Visitor Center

Planning an island vacation may not include a visit to a national memorial but once inside the park's visitor center, history and peace become the experience.

NPS 2023 Photo / Mimi Gorman

 

Important Links

• Fees and Passes
• Alerts Closures and Current Conditions
• Ranger Programs and Special Events

What to Expect

The visitor center is open 10 am to 6 pm. It is a place to contemplate the past and a place to explore the future. Click one of the Important Links to help plan your visit to the park and the visitor center. 

 

US Navy Fire Controlman 3rd Class Chris Cooke looks through the glass at a diorama of the Battle of Lake Erie.

NPS Photo

What's Inside

• Watch the 15-minute park video, The Battle of Lake Erie.
• Step up to the 2-story window for a view of the Memorial and grounds. Review a horizontal exhibit panel with interactive elements that recall the building of the memorial.
• Explore the many exhibits that revisit the War of 1812 and The Battle of Lake Erie, period armament, Peace treaty, and much more.
• View a large-than-life sculpture of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry.
• Attend a ranger program.
• Purchase tickets for the Memorial's observation deck.
• Peruse the gifts and memorabilia available in the park store.

 

Flower gardens reflect the season and trees flank the visitor center.

NPS Photo Aug 2020 by Emma

What's Outside

• Walk around the replica of Perry's Longboat
• Appreciate the many gardens that provide bird and pollinator habitats.
• As the Memorial looms large across the lawn, sit in the shade on the visitor center porch and contemplate the meaning of peace or the bravery of those who fought the Battle of Lake Erie.