Many of the links above will keep you specifically in Oil City, Franklin and Venango County, part of the
Great Lakes Region of northwestern PA. We add new listings and links on a regular basis.
In August 1859, in northern Venango County, Edwin L. Drake completed the world's first commercial oil well and changed the history of the world. You can visit the location of this historic event, browsing through the museum and the grounds where a replica of Drake's Well stands. Oil's wealth enabled residents of Oil City, Franklin, Emlenton, and other towns to construct beautiful Victorian era homes, churches, commercial buildings and fountains.
Venango County parks offer picnic areas, historic relics, fishing opportunities and hiking trails. For those who prefer to bicycle or roller blade, there are over 60 miles of paved trails. The Oil Heritage Region's attractions include an antique music museum, a transportation museum, bike and canoe rentals, and a ride on a train through Oil Creek Valley. Lodging choices include full service hotels, bed & breakfasts, and campgrounds. There are specialty shops and antique shops full of unique gifts, along with quality shopping available in retail establishments.
