Tom Ridge Environmental Center

Opened in 2006 on the grounds of Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center combines museum, educational, research, and visitor facilities in a 65,000-square-foot building. Named for former Pennsylvania governor Tom Ridge, it features exhibits on regional plants, animals, history, and culture, along with a theater, cafe, gift shop, visitors' center, and observation tower overlooking Lake Erie. The center also houses conference rooms, laboratories, and offices for environmental and conservation work. Its site reflects changing local recreation as well, occupying the former Peninsula drive-in theater location, and a nearby wind turbine installed in 2007 was later removed after causing damage and safety concerns.

Pennsylvania · United States