Oil Creek State Park

Oil Creek State Park is one of six state parks created through the efforts of Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The park, which preserves the natural beauty of Oil Creek's historic valley, consists of more than 7,000 acres of wooded hills, deep side hollows and abandoned fields along a 12-mile section of the stream that stretches south into Venango County from the Crawford county line.

Oil Creek valley is best known for its historical significance as the site of the world's first successful oil well. In August, 1859, "Colonel" Edwin Drake struck oil, a discovery which overnight transformed the quiet valley into a bustling, frenzied center of oil production and refining. Thousands of people flocked to the valley to find riches. Then, when the oil ran dry, they deserted for more fertile ground. The oil industry spread into the surrounding region and continues to this day.

Today, Oil Creek State Park commemorates the world's first oil boom and protects the forested landscape where, as recently as 100 years ago, there were only the stark silhouettes of oil rigs. The park offers bicycling, hiking, hunting, fishing, canoeing, cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities. For more information and directions, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) website, or call ( 814) 676-5915.

Today's photo of an Oil Creek State Park bridge is by WPC Volunteer John Karian, and the remaining photos are from the WPC Natural Resource Conservation Department archives.

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