PA Roadside Attractions

Spending the Night at the Caboose Motel in Titusville

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.

If you’re looking for information about spending the night at the Caboose Motel in Titusville, you’re in the right place!

A row of colorful cabooses converted into motel rooms at the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA. The caboose in the foreground is painted white and red, with "WM Western Maryland Railway" displayed on the side. A wooden deck with stairs provides access to the rooms, and the area is surrounded by neatly trimmed bushes and greenery. Several vehicles, including an orange pickup truck, are parked in the adjacent parking area. The scene is set against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, highlighting the unique and nostalgic atmosphere of the motel.

The Caboose Motel is your ticket to a one-of-a-kind lodging experience, allowing your to spend a night (or two, in my case) in an authentic railroad caboose in Crawford County.

Situated on a pair of stationary tracks beside the Perry Street Station of the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad, this unique motel offers 21 renovated caboose cars, each outfitted with modern amenities for your comfort.

A cozy motel room with a king-sized bed covered in a beige quilted bedspread. The bed features brass headboards and is positioned against wood-paneled walls. Above the bed, a framed print of a vintage steam locomotive hangs on the light blue wall. The room has several windows near the ceiling, allowing natural light to filter in. A red door at the far end of the room serves as the entrance, with a small desk and chair situated to the right. A brass floor lamp and a wall-mounted lamp provide additional lighting next to the bed.

The motel’s proximity to the Perry Street Station makes in the perfect place to stay before or after doing the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad’s sightseeing excursion.

Perry Street Station, the visitor center for the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad, located near the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA. The station is housed in a historic cream-colored wooden building with a sign reading "Perry Street Station" above the entrance. A large signboard in front of the building advertises train rides and visitor information. In the background, a maroon and yellow Oil Creek & Titusville locomotive is parked on the tracks, surrounded by lush green hills and a partly cloudy sky. The scene captures the historical charm and inviting atmosphere of this railroad-themed destination.

Booking Information

The Caboose Motel is located at 407 South Perry Street, Titusville, PA 16354.

Room rates as of 2024 are $95 + tax per night.

A red and white Nickel Plate Road caboose at the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA. The caboose features the slogans "Nickel Plate High Speed Service" and "Nickel Plate Road" prominently displayed on its side. The caboose is part of the motel's unique accommodations, and it is surrounded by well-maintained bushes and greenery. The bright colors of the caboose stand out against a partly cloudy sky, adding to the nostalgic railroad-themed atmosphere of the motel.

To check availability and to reserve your Caboose, call the Caboose Motel Office at 814-827-5730.

The office of the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA, housed in a small, cream-colored building with a sloped roof. An American flag is displayed near the entrance, which is marked by a sign reading "Caboose Motel Office." A vintage railroad crossing sign is placed by the door, adding to the railroad theme of the motel. The porch area features a wooden bench with decorative cutouts and a few small items, including traffic cones and a water spigot. The gravel driveway and nearby train tracks contribute to the rustic and historical ambiance of the location.

You can choose a cozy caboose with a king-size bed and cupola windows (that’s what I chose), or one with two full-size beds and bay windows.

A cozy motel room at the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA, featuring a king-sized bed with a beige quilted bedspread. The room has wood-paneled walls with a light blue upper section, and several windows near the ceiling allow natural light to brighten the space. A small desk with a red chair is positioned on the left side, while a wooden armchair sits next to the bed. The room is equipped with brass headboards, wall-mounted lamps, and a nightstand with a telephone. In the background, a door leads to the bathroom area, and the overall ambiance is warm and inviting.

Either way, you’ll enjoy the charm of railroad history combined with the convenience of air conditioning, a microwave, mini refrigerator, television, and a private bathroom with a shower.

A small kitchenette area inside a room at the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA. The setup includes a microwave, a coffee maker, and a mini-refrigerator tucked under a simple countertop. A red cushioned chair is positioned at the counter, which is attached to wood-paneled walls. A small brown wastebasket with a liner is placed on the counter. A fire extinguisher is mounted on the wall nearby, along with a framed informational plaque. A window with closed blinds allows some natural light into the space, creating a cozy and functional area within the room.

The Caboose Motel is also pet-friendly, with specific cabooses designated for guests traveling with dogs.

A row of vintage cabooses at the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA, featuring a green New York Central caboose with bay windows and a blue Pennsylvania Railroad caboose. Both cabooses have been converted into motel rooms, with a shared wooden deck providing access. Lush greenery surrounds the cabooses, and the scene is set against a backdrop of industrial buildings and a clear blue sky. A reserved parking sign for accessible parking is visible in front of the green caboose, adding to the motel's welcoming atmosphere.

For those with mobility challenges, three of the cabooses have ramp access, ensuring everyone can enjoy this unique experience.

A row of colorful cabooses at the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA, each converted into a unique motel room. The foreground features a red caboose labeled "Oil Creek & Titusville," with a wooden ramp providing accessible entry. The cabooses are surrounded by well-maintained landscaping, including blooming flowers and tall grasses. Several more cabooses, painted in green, yellow, and red, can be seen in the background. A few cars are parked in the adjacent lot, all set under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The scene highlights the charming and historic atmosphere of the motel.

After a day of exploring the Oil Region, unwind in a deck chair outside your caboose, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of this historic area.

A wooden deck outside a red caboose room at the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA. The deck is furnished with several brown outdoor chairs and provides a view of the surrounding area, including other colorful cabooses in the distance. The deck is bordered by a wooden railing and is positioned alongside the bright red caboose, which has yellow handrails and a small window with closed blinds. Overhead power lines and a partly cloudy sky are visible in the background.

I stayed in the “Bessemer” caboose, and I appreciated the fact that I could literally park right next to the caboose – made unpacking a breeze!

A bright red caboose labeled "Bessemer" is part of the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA. The caboose has been converted into a motel room, with an adjacent wooden deck and greenery surrounding the base. A red pickup truck is parked nearby, with other colorful cabooses visible in the background. Overhead power lines stretch across a partly cloudy sky, adding to the rustic, rail-themed atmosphere of the location.

There was even a brief history of the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad inside the caboose to read (railfans will appreciate the little details like that.)

I found my caboose to be clean and comfortable, with the layout reminding me of a large RV set-up.

A clean and simple bathroom at the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA. The room features a white toilet with a small trash bin placed beside it. Above the toilet, a towel rack holds neatly folded white towels. The walls are painted a soft light blue, and the floor is covered with patterned vinyl tiles. A small sign with information is posted on the wall above the towel rack. The overall atmosphere is bright and well-maintained, providing a comfortable and functional space for guests.

Attractions Near the Caboose Motel

The motel’s location, just a block from downtown Titusville, makes it easy to explore the local shops and restaurants on foot.

A vintage Sun Oil Company display near the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA, featuring a restored blue and yellow tow truck parked next to a small white gas station building. The building is adorned with "Sun Oil Company" signage and has old-fashioned gas pumps in front, painted in matching blue and yellow colors. The display is set on a gravel lot with green hills in the background, and the late afternoon sun casts a warm glow on the scene, highlighting the nostalgic charm of this historical setup.

Downtown Titusville is home to many beautiful historic homes and buildings, offering a glimpse into the rich architectural heritage of “the birthplace of the petroleum industry.”

A beautifully preserved historic brick mansion in downtown Titusville, PA, showcasing Victorian-era architecture. The three-story building features ornate arched windows, a mansard roof with dormer windows, and decorative woodwork under the eaves. The front entrance is framed by a covered porch supported by columns, with well-maintained bushes and landscaping surrounding the property. The late afternoon sunlight casts warm shadows on the building, highlighting its rich architectural details against a clear blue sky.

Scheide Park, a peaceful green space with a charming gazebo, is also nearby, providing a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

A charming gazebo in Scheide Park near the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA, is surrounded by lush trees and greenery. The gazebo, adorned with patriotic bunting, sits at the center of the park, with light filtering through the leaves creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. The surrounding park area features benches, pathways, and mature trees, providing a serene setting in the heart of the town.

Additionally, the Drake Well Museum and Park is just a five-minute drive away, offering a deeper dive into the history of oil drilling in America.

A photograph of the Drake Well replica at the Drake Well Museum and Park in Venango County, PA, showcasing a side view of the wooden structure with its iconic triangular derrick. The building is constructed from dark wood planks with a simple, sloped roof, and a metal chimney emitting a small plume of smoke, indicating its operational status. Surrounded by tall trees and green grass, the well stands as a tribute to the original site where Edwin Drake drilled the first commercial oil well in 1859, igniting the modern petroleum industry. The scene is set on a bright day with a mix of blue skies and clouds, adding to the historical ambiance of the park.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Woodlawn Cemetery, also just five minutes from the motel.

A historical marker near the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA, commemorates Edwin L. Drake, the man who first successfully drilled for oil. The sign is set against a residential street, bordered by a sidewalk and a chain-link fence leading to houses in the background. The text on the marker highlights Drake's significance, mentioning that he is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery and is honored with a bronze statue known as "The Driller." The marker also notes the location of Drake Well, now a state park, just south of Titusville.

There, you can pay your respects at the gravesite and memorial of Edwin Drake, the man who drilled the first successful oil well in the United States.

The Colonel Edwin Drake Memorial in Titusville, PA, is a grand monument honoring the man who drilled the first successful oil well in the United States. The memorial features a large bronze statue of a muscular figure, representing Drake, kneeling with an oil drill in hand, symbolizing his historic achievement. The statue is set within a neoclassical structure with a pediment, flanked by sculpted figures on both sides. The curved stone wall behind the statue is inscribed with dedications and historical information, surrounded by lush green trees that provide a serene backdrop. The memorial is approached by a series of broad, low steps, adding to its imposing presence.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a train enthusiast, history buff, or just looking for a unique place to stay, the Caboose Motel promises a memorable and comfortable stay.

A row of brightly colored cabooses at the Caboose Motel in Titusville, PA, each converted into individual motel rooms. The foreground features a red Wabash caboose with a wooden deck and stairs providing access. Other cabooses in the background include blue and brown cars labeled with different railroad names. The cabooses are surrounded by neatly trimmed bushes and parked cars, with rolling green hills and a blue sky filled with fluffy clouds in the background. The scene captures the unique and nostalgic atmosphere of this railroad-themed motel.

With its blend of novelty and nostalgia, it’s the perfect base for your Titusville adventure.

Nearby Attractions

Riding the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad offers a scenic and historical 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.

Visiting the Drake Well Museum and Park is a fascinating journey to the birthplace of the modern petroleum industry.

A collage of four photos taken at the Drake Well Museum and Park in Venango County, PA, showcasing various aspects of the museum. The top left image features a replica of the Drake Well, the historic site of the first successful oil well in the United States, set among tall trees in a park-like environment. The top right image shows an exhibit of a 1912 Hatfield truck prominently displaying Quaker State products, along with other vintage oil industry-related displays. The bottom left image highlights an exhibit titled "Western Pennsylvania Transformed the World," which details the impact of Pennsylvania's petroleum pioneers with portraits of key figures in the industry. The bottom right image captures a detailed diorama of oil derricks and drilling equipment, illustrating the early days of oil extraction and the development of the petroleum industry. Together, these images provide a comprehensive view of the museum's exhibits, which explore the history and significance of the oil industry in Pennsylvania and its global impact.

Exploring the Ghost Town of Pithole in Venango County takes you on a journey to a once-thriving oil boomtown that rose to prominence almost overnight in the mid-1860s and disappeared just as quickly.

A collage of four photos taken at the ghost town of Pithole in Venango County, PA. The top left image shows the entrance sign to Historic Pithole City with the visitor center in the background. The top right image is a historic black-and-white photo depicting a bustling street scene with various businesses and people, including a drugstore and the Metropolitan Hotel. The bottom left image features a present-day grassy path at the intersection of First and Brown Streets, marked by a wooden signpost amidst tall vegetation. The bottom right image is a historical marker describing Pithole’s history, including details about its rapid rise to a population of 15,000 in 1865 due to the oil boom.

Tidioute Overlook in Warren County features a pair of easy-to-reach vistas offering views of the Allegheny River and the quaint town of Tidioute.

A collage of four photos taken at Tidioute Overlook in Warren County, Pennsylvania, within the Allegheny National Forest. The top left image features a scenic view of the Allegheny River, surrounded by lush green forested hills. The top right image shows the town of Tidioute nestled in a valley, with houses and farmland surrounded by rolling hills. The bottom left image captures the entrance sign to the Allegheny National Forest's picnic ground and overlook, with a peaceful road leading into the dense forest. The bottom right image provides a close-up of the Allegheny River winding through the verdant landscape, highlighting the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.

The Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County features over 40 vintage cabooses and train cars that have been repurposed into retro motel rooms.

A collage of four photos taken at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The top left image shows a red caboose labeled "Southern" with a red SUV parked in front of it. The top right image features two rows of colorful cabooses, including blue, yellow, and red ones, lined up on either side of a driveway. The bottom left image depicts the interior of a cozy motel room with a bed, table, and chair. The bottom right image showcases a sign for the Red Caboose Motel with a yellow caboose in the background. The Red Caboose Motel includes over 40 cabooses and train cars converted into retro motel rooms.

PA’s Top Railroad-Themed Attractions | A Visitors Guide is your ticket to more than 25 of Pennsylvania’s best railroad-themed attractions, based upon my own personal experiences visiting each one of them.

A collage showing 4 of the best railroad-themed attractions in Pennsylvania, including the East Broad Top Railroad, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, and the Horseshoe Curve.

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

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