Meadville Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, food scene, accommodations, and more in Meadville, Pennsylvania with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your next adventure to Meadville.


Introduction to Meadville

Nestled in the heart of Erie Region, Meadville is a charming town boasting of rich history, natural beauty, and a vibrant cultural scene. Located in Pennsylvania, the town offers stunning views of the French Creek and eclectic architecture.

With plenty of things to see and do, Meadville is a perfect destination for tourists seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and relaxation. This comprehensive travel guide will help you discover the best attractions, food scene, accommodations, and more in Meadville, Pennsylvania.

List of Places to Visit in Meadville

If you’re planning a trip to Meadville, the following list of places to visit is a great place to start:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum: This historical landmark was built in 1843 and offers tours that transport you to the Victorian era.
  • Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum: A unique museum that displays a collection of vintage stereoscopes, with accompanying images from the 1800s.
  • Meadville Area Recreation Complex: A local sports and community center, with an adjacent park with a walking trail.
  • Western PA Steam Engine and Train Society Museum: A museum filled with railroad artifacts, engines, and cars.

Natural Attractions of Meadville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • French Creek: A perfect spot for kayaking, fishing, and canoeing, as the creek snaking through the town offers scenic views.
  • Ernst Trail: A beautiful hiking and biking trail that follows an old railroad that have been converted into trail close to the French Creek.
  • Maurice K. Goddard State Park: With a lake, a wildlife habitat, picnic areas, and campsites, this park offers an array of recreational activities and stunning vistas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Meadville

There are numerous hiking and biking routes available in Meadville, from the public park all the way to the Goddard State Park. Here are some of the recommended routes:

  • Ernst Bike Trail: A 6.2-mile trail that passes through scenic countryside and follows an old railroad bed.
  • Meadville Recreation Complex Trail: A 2.5-mile trail that starts from Diamond Park and winds through the Meadville Area Recreation Complex.
  • Goddard State Park Hike and Bike Trail: A 12.5-mile trail that offers stunning views of the lake and offers a challenging journey for hikers and bikers.

Best Things to Do in Meadville: Activities and Tours

From biking tours to kayaking trips, there are plenty of activities to do in Meadville. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • French Creek Kayak Trips: Take a guided or self-guided kayak tour down French Creek and enjoy the beauty of the region from a different perspective.
  • Crawford County Covered Bridge Driving Tour: With multiple historic, covered bridges in the area, take a self-guided tour of them all!
  • Canadohta Lake: This beautiful lake offers boat rentals and water sports to take in the natural beauty of Meadville.

Week-Long Itinerary for Meadville

Here’s a week-long itinerary to make the most of your visit to Meadville:

Day 1 Visit the Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum
Day 2 Take a guided kayak tour down French Creek
Day 3 Explore the Ernst Bike Trail or challenge yourself on the Goddard State Park Hike and Bike Trail
Day 4 Visit the Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum
Day 5 Enjoy a picnic in Maurice K. Goddard State Park
Day 6 Take part in an organized hiking tour or bike ride
Day 7 Depart Meadville

Food and Drink Scene of Meadville

When it comes to food and drink, Meadville does not disappoint! Here’s what you must try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Smoked Meat Sandwich at Voodoo Brewery: A locally known sandwich filled with smoked meat and complimented with an outstanding serving of beer from the brewery!
  • Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup at Chovy’s!: The most popular item on the menu at Chovy’s!, which pairs the two classics together flawlessly!
  • Chicken Fingers at Market House Grill: A simple, no frills dish that is elevated by quality ingredients and the flavored breading.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beers from Voodoo Brewery: The best place to try fresh and flavorful craft beers, Voodoo Brewery is a must-visit local brewery.
  • Wines from Wilhelm Winery: This family-owned winery produces a variety of wines, including their famous red and white blends.
  • Mead from Brother’s Riverview Winery: A local winery that produces a refreshing and unique drink perfect for summer drinking.

Where to Stay in Meadville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Finding accommodations in Meadville is a breeze with options including small town guesthouses to well known hotel chains.

  • Hampton Inn Meadville: One of the best options when it comes to convenient location and quality rooms.
  • Mayor Lord’s House Bed and Breakfast: A charming guesthouse with personalized service and breakfast made to order.
  • Holiday Inn Express Meadville: A tried-and-true chain, with a great reputation for quality and comfort.

What to Buy in Meadville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Make sure to bring home a few token items to remember your trip to Meadville! Here are a few ideas:

  • Meadville Memorabilia: Anything from t-shirts to postcards, take home a reminder of your trip from local shops or museums.
  • Voodoo Brewery Beer: Don’t let this delicious beer only defined to memories of Meadville! Bring cans of your favorite flavors from Voodoo Brewery back home.
  • Custom Jewelry from Al’s Melons Farm Market: A beautiful and unique jewelry is a perfect way to add a touch of Meadville to your style.

Local Culture and Customs of Meadville

Meadville residents value their community and support their local businesses. With events like the annual Crawford County Fair, the community takes pride in being a great place to live, work, and enjoy a slower pace.

Best Time to Visit Meadville

The best time to visit Meadville is during the summer season from June to August as it allows the most outdoor activities and the scenery is its greenest.

Do’s and Don’ts of Meadville

Do:

  • Respect the local businesses
  • Try the local craft beers and wines
  • Enjoy the nature of the French Creek and Maurice K. Goddard State Park

Don’t:

  • Litter or cause damage to the area’s delicate ecosystems
  • Disrespect cultural and historical landmarks mentioned in our guide

Safety and Health

Safety in Meadville

Like most small towns in Pennsylvania, Meadville is a safe place with friendly people. Petty crimes may be present, but these can be easily avoided with common sense.

Health in Meadville

Visitors can enjoy recreation in Meadville with minimal issues expect for the abundant mosquitoes nearby the waterways. Make sure to bring bug spray or suitable clothing to combat them.

Getting to Meadville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Meadeville is well-connected by air, bus, and car. Here are some of the transportation options to help you get in and around Meadville:

Airports Near Meadville

  • Erie International Airport: Approximately 1 hour away from Meadville with services from multiple airlines.
  • Pittsburgh International Airport: Approximately 2.5 hours away from Meadville and services from nearly all airlines.

Bus Stations Near Meadville

  • Greyhound Bus Stations nearby include Ashtabula, OH and Erie, PA.

Other Options

  • Car Rental Services: A car rental can be useful to explore the countryside areas surrounding Meadville.

How to Get Around in Meadville

Meadville is a small town that’s easy to get around on foot or by car. Bike rentals are also available given the re-purposed rail trails and similar sites throughout town and the state park.

Where to Go Next from Meadville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If Meadville has you bitten by the travel bug, there are many cities nearby to explore.

  • Erie: A waterfront city known for beer, Lake Erie views, and local history, only 45 minutes from Meadville.
  • Cleveland: In about 2 hours from Meadville, head over and enjoy a parade of sports, art and music festivals. Or enjoy the attractions at Big Creek Reservation.
  • Pittsburgh: Located 2 hours from Meadville, Pittsburgh is an eclectic city that offers cultural experiences, recreational activities, and sightseeing opportunities.

Conclusion

Meadville is a charming town that offers activities for everyone, be it the outdoorsy types, food enthusiasts or lovers of culture and history. With a variety of options for accommodation and places to visit, Meadville is a perfect getaway for your next trip!

The Crawford County Courthouse The Crawford County Courthouse Allegheny College Allegheny College