easy
2 hours
Open to most fitness levels; no special physical conditioning required
Set sail on the historic Lettie G. Howard at sunset for a memorable maritime adventure in Presque Isle Bay. Discover the ship’s storied past while enjoying breathtaking views over the water.
2 hours | Presque Isle Bay | Erie, PA
Experience a unique sailing adventure aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard, one of the last wooden fishing schooners. Enjoy a two-hour journey through Presque Isle Bay, where you can assist the crew, learn about the ship's rich history, and witness breathtaking sunsets over the water, creating unforgettable memories.
Photo: South Street Seaport Museum
Sails sell out quickly and we have a limited number of sail dates and spots available during our sailing season!
Lettie G. Howard departs from Dobbins Landing at the foot of State Street in Erie, PA
2 hours sailing in Presque Isle Bay. Exact sailing route and sail plan is at the Captain’s discretion, subject to change, and dependent on wind and weather conditions.
Plan on arriving at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time of the sail to check in. The ship departs from the dock at the scheduled time of the sail with or without you on it.
Sail on one of the last surviving vessels of her kind!
Lettie G. Howard is one of the last surviving wooden Fredonia style fishing schooners. She was built in Essex, Massachusetts in 1893 and fished off the Northeast Atlantic and Gulf coasts. She arrived at South Street Seaport Museum in New York City in 1968 and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1989. She underwent an extensive two-year rebuild that restored her to her original appearance in the 1990s.
Lettie G. Howard is owned by the South Street Seaport Museum and is operated as a programmatic collaboration between the South Street Seaport Museum and the Flagship Niagara League.
We will check everyone in 30 minutes before the scheduled time of the sail and then board everyone. The Captain or Chief Mate will give a short introduction before maneuvering off the dock and heading into Presque Isle Bay. You’ll help the crew set some of the larger sails and sit back, relax, and enjoy sailing. You’ll meet the crew, learn about Lettie G. Howard’s unique history, and experience Erie from the water by sailing in its natural harbor, Presque Isle Bay. We cap off the sail by viewing the sun setting behind Presque Isle, one of the few places to see beautiful sunsets* over water in the Eastern United States.
This is a general plan for a sail, however, please know that sailing plans are subject to change. Exact sailing route and sail plan is at the Captain’s discretion and dependent on wind and weather conditions. *Quality of sunset is weather dependent.
Lettie G. Howard is owned by the South Street Seaport Museum and is operated as a programmatic collaboration between the South Street Seaport Museum and the Flagship Niagara League.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to get settled and chat with the crew.
Bring layers, as it can be breezy on the water even in warm weather.
Capture the stunning sunset and scenic views from the boat.
Bring water or drinks, especially on warm afternoons.
The Lettie G. Howard was built in 1919 and represents the last of the classic Great Lakes fishing schooners still afloat, embodying over a century of maritime tradition.
The operation emphasizes environmentally friendly practices, including responsible boat handling and minimizing water disturbance to preserve the bay’s ecosystem.
Protect yourself from sun exposure during the daytime sail.
summer specific
Bring an extra layer for wind and cool evening temperatures.
spring|fall|winter specific
Capture scenic views and memorable moments during the cruise.
Protect your skin from UV rays while enjoying outdoor water activities.
summer specific