The lakeside city of Erie, the county seat, is Pennsylvania's only port on the St. Lawrence Seaway. The city developed with the opening of the Erie and Pittsburgh Canal and railway construction. Other Erie County towns and communities include Corry, Edinboro, North East, and Wesleyville. Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, is located in Erie County, as is Penn State's Erie County Field Research Laboratory at North East. Erie County's economy is driven by a strong manufacturing sector in metal and plastic products, and agricultural production of potatoes, oats, and grapes.
Tourism is the county's second largest industry.
With its seven miles of sandy beaches, which National Geographic rated as one of the best places in the world for viewing sunsets, Presque Isle attracts millions of visitors. Other attractions include scenic pastureland, covered bridges, and vineyards. Erie County is about a two-hour drive from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, or Buffalo. Major highways servicing Erie County include Interstate 79 and Interstate 90. This publication is available in alternative media on request.