Doolittle Station: Western PA’s Most Eclectic Roadside Attraction

The 10-best things to see and do at Doolittle Station in DuBois Pennsylvania.

Doolittle Station in DuBois is an eclectic mix of restaurants, museums, a brewery, and a bed and breakfast, all housed in historic train cars!

Elvis and Marilyn greeting visitors to the Diner Car at Doolittle Station in DuBois, Clearfield County.
Elvis and Marilyn greeting visitors to the Diner Car at Doolittle Station in DuBois, Clearfield County.

And if that’s not enough, there’s also ice cream, mini golf, and dinosaurs!

Dinosaurs and train cars are seemingly everywhere at Doolittle Station in DuBois Pennsylvania.
Dinosaurs and train cars are seemingly everywhere at Doolittle Station in DuBois, Pennsylvania.

How to Find Doolittle Station in DuBois

This Clearfield County destination is located less than 5 minutes from the Route 219 exit of Interstate 80, making it a great pitstop if you’re passing through the area and looking for a unique place to eat or relax.

Aerial view of the back half of Doolittle Station in DuBois Pennsylvania.
Aerial view of the back half of Doolittle Station in DuBois.

Doolittle Station is located at 1290 Rich Hwy, DuBois, PA 15801 – just look for the sign below.

Doolittle Station roadside sign along Route 219 in DuBois, Pennsylvania.
Doolittle Station roadside sign along Route 219 in DuBois, Pennsylvania.

Top 12 Things to Do at Doolittle Station

There’s SO much to see and do at Doolittle Station that it can be a bit overwhelming, so I’m going to give you my top 12 things to do at Doolittle Station as a starting point.

Directory of businesses at Doolittle Station in DuBois Pennsylvania.
Directory of businesses at Doolittle Station in DuBois.

1. The Roadside Cafe and Creamery

As the name implies, this restaurant and ice cream parlor is literally roadside, and the first thing you see as you pull into Doolittle Station.

The Roadside Cafe and Creamery at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County PA
The Roadside Cafe and Creamery at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County.

If you’ve never had it, the Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream they serve here is delicious, as evidenced by the fact that even Bigfoot can be spotted grabbing a cone here!

Bigfoot with an ice cream cone outside the Roadside Cafe and Creamery at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County.
Bigfoot with an ice cream cone outside the Roadside Cafe and Creamery at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County.

2. The Depot at Doolittle Station

The Depot at Doolittle Station is built based on the blueprint of an 1880 B&O Rail Station.

The Depot at Doolittle Station in Dubois, Clearfield County.
The Depot at Doolittle Station in Dubois, Clearfield County.

The Depot serves as both a museum of Pennsylvania railroad history, as well as the entrance to two of the restaurants at Doolittle Station.

Inside the Depot at Doolittle Station in DuBois.
Inside the Depot at Doolittle Station in DuBois.

Railroad memorabilia can be found in glass cases around the Doolittle Station Depot, as well as adorning the walls.

Front desk area at the Depot at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County.
Front desk area at the Depot at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County.

For train lovers, you could easily spend an hour in the Depot examining all the historic railroading artifacts housed here.

Pennsylvania Railroad china on display at the Depot at Doolittle Station in DuBois.
Pennsylvania Railroad china on display at the Depot at Doolittle Station in DuBois.

3. The Diner Car at Doolittle Station

The Diner Car at Doolittle Station is located inside a 1949 Pullman standard car. 

Exterior of the Diner Car at Doolittle Station near Interstate 80 in DuBois.
Exterior of the Diner Car at Doolittle Station near Interstate 80 in DuBois.

Offering casual dining in an authentic 50’s environment, the Diner Car at Doolittle Station is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

The retro-themed Diner Car at Doolittle Station in DuBois Pennsylvania.
The retro-themed Diner Car at Doolittle Station in DuBois

4. The Parlor Car at Doolittle Station

The Parlor Car at Doolittle Station offers fine dining (by reservation only) in a 1913 Parlor Car, one of only four ever made.

The Parlor Car dining room at Doolittle Station in DuBois.
The Parlor Car dining room at Doolittle Station in DuBois.

5. Boxcar Brew Works

Boxcar Brew Works at Doolittle Station offers exceptional craft beers that are both brewed and served inside repurposed train cars!

Boxcar Brew Works in Clearfield County really is housed in a train car!
Boxcar Brew Works in Clearfield County really is housed in a train car!

With a rotating menu of 20 beers on tap, any beer lover can find something they’ll enjoy at Boxcar Brew Works.

The beer menu at Boxcar Brew Works, part of Doolittle Station in Clearfield County PA.
The beer menu at Boxcar Brew Works, part of Doolittle Station in Clearfield County.

Being partial to IPAs myself, I can’t recommend their BrainFreeze milkshake-style IPA highly enough!

BrainFreeze milkshake IPA, one of the delicious craft beers on tap at Boxcar Brew Works in DuBois, Pennsylvania.
BrainFreeze milkshake IPA, one of the delicious craft beers on tap at Boxcar Brew Works in DuBois, Pennsylvania.

Boxcar Brew Works offers comfortable indoor seating, if that’s your preference.

Inside dining area at Boxcar Brew Works in Doolittle Station, DuBois Pennsylvania.
Inside dining area at Boxcar Brew Works in Doolittle Station, DuBois.

There is also attached outdoor seating, overlooking the mini golf course (more on that in a bit).

Outdoors dining area at Boxcar Brew Works in Doolittle Station.
Outdoors dining area at Boxcar Brew Works in Doolittle Station.

6. Railcar Pizza

Railcar Pizza at Doolittle Station makes and serves fantastic 9-inch personal pizzas in a converted train car.

Railcar Pizza in Clearfield County at Doolittle Station.
Railcar Pizza in Clearfield County at Doolittle Station.

In an age where seemingly everything is called “artisanal”, the pizza at Railcar Pizza truly lives up to that claim.

Delicious pizza from Railcar Pizza at Doolittle Station in DuBois.
Delicious pizza from Railcar Pizza at Doolittle Station in DuBois.

With an extensive menu of crusts, sauces, cheeses, and toppings to choose from, each pizza at Railcar Pizza is truly one-of-a-kind.

The dining room at Railcar Pizza inside Doolittle Station, DuBois.
The dining room at Railcar Pizza inside Doolittle Station, DuBois.

7. The Presidential Car Bed and Breakfast

There are lots of bed and breakfasts, but only one Presidential Train Car Bed and Breakfast!

Exterior of the Pullman Presidential train car at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County Pennsylvania.
Exterior of the Pullman Presidential train car at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County.

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this opulent “mansion on rails”, originally built for railroad presidents and once used by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt!

History of the Pullman Presidential train car at Doolittle Station in DuBois.

Originally built in 1901, and still retaining most of its original furnishings and character, staying in the Presidential Car Bed and Breakfast is a truly unique experience.

Dining room in the Pullman Presidential train car at Doolittle Station in DuBois.
Dining room in the Pullman Presidential train car at Doolittle Station in DuBois.

The President’s bedroom was extremely comfortable, even by 2021 standards.

The President's bed on the Pullman Presidential train car at Doolittle Station in DuBois PA.
The President’s bed on the Pullman Presidential train car at Doolittle Station in DuBois.

And the historic vibe of the entire train car is unsurpassed.

Hallway on the Pullman Presidential train car, once used by President Theodore Roosevelt.
Hallway on the Pullman Presidential train car, once used by President Theodore Roosevelt.

A modern (but retro-looking) attached annex houses a spacious bathroom and kitchenette.

Annex containing the bathroom and kitchenette of the Pullman Presidential train car at Doolittle Station near Interstate 80 in Clearfield County.
Annex containing the bathroom and kitchenette of the Pullman Presidential train car at Doolittle Station near Interstate 80 in Clearfield County.

Even your jaded pre-teen kid will think the Presidential Car Bed and Breakfast is pretty cool!

The Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern train car at Doolittle Station in DuBois.
The Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern train car at Doolittle Station in DuBois.

8.The Model Railroad Museum at Doolittle Station

The Model Railroad Museum at Doolittle Station is itself housed inside a train car.

The train car that houses the model train display at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County.
The train car that houses the model train display at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County.

A three-tiered, 66 foot-long, HO-scale model train layout runs the entire length of the train car.

The model train display runs the length of the train car that houses the display.
The model train display runs the length of the train car that houses the display.

Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the nine different layouts within the Model Train Museum at Doolittle Station.

The model train display at Doolittle Station is itself housed in a train car.
The model train display at Doolittle Station is itself housed in a train car.

9. Mini Golf at Doolittle Station

The mini golf course at Doolittle Station lies at the very heart of the complex, surrounded by train cars.

Aerial view of the 18-hole mini golf course at Doolittle Station in DuBois.
Aerial view of the 18-hole mini golf course at Doolittle Station in DuBois.

This 18 hole, dinosaur-themed course is actually quite challenging as far as mini golf courses go.

The 18-hole mini golf course at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County is both fun and challenging.
The 18-hole mini golf course at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County is both fun and challenging.

If you’ve ever wanted to work on your short game in the presence of a stegosaurus, then the mini golf course at Doolittle Station is the perfect place to do it!

My daughter putting at the dinosaur-themed Doolittle Station mini golf course. in Clearfield.
My daughter putting at the dinosaur-themed Doolittle Station mini golf course. in Clearfield.

10. Doolittle’s Dinosaurs

Doolittle’s Dinosaurs is an animatronic dinosaur museum, open on the weekends for a $5.00 admission fee.

Exterior of Doolittle's Dinosaurs in DuBois, just off Interstate 80 in Clearfield County PA.
Exterior of Doolittle’s Dinosaurs in DuBois, just off Interstate 80 in Clearfield County.

And if robotic dinosaurs aren’t your thing (or if they freak your kids out), you can walk around the outside of the museum and see plenty of stationary dinosaurs and dragons for free.

Dragon on a train car at Doolittle's Dinosaurs in DuBois Pennsylvania.
Dragon on a train car at Doolittle’s Dinosaurs in DuBois

11. The Caring Caboose at Doolittle Station

The Caring Caboose at Doolittle Station is currently undergoing renovations, but when it reopens it features a private dining experience for families with children or adults with special needs.

The Caring Caboose at Doolittle Station in DuBois PA.
The Caring Caboose at Doolittle Station in DuBois.

12. The Goats at Doolittle Station

Residing at the back of the property, the goats at Doolittle Station are fun to watch as they do what goats do – run around, eat, and climb on stuff.

Goats at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County.
Goats at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County.

The goats even get in on the train-themed fun, with these rail car wheels being just one of the many items they have to climb on.

Even the goat habitat is train-themed at Doolittle Station in DuBois.
Even the goat habitat is train-themed at Doolittle Station in DuBois.

Final Thoughts about Doolittle Station in DuBois

With so much to see and do (and eat and drink), it’s hard to experience everything at Doolittle Station in just one visit.

Aerial view of the front half of Doolittle Station in DuBois Pennsylvania.
Aerial view of the front half of Doolittle Station in DuBois.

Great food and drinks, plenty of historic railroad memorabilia, and a healthy does of kitsch – all of these factors add up to make Doolittle Station in DuBois one of Pennsylvania’s most unique roadside attractions!

The Last Circus Train at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County.
The Last Circus Train at Doolittle Station in Clearfield County.

Doolittle Station Hours of Operation

In the Age of COVID, I’d encourage you to check the Doolittle Station official website before visiting, to confirm the most current hours of operation at the various restaurants and attractions.

A Chessie System engine in the model train display car at Doolittle Station in DuBois.
A Chessie System engine in the model train display car at Doolittle Station in DuBois.

During my most recent visit and stay there in August of 2021, almost everything was open and operating normally, but that can change quickly, as we’ve all learned by now.

The President's bedroom on the Pullman Presidential train car at Doolittle Station.
The President’s bedroom on the Pullman Presidential train car at Doolittle Station.

So do yourself a favor and just check ahead, so as to avoid this look from your family if you show up on a day when things are closed!

Dinosaur outside Doolittle's Dinosaurs animatronic dinosaur exhibit at Doolittle Station in DuBois.
Dinosaur outside Doolittle’s Dinosaurs animatronic dinosaur exhibit at Doolittle Station in DuBois.

Nearby Attractions

Speaking of eclectic roadside attractions, the Grice Museum in Clearfield may be the quirkiest “cars and critters” museum you ever visit!

A grizzly bear guarding the showroom at the Grice Museum in Clearfield PA
A grizzly bear guarding the showroom at the Grice Museum in Clearfield.

Parker Dam State Park is a 968-acre expanse in Clearfield County featuring a tranquil lake, a beach area, scenic vistas, and miles of hiking trails.

Taking in the scenery at Parker Dam State Park in Clearfield County.
Parker Dam State Park in Clearfield County.

Bilger’s Rocks in Clearfield County is billed as “Pennsylvania’s Best Rock Outcropping”, and is a fun way to spend the day exploring a 300 million year-old “rock city”.

Some of the fascinating tree roots at Bilger's Rocks in Clearfield County.
Some of the fascinating tree roots at Bilger’s Rocks in Clearfield County.

The Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County is a well-preserved example of mid-19th century “frontier” architecture.

An aerial view of the Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County Pennsylvania.
An aerial view of the Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.

McGees Mills Covered Bridge is the last remaining historic covered bridge in Clearfield County, and still open to vehicular traffic.

McGees Mills Covered Bridge Clearfield County Pennsylvania
McGees Mills Covered Bridge in Clearfield County.

Beartown Rocks in neighboring Jefferson County features an exceptional scenic overlook perched high atop a “rock city” dating back to the last Ice Age!

Beartown Rocks Overlook in the Clear Creek State Forest.
Beartown Rocks Overlook in the Clear Creek State Forest.

If you’ve never thought of Interstate 80 as a scenic highway, 13 Must-See Roadside Attractions along Interstate 80 might just change your mind!

Rosecrans Falls in Clinton County Pennsylvania on a foggy summer morning.
Rosecrans Falls in Clinton County, just off Interstate 80.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.