Great Lakes Seaway Trail – PA
Details
- DesignationNational Scenic Byway (2005)
- Intrinsic QualitiesHistoric
- LocationNY, PA
- Length64 of 518 total miles
Overview
The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is a 518 mile scenic driving route that follows the shores of Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River in New York and Pennsylvania. One of the first roads in America to be designated as a National Scenic Byway, the Great Lakes Seaway Trail includes unique historical locations and cultural heritage sites in addition to outstanding views and scenic vistas.The Great Lakes Seaway Trail connects unique destinations such as Presque Isle, Niagara Falls, and the Thousand Islands, the cities of Erie, Buffalo, Rochester, and Oswego, and charming waterfront towns and villages. Enjoy the scenic route on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail and experience the journey of a lifetime!
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Visit Buffalo Niagara
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Discover Upstate New York
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Visit Sackets Harbor
Story of the Byway
For a Great Lakes experience, drive the Seaway Trail! This 518 mile, easy-to-follow signed string of roads leisurely takes you along the freshwaters of Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Watch for Seaway Trail outdoor storyteller panels at significant stopping points that share the facts, legends and lore of this unique America's Byway. The Seaway Trail is your connection to 38 historic lighthouses, the War of 1812, and nature's finest four season of recreation.
Driving Directions
The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is a 500-mile scenic driving route that follows the shores of Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River in New York and Pennsylvania. A designated National Scenic Byway, the Great Lakes Seaway Trail includes unique historical locations and cultural heritage sites in addition to outstanding views and scenic vistas. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail connects unique destinations such as Presque Isle, Niagara Falls, and the Thousand Islands; the cities of Erie, Buffalo, Rochester, Oswego, and Ogdensburg. Enjoy the slower pace of the scenic route on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail!
Points of Interest
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Frederic Remington Art Museum - Ogdensburg, NY
Frederic Remington Art Museum: Perhaps most widely known for his bronze sculptures, he is one of America's most respected 19th century painters and illustrators who often used his beloved North Country as subject matter.
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Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay, New York
Learn the Gilded Age Love Story of George and Louise Boldt and how this wealthy New York City hotel owner wished to create a symbol of his love; hear and see what happened.
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Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY
Take the tour including 200 antique utilitarian to luxurious boats or keep going and take a wooden skiff out on the river and get some exercise.
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Safe Haven Museum & Educational Center by Fort Ontario in New York
982 adult and child refugees from Nazi terror stayed here from 1944‐46
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Sodus Point Lighthouse, Sodus Point, NY
Built in 1871 to guide boats in and out of busy Sodus Bay, now a sailing and fishing paradise.
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George Eastman House - Rochester, NY
A Georgian-Revival Mansion, a photography museum, art cinema and luscious gardens. Did you remember Mr. Eastman was the founder of Eastman Kodak and the man who developed photography into a hobby for millions.
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Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown, NY
French Castle dating to 1727
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Maid of the Mist, Niagra Falls, NY
You’ve never felt the power of Niagara Falls like this before. Experience the rush from the 600,000 gallons of water falling per second.
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Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum in North Tonawanda, NY
Ride on an old‐fashioned carrousel in the world’s only carrousel museum.
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Naval & Military Park in Buffalo
Climb aboard the ship to see the country’s largest inland floating history museum
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Darwin Martin’s country home, Graycliff, in Buffalo, NY
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
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Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse and Veteran’s Park Museum, Dunkirk, NY
Operational Lighthouse with a museum and great views
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Erie Maritime Museum and the Brig Niagara
Home port for U.S. Brig Niagra and Lettie G Howard ships.
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Presque Isle State Park
11 miles of beaches, concert spaces, and lgihthouse.
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Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo, NY
Opened in 1929, showcases animals, astrology, and technology.
Itinerary
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Explore the Shore of Lake Erie
Starting at the Pennsylvania border with Ohio on route 20, besides one change over to route 5, the Great Lakes Scenic Byway is a straight shot across the state’s corner for 45 miles. Right from the beginning when you reach North Springfield, you will be able to take in the beautiful views of Lake Erie and the surrounding landscapes. Here is where you make the transfer over to route 5, and then are immediately greeted by Erie Bluffs State Park. This is the perfect location to relax and enjoy the beauty of one of the world’s most beautiful bodies of water.
After you move on from there, you will continue northeast for about 15 miles until you hit the city of Erie. In Erie, there is no shortage of opportunity to enjoy the area. With attractions like the Port Erie Bayfront District, the West Sixth Street Historic District, the Erie Maritime Museum, and even the beautiful Presque Isle State Park, there is something for everyone at this point in the trip.
From this portion of the Byway up until you hit the border with New York, you are actually travelling right along the shoreline of Lake Erie and the views are second to none. Just sit back and relax as you enjoy the beautiful views of one of the Great Lakes and the picturesque landscapes surrounding it.
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