Presque Isle is one of the most recognizable places in northwest Pennsylvania, with beaches, miles of trails and direct access to Lake Erie.

However, a recent TripAdvisor list said it didn’t even make the list for best state parks.

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“It is the top-visited state park in Pennsylvania. It draws in the most visitors. It is a beautiful year-round attraction. and that is what we base a lot of our marketing off of,” Christine Temple, Director of Communications for VisitErie, said.

TripAdvisor lists are made by community members with their reviews and ratings.

Not only is Presque Isle a top tourist attraction, drawing nearly 4 million people annually, but the park is also vital to Erie and Pennsylvania’s economy.

“It’s vital to our economy. If we didn’t have Presque Isle, I’m not sure where we would be as a destination. Obviously, we have some wonderful, amazing attractions. But Presque Isle is our hook,” Temple said.

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When most people rank their state parks, they typically rank it on scenic views. But what Presque Isle has to offer is way more than that. with options ranging from boating to fishing to hiking trails. You can do many different things that aren’t exactly listed in a top ten list for most state parks.

“It’s just an all-encompassing outdoor recreational playground and it’s something that should be recognized in something that should be appreciated and treasured,” Temple said.

With peak season just weeks away, officials said Presque Isle remains a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s state park industry.

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