Oil Creek State Park

Oil Creek State Park is a nature reserve in Pennsylvania covering about 6,250 acres of forested land with streams and remnants of historical oil extraction equipment scattered throughout. The grounds have an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that connect different parts of the park.

The park marks where the first commercial oil well in the United States was drilled in 1859, beginning Pennsylvania's oil industry. This event triggered major industrial change that transformed the region.

The Gerard Hiking Trail shows how people extracted oil in the 1800s through preserved equipment, abandoned settlements, and informational signs you can see along the way. Walking this path helps you understand what daily life looked like for those workers and their communities.

The park has multiple parking areas, restrooms, picnic spots, and camping facilities distributed across its trail network. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for different trail conditions depending on the season.

The Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad runs through the park, offering riders views of Miller Falls and other industrial structures from the 1800s oil boom era. This train ride blends transportation with a glimpse into how goods and people moved during that industrial period.

Location: Venango County

Inception: 1931

Operator: Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks

Website: http://dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/oilcreek

GPS coordinates: 41.54170,-79.64970

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:03