PA Counties

5 Must-See Attractions in Crawford County

A collage of four scenes from Crawford COunty Pennsylvania.

If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Crawford County, you’re in the right place!

A map of Pennsylvania with Crawford County highlighted in red.

The county was established in 1800 and named for Colonel William Crawford, who fought in the French and Indian War, Lord Dunmore’s War and the American Revolutionary War.

Crawford County historical marker in Meadville, Pennsylvania.

The county seat is Meadville, known as the “Zipper Capital of the World” due to its historic manufacturing of zippers.

The Crawford County Courthouse in Meadville, Pennsylvania.

From state parks to hiking trails to sightseeing railroad excursions, here are 5 of the best things to see and do in Crawford County.

Simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below to read more in-depth information about each destination.

1. The PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden in Meadville

Known officially as “Read Between the Signs,” the PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden is a 1200-foot-long public art installation made entirely out of repurposed road signs.

A collage of four whimsical sculptures from the PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. The top-left image shows a blue locomotive on tracks made from repurposed road signs, with oil derricks in the background. The top-right image features two figures paddling a canoe, constructed from colorful road signs. The bottom-left image depicts a red barn and silo made from stop signs and directional signs. The bottom-right image shows a cowboy playing a guitar, crafted from railroad crossing and directional signs, accompanied by additional figures in a playful scene. These artworks are part of the 1200-foot-long public art piece made entirely from recycled Pennsylvania Department of Transportation signs.

2. The Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad

The Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad in Crawford County offers a sightseeing journey through Pennsylvania’s Oil Creek Valley, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the birthplace of the American oil industry.

A collage depicting various scenes from the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. The top-left image shows a maroon and yellow OC&T locomotive with an engineer standing on the front, giving a friendly wave. The top-right image captures passengers on a wooden platform observing the bright yellow locomotive approaching through a lush, green landscape. The bottom-left image features passengers, including a dog, standing on a wooden platform surrounded by dense forest, waiting near a train car. The bottom-right image shows a vintage passenger car with "Oil Creek & Titusville" and "Col. Edwin L. Drake" painted on its side, highlighting the historic charm of the excursion.

3. The Caboose Motel

The Caboose Motel in Titusville, situated on a pair of stationary tracks beside the Perry Street Station of the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad, offers 21 renovated caboose cars, each outfitted with modern amenities for your comfort.

A collage showcasing various aspects of the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA. The top left image features a bright red caboose with a sign for the motel, nestled among greenery. The top right image shows the interior of one of the cabooses, with a cozy bed, wooden paneling, and natural light streaming in from skylights. The bottom left image captures a row of colorful cabooses with a red truck parked in front, highlighting the motel's unique lodging experience. The bottom right image displays the motel office, a quaint building with a bench outside, an American flag waving, and the backdrop of a clear, sunny day.

4. The Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park

The Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience that has delighted both the young and old for nearly one hundred years – the opportunity to watch ducks walk on fish!

A collage of four photos taken at the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park. The top left photo shows visitors feeding ducks and fish while standing along the curved spillway where water flows into a lower basin. The top right photo features a wooden sign marking the entrance to "The Spillway, Pymatuning State Park" with a nearby road and park facilities visible in the background. The bottom left image is a vintage postcard showing visitors feeding ducks and fish in the 1930s, with classic cars parked along the road. The bottom right photo captures a close-up view of ducks and geese surrounded by a dense school of carp, all competing for food at the spillway.

5. The Tsuga Trail

The Tsuga Trail in Crawford County offers a scenic, 1.5 mile hike through diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and lakeside views at the Erie National Wildlife Refuge, perfect for nature observation and wildlife spotting.

A collage of four photos showcasing various aspects of the Tsuga Trail at Erie National Wildlife Refuge in Crawford County, PA. The top left image features a hiker standing on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by lush vegetation and illuminated by sunlight. The top right photo shows a peaceful forest path blanketed in fallen leaves, with tall trees casting dappled light. The bottom left captures a wetland scene with a calm, reflective pond framed by grasses and autumn foliage. The bottom right image displays an informational sign about the Tsuga Trail, including a map and tips for wildlife watching, enhancing the educational aspect of the trail experience.

Nearby Attractions

13 Must-See Attractions in Erie County is a guide to some of the best things to see and do in Crawford County’s neighbor to the north.

A collage of four photos showcasing attractions in Erie County, Pennsylvania: a lighthouse surrounded by seagulls on a pier extending into Lake Erie under a partly cloudy sky, a lion resting amidst lush greenery at the Erie Zoo, a whimsical spider sculpture made from a Volkswagen Beetle on a grassy lawn, and a serene Lake Erie sunset with vibrant colors reflecting on the water and framed by trees on the shoreline.

8 Must-See Attractions in Warren County is your guide to the best things to see and do in Crawford County’s neighbor to the east.

Collage of four scenic locations in Warren County, Pennsylvania, featuring Hector Falls cascading down a rock face, the calm waters of Chapman Lake reflecting the sky, an aerial view of downtown Warren along the Allegheny River, and people relaxing on the sandy beach at Kinzua Beach near the Kinzua Dam.

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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