Wetlands, waterside paths and historic sites give Crawford County different focal points for a trip. The Erie National Wildlife Refuge, located in the county, combines wildlife habitats with nature trails. There are also routes for walking, jogging or cycling, as well as museums that explore regional history and culture. You can consider wildlife watching, outdoor activity and historical topics as different elements of your trip planning.

Wetlands, Lakes and Trails

More than 40 percent of the Erie National Wildlife Refuge consists of wetland habitats that provide suitable environments for migratory birds and waterfowl. The refuge has five nature trails: Beaver Run Trail, Deer Run Trail, Tsuga Trail, Muddy Creek Holly Trail and Trolley Line Trail. A specific landscape profile is described for the 1.2-mile Tsuga Trail: It passes through dense hemlock stands, mixed hardwood forests, meadows and wetlands. Trails, boardwalks and information panels offer family-friendly areas for wildlife observation.

Woodcock Creek Lake lies in central Crawford County, amid gently rounded hills in a rural landscape. The road across its dam offers a route nearly a mile long for walking, jogging or running. Another nature option is Bossard Nature Trail: It is designated a National Recreation Trail in the National Trails System, has a self-guided route and two observation blinds. The options described are therefore clearly distinct: The dam road focuses on distance and types of activity, while Bossard Nature Trail features a self-guided route and observation blinds.

Woodcock Lake Park has a developed swimming beach, four reservable shelters and a six-lane boat launch. These facilities complement the hiking opportunities with other activities on the water. Reservable shelters may be a factor in your planning; current availability is not guaranteed.

The paved Ernst Trail runs five miles from Park Avenue Plaza in Meadville to Route 19. It is suitable for cycling, walking, running and inline skating. The route lets you choose between walking, running, cycling and inline skating.

History and Culture in the County

The Meadville Market House is Pennsylvania’s oldest continuously operating market building. Another historic landmark is the Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum, also known as Mount Hope: It was built in 1843 by Henry Baldwin, a justice of the United States Supreme Court. Cultural interests here therefore include both the history of the market and a building with a named builder and construction year.

The Crawford County Agricultural and Fair Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the Crawford County Fair and Crawford County’s agricultural heritage. The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day of the Crawford County Fair. Plan a possible museum visit around the Fair dates and check the event days before your trip. The John Brown Tannery Site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its visitor facilities, as described, include an off-street parking lot, a concrete entrance plaza and two illustrated, weather-resistant information panels.

The exhibit about Conneaut Lake Park offers a distinct focus: It includes a Skee-Ball game used by many museum visitors, as well as a mechanical game model. In this model, balls are shot into holes and players compete against one another. For a different kind of outing, the Barbara J Sternwheeler offers boat rides on Conneaut Lake; check the schedule and operations before your trip. Conneaut Cellars Winery & Distillery offers outdoor wine tastings in summer, making this a seasonal feature to include in your trip planning.

For an excursion in the wider region, the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad runs a 27-mile round trip from the historic Perry Street Station in Titusville through Oil Creek State Park. For hikers, cyclists and paddlers using the park’s trails, the railroad offers a convenient one-way train ride back. If you would like to include this option, check the current schedule before your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Meadville, Conneaut Lakeshore, Cambridge Springs, Venango County, Mckean County, Centre, Berks, Huntingdon County.

For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.