Millcreek Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania

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Millcreek Township is a large community in Erie County, Pennsylvania, just west of the city of Erie. It had about 54,000 people in 2020, making it the largest township in Western Pennsylvania by population.

Geography and basics
- The township covers about 32.8 square miles. Most of it is land (roughly 32.1 sq mi) with a small amount of water (about 0.7 sq mi).
- Elevation ranges from about 572 feet along the shore of Lake Erie to about 1,170 feet inland.
- Area code is 814, and the time zone is Eastern (EST in winter and EDT in summer).

What you’ll find in Millcreek
- Presque Isle State Park entrance: The peninsula that curves into Lake Erie begins here.
- Waldameer Park: One of the oldest amusement parks in the country.
- Millcreek Mall: A major shopping area.
- Erie International Airport: The main airport serving the Erie metro area.
- LECOM Health: A local nonprofit health system based in the township.

History and notable sites
- Native Americans lived in the area long before European settlers, with evidence dating back to around 3700 BC.
- Millcreek was one of the original townships of Erie County and grew as families moved inland from the bayfront area.
- Historic spots include Nicholson Tavern (built in 1836 and still standing) and the Presque Isle Light. Sommerheim Park Archaeological District, with artifacts from ancient periods, is also notable.
- Presque Isle, a curved sandspit that connects to the mainland in western Millcreek, became a state park in 1921 and is a National Natural Landmark. It is home to many birds and wildlife.
- Hopkins Grove, once a forested area, became Waldameer Park in the late 19th century.

Today’s land use and education
- The area is mainly used for retail, offices, light industry, schools, and homes. Agriculture makes up a very small portion of the land (about 1%).
- Edinboro University operates Porreco College within the township.
- Parks and recreation areas include Zuck Park, the Erie Golf Course, and Asbury Woods Nature Center and Recreation Center.

Education
- The Millcreek Township School District serves students across the township. As of July 2023, the superintendent is Dr. John Cavanagh.