There is no other place like it in the world. On Presque Isle, botanist O.E. Jennings once said, it is possible to observe six centuries of ecological succession within three short miles. That only begins to describe this wonder of the Great Lakes.

The newest trees on Presque Isle are in a grove made of steel, and there is now a sun that sets there at least 10 more times a day in the orientation theater inside the park's recently finished newest wonder, the 65,000-square-foot Tom Ridge Environmental Center or TREC. Built to symbolize the Peninsula itself in its architectural design, this environmentally friendly education, research, administrative and visitors' service center is the Gateway to Presque Isle. Doors opened to the public for the first time this year on May 26, 2006.