Sunset Sail Aboard Lettie G. Howard: Historic 1893 Schooner on Presque Isle Bay

Sunset Sail Onboard Lettie G. Howard offers a two-hour voyage from Dobbins Landing at the foot of State Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, across Presque Isle Bay. Boarding a 1893 wooden Fredonia-style fishing schooner restored to original lines, you'll help the crew hoist sails, learn Erie's maritime history, and watch the sun drop behind the sandy curve of Presque Isle. The ship itself—Lettie G. Howard—was built in Essex, Massachusetts in 1893 and fished the Northeast Atlantic and Gulf coasts before arriving at South Street Seaport Museum in 1968; she was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1989. Owned by the South Street Seaport Museum and operated in collaboration with the Flagship Niagara League, this vessel is one of the last surviving examples of its class and sailing her is a hands-on history lesson. The voyage highlights the natural harbor formed by Presque Isle, a long, sandy peninsula that shelters Erie's bay and produces some of the cleanest sunset views over water in the eastern United States. Typical sails depart with the Captain's plan dictated by wind and weather; expect a check-in 30 minutes before departure and a relaxed two-hour loop across the bay. Passengers help set larger sails or simply settle on bench seating and scan the shoreline for low dunes, wetlands, and the shifting sandbars that define Presque Isle's geomorphology. Wildlife sightings often include waterfowl and diving ducks; keep an eye out near the marshy edges for activity at dusk. Practical details matter: sails run rain or shine but are ultimately at the Captain's discretion. Umbrellas are not permitted aboard; bring a waterproof jacket and non-slip footwear. The onboard restroom is rustic and intended for urgent needs only. You may bring non-perishable snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in non-glass, closed containers; water is provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Why book this trip? It's rare to experience a living wooden schooner with this pedigree on the Great Lakes, and the compact harbor makes for intimate, photo-friendly sailing. For Erie visitors staying in town, the short transfer from Dobbins Landing keeps the evening efficient; for locals, the voyage reframes familiar shorelines from a salt-free maritime perspective. Whether you're drawn by maritime conservation, hands-on sailing, or a simple, cinematic sunset over the bay, Sunset Sail Onboard Lettie G. Howard is a direct, memorable way to connect with Erie's water and history. Arrive at least thirty minutes early to complete check-in at Dobbins Landing; tickets are date-and-time specific and no-shows are not refunded. Photography is easy from open decks—bring a dry bag for phones—and plan layers: even summer evenings on Lake Erie cool. The Captain makes safety decisions; life jackets are available, and crew give an orientation before promptly leaving the dock.