Oil Creek State Park

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Oil City, PA
Oil Creek State Park

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This is the official page of Oil Creek State Park in Pennsylvania. Park is open from 8:00 AM to Sunset

Oil Creek State Park is one of five state parks established through the efforts of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The 7,300 acre tract of land preserves 12 miles of the winding gorge, which stretches south into Venango County from the Crawford County line, created approximately 10,000 years ago by the draining of an ice-dammed glacial lake. The discovery of oil in the valley on August 27, 1859 marked the birth of the world's oil industry. Throughout the park, expect to see cultural and natural resources. As the second growth forest health improves, it gives a physical reminder of nature’s ability to reclaim the landscape. Habitat is provided for wildlife including a large population of white-tailed deer, turkey, bear, ruffed grouse, squirrels and various winter birds. GPS Address for the park office is 1080 Petroleum Centre Road, Oil City. Read the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s full Social Media Policy: https://www.pa.gov/social-media-policy-and-disclaimer.

10/30/2026

Don't be Dan. Be like Bob. See where fall color is peaking before you go at www.pa.gov/FallFoliage

10/29/2026

It's time for your Week 5 Fall Foliage Report! 🍁🍂

The continued pattern of warm days followed by cold nights and frosty mornings is continuing to transform southern Pennsylvania’s forests into a mosaic of fall color. With minimal winds helping to extend the peak in many counties, fantastic autumn shades are now visible from the middle and southern Appalachians to the southern Alleghenies and deep into the forests of southeastern PA.

As fall foliage season winds down, this weekend may be the last great opportunity to soak in the wonderful colors across a large portion of Penn’s Woods.

Photo 1: Norcross Vista (Elk Forest District)
Photo 2: Edinboro (Erie County)
Photo 3: Sinking Springs Road (Tiadaghton Forest District)

View the full report: pa.gov/fallfoliage

10/29/2026

Investment in Pennsylvania's state parks pays off!

New data from a Penn State study shows the Commonwealth’s 125 free and open to the public state parks yielded over $16 for every $1 invested. Researchers estimate state park visitors spent $1.2 billion in Pennsylvania communities within 50 miles of a state park on visits to state parks in 2025.

Learn more: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/new-data--pennsylvania-s-free-state-parks-generate--16-in-econom

10/28/2026

Discover PA’s past in a whole new way! The DCNR/America250PA GeoTrail is now available, guiding adventurers to 25 state parks to uncover history through geocaching.

Explore, find, and log all caches to earn a completion coin.

Learn more: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/what-to-do/geocaching/dcnr-geo-trail

10/27/2026

Beneath a night sky alive with magic, Cherry Springs State Park feels like stepping into another world.

If you’re chasing wonder, inspiration, or an enchanted place to lose yourself in a good read, our state parks are waiting to be explored.

10/26/2026

Can you guess this state park?

Here's a hint: the park shares a name with its popular lake! ⛵

Check the comments for the answer!

10/23/2026

Meet the new assistant park manager for Bald Eagle State Park in central Pennsylvania.

With two campgrounds, boating, fishing, swimming, the Nature Inn, and diverse habitats that are excellent for wildlife watching, Bald Eagle State Park is a great destination in the heart of Pennsylvania.

Learn more: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/dcnr-names-new-assistant-manager-bald-eagle-state-park-in-centre

10/22/2026

It's time for your Week 4 Fall Foliage Report! 🍁🍂

Recent cold nights have sparked dramatic color changes across Pennsylvania’s forests, and now vibrant hues are bursting statewide. From the Poconos to the Allegheny Plateau, across the full sweep of the Appalachians and into the southeastern corners of the state, the autumn cheer of Penn’s Woods is on full display.

It’s shaping up to be one of the most impressive fall foliage seasons in a few years, making right now the perfect time to get outside and enjoy Pennsylvania’s breathtaking autumn scenery!

Photo 1: Mason Hill (Elk Forest District)
Photo 2: Bark Road (Buchanan Forest District)
Photo 3: Route 402 (Delaware Forest District)

View the full report: pa.gov/fallfoliage

10/22/2026

PA Outdoor Corps is Pennsylvania’s premier youth conservation workforce development and training program run by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in partnership with Student Conservation Association.

Follow us to learn more about the program and see what our crews are doing in the field!

10/21/2026

Fall is showing off at many Pennsylvania state parks! 🍁

Check out some of our favorite autumn photos captured and shared by you! Got one you'd like to share? Drop it in the comments below!

09/20/2026

LOST DOG SEEN IN OIL CREEK STATE PARK:

Medium/large breed black dog with white chest seen along Petroleum Center Rd near Oil Creek State Park office at 5:00 PM on Sunday 9/20.

Please share in case someone is missing this poor baby!

09/04/2026

Enjoy Oil Creek State Park this extended weekend. What a beautiful way to unwind, relax, and enjoy your family and friends this Labor Day weekend. 😎

09/04/2026

Are you interested in learning how to fly fish?🎣

Don't miss out on this opportunity! Register here: https://eventsreg.dcnr.pa.gov/register/CreateSingle/16850

09/04/2026

Just a few more weeks left to ride your bike one way on the 9.9 paved trail in Oil Creek State Park, and ride the train one way. Bike shuttle is available though the end of September only.

Most people board either at Petroleum Centre and ride the train north on our return trip and get dropped off at Drake Well Museum and Park;
or board at Drake Well and ride the train south to Petroleum Centre. More info: https://tinyurl.com/4v285tcs

One-way tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for kids. There is a $5 fee per bike.

Call us with any questions or to make your reservation. 814-676-1733

08/30/2026

PA state parks and forests offer hundreds of free programs for all ages. There’s always something exciting to try, and it won’t cost you a thing!

Plan your next adventure at events.dcnr.pa.gov

08/12/2026

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the best shooting star displays of the year. It will peak during the morning of August 13 (around 10:53 A.M.), but good viewing conditions also happen in the nights on either side of the peak.

Find stargazing opportunities at state parks on our calendar of events: https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/

Address

305 State Park Road
Oil City, PA
16301

Telephone

(814) 676-5915

Website

https://www.pa.gov/OilCreekStatePark

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