Oil Region National Heritage Area
Experience “the Valley that Changed the World” as the birthplace of the worldwide petroleum industry. Learn how oil impacts everyone’s daily life at the Drake Well Museum and Park, which includes a full size replica of the world’s first commercially successful oil well. Relive the early days of oil hearing stories of boomtowns like Pithole and Petroleum Centre onboard the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad. Where oil derricks dotted the hillsides more than 150 years ago, nature now offers tremendous opportunities for outdoor recreation. More than 65 miles of paved bike trails, including segments of the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail, provide easy access to scenic views and informative interpretive panels throughout the region. Rugged terrain challenges hikers and mountain bikers. Anglers and a variety of boaters enjoy Oil Creek, French Creek and the Wild and Scenic Water Trail portion of the Allegheny River. Charming towns brim with Victorian style architecture, arts and cultural activities, and a host of other amenities making northwest Pennsylvania’s Oil Region a must visit.
Explore this area’s website at www.OilRegion.org for more information.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oilregionalliance
Things to See and Do
Drake Well Museum and Park
202 Museum Lane, Titusville, PA 16354
Get details on special events and plan your visit to the state-of-the-art museum and outdoor exhibits on the scenic grounds.
Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad
409 South Perry Street, Titusville, PA 16354
Take a train ride through the “Valley that Changed the World.” Go for the round trip or get picked up or dropped off for bike ride or kayak float. While aboard, mail a postcard from the only operating post office train car in the country.
Two Mile Run County Park
471 Beach Road, Franklin, PA 16323
A local treasure, Two Mile Run County Park has trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding along with the 144-acre Justus Lake and its Crosby Beach. Camping and equipment rentals make it the perfect place to pick up a new hobby. The park also hosts numerous events throughout the year great for spectators and competitors alike.
Oil Creek State Park and Bike Trail
305 State Park Road, Oil City, PA 16301
Nature reclaimed what was once the bustling epicenter of the oil boom. Miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing spots, camp sites, bird watching and paddling opportunities await you at Oil Creek State Park. Winter fun abounds as well with cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Impressive waterfalls and interpretive panels entice adventure-seekers and history buffs to explore all this unique site has to offer.
Venango Museum of Art, Science & Industry
270 Seneca Street, Oil City, PA 16301
Home to Oil City’s Oil Region Welcome Center, Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry demonstrates the impact of oil and the history of the community. Special events are held frequently.
Tarbell House
324 East Main Street, Titusville, PA 16354
Visit the teenage home of investigative journalism pioneer Ida Tarbell and learn more about her story. Schedule an appointment for a private tour or book a party by calling 814-677-3152. Follow the Facebook page for details on upcoming events including reasonably priced public teas with student re-enactors and free open houses.
https://www.facebook.com/TarbellHouse/
DeBence Antique Music World
1261 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA 16323
More than 100 antique mechanical instruments dating as far back as the mid-1800s are on display.
Barrow-Civic Theatre
1223 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA 16323
Catch a live show at this theater at the heart of Liberty Street in downtown Franklin. There isn’t a bad seat in the house!
National Transit Building/Arts Center
206 Seneca Street, Oil City, PA 16301
The historic National Transit Building in Oil City is a hub for the growing arts movement in the Oil Region. Housing several businesses, studios and galleries, it’s an impressive structure to visit on its own merit.
http://www.oilcity.org/transit-fine-arts-gallery
St. John’s Episcopal Church
1141 Buffalo Street, Franklin, PA 16323
One of only six complete sets of Tiffany windows in the country can be viewed here.
Coal Oil Johnny House
167 Old Bankson Road, Oil City, PA 16301
Inside Oil Creek State Park at Rynd Farm, the southern terminus of the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad excursion train ride sits the Coal Oil Johnny House. Also known as the McClintock-Steele-Waitz House, the residence was once home to a young man who got rich overnight thanks to oil and spent his fortune nearly as fast, making Coal Oil Johnny one of many notable characters of the oil boom.
https://www.facebook.com/coaloiljohnnyhouse/
The Caboose Motel
407 South Perry Street, Titusville, PA 16354
Spend the night in a refurbished train car!
Oil Creek Family Campground
340 Shreve Road Titusville, PA 16354 PA 16354
All campers in tents through the largest RVs are welcome to stay here and get back to nature.
Cross Creek Resort and Golf Course
3815 State Route 8, Titusville, PA 16354
Come for a round of golf or stay a few days. Cross Creek Resort has a 27-hole course along with onsite lodging, restaurant, bar and event space for meetings, banquets and special occasions.
Great Eastern Cutlery
701 East Spring Street, Titusville, PA 16354
Shop a collection of fine knives for a variety of uses and plan a tour to see how they are made.
Allegheny GeoTrail
217 Elm Street, Oil City, PA 16301
This adventure sport/hobby involves the use of a handheld GPS receiver, and based on information provided on the official geocaching website (geocaching.com), the GPS receiver guides its operator to hidden treasures just waiting to be found all over the countryside.
Oil City Warehouse Mall
30 Pumphouse Road, Oil City, PA 16301
Shop for antiques and new pieces to serve as souvenirs of your time in the Oil Region.
