Oil City Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Oil City, Pennsylvania with our comprehensive travel guide. From top attractions to where to stay, we have you covered.


Oil City is a small but charming city located in the northwestern region of Pennsylvania, offering a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions. The city’s rich history, picturesque landscapes, and warm community make it an ideal destination for solo travelers, couples, and families. Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors, discover the city’s fascinating past or simply relax, this guide has got you covered.

Introduction to Oil City

Oil City was founded in the mid-1800s during the oil boom, which transformed the region into one of the wealthiest in the United States. Today, the city boasts a rich history that is evident in its numerous museums and historic landmarks. Additionally, the city’s natural beauty is unparalleled, with numerous outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy.

List of Places to Visit in Oil City

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Oil City is home to several museums and historical sites, each providing a unique insight into the region’s past. Day or night, visitors can enjoy these landmarks and learn something new about the city.

  • Oil City Library: Situated in the heart of downtown Oil City, the Oil City Library offers a wide range of books and resources on the region’s history along with free Wi-Fi access, a comfortable seating area, and coffee bar.
  • Venango Museum of Arts, Culture, and History: The Venango Museum of Arts, Culture, and History showcases the history of the Oil Creek Valley and the Allegheny National Forest. The museum has a collection of vintage automobiles, exhibits, and artifacts that demonstrate the area’s oil industry heritage.
  • Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad: Step back in time by taking a steam-driven train ride on Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad. This railroad lets visitors experience how petroleum changed the transportation industry.
  • John Brown Tannery Site: Explore once-bustling John Brown Tannery. It showcases the life and times of workers who produced oil out of tar. Visitors can relive the time through its life-size exhibits.

Natural Attractions of Oil City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Oil City is home to numerous parks, trails, and scenic overlooks that offer outdoor and nature enthusiasts with a range of recreational opportunities. From hiking and camping to boating and fishing, visitors will not be disappointed.

  • Two Mile Run County Park: The perfect destination for those looking for a day full of outdoor activities. There is an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, along with a 144-acre lake, camping sites, and a boat launch.
  • Samuel Justus Recreation Trail: This 12-mile paved trail is perfect for biking and hiking and winds its way through the heart of Oil City’s historic district.
  • Allegheny River Trail: a scenic riverside trail through Oil City and beyond, provides breathtaking views of the lush forests, wildlife, and flowing water.
  • Hasson Heights Park: Hasson Heights Park is a lovely park with gorgeous views of the city where visitors can have picnics, hike, take a leisurely walk, and fly kites.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oil City

Oil City offers a range of hiking and biking trails that are perfect for visitors looking to explore the region’s natural beauty up-close. With miles of well-maintained trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

  • McClintock Trail: A 5 miles trail that is challenging but worth it of the breathtaking views of Oil Creek below.
  • Kennerdell Trails: a network of well-groomed and marked trails for hikers and mountain bikers alike. With its ups and downs, this area is ideal for adventurers.
  • Justus Trail: This well-maintained four-mile trail is perfect for walkers, joggers, and bikers. It follows along the Allegheny River, offering a scenic view of the surroundings.

Best Things to Do in Oil City: Activities and Tours

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Oil City offers visitors a range of activities to enjoy. From water sports to shopping to outdoor concerts, visitors are sure to have a memorable and enjoyable time in Oil City.

  • Take a scenic river cruise: For a true taste of Oil City’s natural beauty, a scenic river cruise is the perfect option. With several options available, visitors can choose from jet boats, kayaks, and canoes.

  • Shop at The Carriage House: View several unique gifts, including items for the family or individual, exclusive items, and home decor concepts.

  • Attend the Oil Heritage Festival: Each summer, Oil City celebrates its past through the Oil Heritage Festival, a week-long celebration featuring parades, concerts, and other events

Week-Long Itinerary for Oil City

For visitors looking to spend a week in Oil City, we have you covered. Here is a sample itinerary for your trip:

Day 1: Visit the Venango Museum of Arts, Culture, and History.

Day 2: Take a scenic river cruise on the Allegheny River, or enjoy other water sports in the surrounding lakes.

Day 3: Explore the Oil City Library and do some shopping in downtown Oil City

Day 4: Visit the historic Titusville Area Historical Society’s Drake Well Museum and Park, which tells the story of the petroleum industry.

Day 5: Go hiking or mountain biking on the nearby Kennerdell Trails.

Day 6: Attend a local concert or play at the Oil City Area Community Theatre.

Day 7: End your trip with a more comprehensive view of Oil City by taking a tour and discover its famous landmarks.

Food and Drink Scene of Oil City

No trip to Oil City would be complete without trying the local cuisine and savoring one of its many craft beers. Here are some ideas for food and drink you must try on your visit:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Oil City Chicken Sandwich: Satisfy your taste buds with a classic chicken sandwich at any of the cafes in Oil City.

  • Fresh Trout: Oil City’s pristine lakes and rivers provide residents and visitors with fresh trout in many neighboring restaurants.

  • The Derrick Steak: named after Oil City’s newspaper, “The Derrick,” this uniquely seasoned and barbecued steak is a must-try.

  • Chrysanthemum Greens: a leafy green vegetable, which is unique to this area. Served with a lot of dishes, it provides an entertaining flavor and distinct texture.

Local Beverages

  • Oil Creek Brewing Co.: While there are many brewery options in Oil City, the Oil Creek Brewing Company is one of the well-known breweries creating delicious craft beers made with locally sourced ingredients.

  • Starr Hill Vineyard & Winery, Inc.: A lovely place to try the juicy wine made from homegrown grapes.

Where to Stay in Oil City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Oil City offers a range of lodging options, from historic and stylish hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and lounges. Here are our top picks:

  • Quality Inn & Suites: For comfortable mid-range accommodation, the Quality Inn & Suites in Franklin is an excellent choice; access from Oil City takes around 10 minutes by car.

  • BellaVista Bed and Breakfast: Located in the Titusville area, BellaVista provides a warm bed and breakfast experience with gated parking.

  • Paddler’s Lane Retreat: Situated in Franklin, the Paddler’s Lane Retreat provides luxurious accommodation and a perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts.

What to Buy in Oil City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Oil City is known for its quilts, oil-themed memorabilia, and locally made wine, making these the ideal souvenirs to pick up during your visit.

Local Culture and Customs of Oil City

Respect for the environment and the local community is essential while traveling in Oil City. Additionally, visitors should keep in mind the religious and cultural values of the region.

Best Time to Visit Oil City

The best time to visit Oil City is between April and October when the sun is bright and shining, and the weather is pleasant. December is also an excellent time to visit since the city’s Christmas lights have earned it the nickname “Christmas City USA.”

Do’s and Don’ts of Oil City

Do:

  • Respect the environment and the local community’s customs.

  • Try the local cuisine—especially the chicken sandwich and locally brewed beer.

  • Explore the many parks, trails, and natural landmarks that Oil City has to offer.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the beautiful environment in Oil City.

  • Disrespect the cultural and religious values of the region.

  • Engage in any behavior that could be considered offensive or disrespectful to the local people and their customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Oil City

Oil City is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should exercise caution at all times. Visitors should not leave valuables in their cars in public areas and stay aware of their immediate surroundings. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 911.

Health in Oil City

Visitors should bring any necessary medications and seek medical attention in case of illness or injury. While there are pharmacies and clinics in Oil City, visitors should have health insurance and ensure their policy covers travel costs in case of an emergency.

Getting to Oil City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Oil City is accessible by road, air, and bus. Here are some of the transportation options:

Airports Near Oil City

  • Pittsburgh International Airport is a major airport that provides for several air travel options to reach Oil City. It has several daily flights and only a two-hour drive from Oil City.

  • Erie International Airport is another airport with daily flights to different cities. Distance from Oil City is around 1 hour by car.

Bus Stations Near Oil City

  • Greyhound Bus Station – Located at East 2nd St Franklin, PA – Only around 14 miles away from Oil City

  • Megabus - Various places offering travel to and from Oil City.

Other Options

  • By car: Visitors can rent a car and drive to Oil City, stress-free.

How to Get Around in Oil City

Getting around Oil City is easy, with many modes of transportation available. The city’s downtown area is walkable, and there are bike routes provided in some places.

Where to Go Next from Oil City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Oil City often go to the nearby region to engage in outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and skiing.

  • Erie: Located just an hour and fifteen minutes from Oil City, Erie is a vibrant college city known for its beaches, art museums, and cultural events.

  • Pittsburgh: The city of Pittsburgh is a big town and a must-visit for those who are interested in the state’s history and urban culture. It just a two-hour drive from Oil City.

Conclusion

Oil City, Pennsylvania, offers visitors a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or interested in history and culture, this small but charming city has much to offer. From museums and scenic overlooks to hiking trails and outdoor concerts, Oil City is the ideal destination for visitors seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in Oil City’s warm and welcoming community.

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