Bicentennial Tower

Erie, Pennsylvania

1 State Street

42.1389 N, 80.0917 W

The Bicentennial Tower is the key feature of Erie's Bayfront and Dobbins Landing.  While on the top observation deck, 138 feet above Presque Isle Bay, you can see in every direction and enjoy stunning views of Lake Erie, Presque Isle and the City of Erie.  A portion of the area around the tower was decorated with bricks engraved with the names and messages of individuals and groups who donated money in support of various community benefit projects including the tower's construction. On November 11, 1996 a time capsule to be opened in 2095 was buried at the base of the tower.

On a clear day it's even possible to see all the way to Long Point in Ontario, Canada 27 miles away.  Dobbins Landing was originally known as the Public Steamboat Landing and later the Public Dock.  Named after Captain Daniel Dobbins, an early 19th century sailing master in the U.S. Navy who supervised the construction of a squadron of warships, built in Erie and used during the War of 1812.

Dobbins Landing is a popular tourist area located at the edge of Presque Isle Bay at the terminus of State Street.  Consisting of a wharf and adjoining facilities, the landing includes the tower, the Sheraton Hotel and the Bayfront Convention Center. 

The Bicentennial Tower was built in 1996 to comemmorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the City of Erie.  Phase I construction date began September 25, 1995 with a completion date of October 16, 1996.  Phase II began December 26, 1995 and was opened October 19, 1996 at a cost of $2.1 million (equivalent to $4.08 million in 2023). The architects were Weber Murphy Fox, Inc.