Encompassing more than 3000 acres along the shorefront of Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park, which turned a century old in 2021, is a great spot for hiking, swimming, boating, biking and — to our delight — birding. Laying over in Erie during our leisurely farewell RV tour of the nation, and having already visited the park on the previous day, we decided that it was worth a return engagement on the day after.

Presque Isle has a long and varied history even before it was officially established as a park. Originally home to the indigenous Erielhonen (Eriez) tribe from which the lake takes its name, this scenic peninsula was settled by the French in the early Eighteenth Century, who gave it the name Presque Isle meaning “almost an island” (which is also what peninsula means, of course). It’s been the home of several military establishments, including a fort during the War Of 1812, and a Coast Guard base.

We decided that, in addition to exploring the park on foot, perhaps the best way to get a glimpse of various wildlife and botanical features was to take a free pontoon tour. It was certainly the easiest and most relaxing way.

Staffed by volunteers, the tour glides along through canals branching off the lake and gives the gawkers ample opportunities to spot various fowl, reptiles, mammals and amphibians.

Kimberly’s eager camera had a great time. So, since there seems to be some old saw about a single visual image being of the same value as a much larger quantity of verbiage, let’s let the photos do the talking.

When the tour was done, we hit the road again. And by the time the day was done, we were pulling into Ohio.

6/9/2023