Drake Well Museum

Drake Well Museum showcases the history of commercial oil drilling at its original site across a sprawling property with historic structures and equipment. Visitors find working drilling rigs, films about extraction techniques, and many artifacts from this industrial era.

The first commercial oil drilling began here in 1859, marking the start of the modern petroleum industry. This location became a symbol of industrialization and economic transformation across America in the 1800s.

The site tells the story of early oil drilling through its buildings and machinery, showing visitors how people worked and lived during that era. You can see how this location transformed the region and changed the way people worked.

The grounds are large and take time to explore; comfortable shoes are a good idea. The best visit happens during good weather, since many exhibits are outdoors.

A large pumping system with historic machinery still operates and shows visitors how oil drilling actually worked. This working demonstration makes the past tangible and directly experienceable.

Location: Cherrytree Township

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Website: https://drakewell.org

GPS coordinates: 41.61124,-79.65824

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01