR volunteer John Misterovich passes out binoculars to passengers July 6, 2016 on a guided pontoon boat ride through the lagoons at Presque Isle State Park.
DCNR volunteer John Misterovich passes out binoculars to passengers July 6, 2016 on a guided pontoon boat ride through the lagoons at Presque Isle State Park.

The boat holds between 15 and 18 participants depending upon the mix and is handicapped accessible.

The rides are free of charge and are on a first-come first-serve basis.

Children 13 and younger must wear a personal flotation device throughout the ride. You can bring your own Coast Guard-approved PFD or use one provided.

Presque Isle State Park: The lagoons entice visitors to get lost in nature

The Presque Isle Lagoons: The park's hidden jewel and its history

A.J. Rao can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @ETNRao.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Presque Isle pontoon rides: How to get a guided tour of the waters

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next