About Us

The history of breweries in the greater Erie region is deep and rich.

The history of breweries in the greater Erie region is deep & rich. The first local brewery opened its doors over 200 years ago – 36 years before the city was ever even incorporated.

Over 90 breweries would open up from that time up until 1920 when Prohibition came into effect. Only 2 local breweries would survive those next 13 years.

Today, with the resurgence of craft beer, our local scene is once again alive and well!

The Lake Erie Ale Trail is a collection of 17 breweries located within 40 miles of downtown Erie, PA.  Established in 2014, the Ale Trail is a 501(c) nonprofit created to market and promote craft brewing throughout the region via collaboration, membership drives, events & other promotions.

Take a day, a weekend, or even longer to visit our area & see how we’re reshaping the brewing scene in the greater Northwestern PA region.