The northernmost city of Pennsylvania, Erie is the third largest city in Pennsylvania. Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the city is the only lake port in the state. Presque Isle, a 7-mile-long peninsula, curves around the city's harbor. Its shoreline and protected harbor, and the availability of fresh water, makes Erie a major manufacturing and shipping center. With numerous building projects and renovations taking place over the past decade, Erie continues to emerge as a top contender for job growth and livability.

Lake Erie modifies the temperature of Erie with cold air masses being modified by the warm waters of Lake Erie. Precipitation is uniformly distributed throughout the year. Summer heat waves are influenced by cool lake breezes, and autumn, with its long dry periods and an abundance of sunshine, is usually the most pleasant season.

Area: 22 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 710 feet above sea level

Latitude: 42.11 N

Longitude: 80.08 W

Average Temperatures: January, 28.2° F; July, 70.9° F; average annual temperature, 51.9° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 38.1 inches of rain; 77.9 inches of snow

Population: 102,612 as on 2005

Attractions

• Commodore Perry's ship
• Erie Maritime Museum
• Old Custom House
• Bicentennial Tower
• Erie Art Museum
• Cashiers House
• Presque Isle State Park
• Erie Zoological Park and Botanical Garden
• Experience Children's Museum

Festivals

• Erie Summer Festival of the Arts
• Harborfest
• Wattsburg Fair
• Festival of Trees
• ZooLumination