The Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad follows Oil Creek through the nation’s first oil patch, where oil was discovered by Edwin L. Drake in 1859. The train passes a number of ghost towns — villages that sprang up during the oil boom and quickly faded after the rush.
Choices
On the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, much of the route along the 3-hour excursion runs through Oil Creek State Park, a popular venue for camping, fishing, and kayaking. Along the way, tour guides tell stories about Oil Country. One choice is to ride one way and then bike, hike canoe, or kayak back to your vehicle. For a more comfortable ride, try first-class seating in the Wabash Cannonball.
When to go
The Oil Creek & Titusville operates weekends from June through October, with select Wednesdays added in July and August, and October sees trains running Wednesday through Sunday. The fall foliage season is spectacular in the area and is a favored time to visit.
Good to know
At various times throughout the year, murder mystery dinner trains, Peter Cottontail trains, and Santa trains operate. A highlight is Speeder Day when visitors have an opportunity to ride small railway maintenance cars along part of the line. A World War II reenactment also takes place.
Worth doing
Stopping at Drake Well Park gives you a chance to see a replica of the very first oil well in the United States, from which oil still flows today. The park also displays a large collection of machinery and equipment used to produce oil.
Don’t miss
The OC&TR operates the only Railway Post Office in regular service in the United States. Postcards mailed on the train will receive the official “Oil Creek & Titusville R.P.O.” cancellation.
Getting there
Titusville is in the forested mountains of northwestern Pennsylvania. From I-80, take Exit 29 and then Route 8 north through Oil City to Titusville. From Erie and I-90, take Route 97 south to its junction with Route 8 and then follow Route 8 to Titusville.
Location: 409 South Perry Street, Titusville, PA
Phone: 814-676-1733
Website: octrr.org
E-mail: octrr@zoominternet.net
The OC&T is the northern most remnant of the former PRR’s once busy line between Pittsburgh and Buffalo. In addition to excursion service, the OC&T provides freight service to a handful of Titusville area industries.