Visit / The Lumber Heritage Trail

Stop #6 – Explore the Penn Brad Oil Museum: A Journey Through Oil History

Nestled in northwestern Pennsylvania’s McKean County, the Penn Brad Oil Museum offers an immersive experience into the remarkable history of the Bradford Oil Field, famously known as the world’s first billion-dollar oil field. This unique museum preserves the ingenuity, achievements, and spirit of a community that revolutionized the oil industry.

A Historic Oil Field

In 1881, the Bradford Oil Field emerged as a marvel of industrial achievement, contributing a staggering 83% of the United States’ oil output. With over 90,000 wells drilled into the upper Devonian Bradford Sands, this field set the stage for Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in shaping the global petroleum industry. Today, the Bradford Oil Field continues to inspire innovation and exploration in the energy sector.

What to Expect at the Museum

Step back in time to the boom days of the oil industry and explore the fascinating lives of the people who pioneered this transformative era. The museum features engaging exhibits and guided tours that bring to life the tools, techniques, and stories of the Bradford Oil Field.

Exhibit Highlights

Guided Tours by Industry Veterans

Experience the Bradford Oil Field through the eyes of those who lived it. Knowledgeable guides, including oil country veterans, provide engaging and informative tours packed with firsthand accounts and rich historical details.

Admission

Enjoy free parking and the convenience of credit card payments.

Plan Your Visit

The Penn Brad Oil Museum is more than just a museum—it’s a tribute to innovation, resilience, and the pioneering spirit that defined an era. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of engineering marvels, or seeking a family-friendly outing, the museum promises an unforgettable experience.

Explore the Penn Brad Oil Museum to witness the legacy of the Bradford Oil Field and its enduring impact on Pennsylvania’s history and the global energy landscape. Join us and celebrate the ingenuity that shaped an industry and a nation!

Other Stops on The Lumber Heritage Trail

The Lumber Heritage Trail

Stop #1 – Explore Clarion County’s Natural Surroundings on the Rail 66 Country Trail

Rail 66 Country Trail is a non-motorized, 4-season trail that currently extends 20.1 miles through the scenic countryside of northern Clarion County near the Village of Lucinda on the historic Knox-Kane railroad bed. The 20.1 mile corridor of the Knox to Kane rail bed aka Rail 66 Country Trail starts at Clarion Junction (Rt 322) in Paint Township and stretches north along Rt 66 to the Clarion/Forest County line in the Village of Vowinckel. Beyond the county line it extends through Forest, Elk and McKean Counties. The trail directly connects to the North Country National Scenic Trail, the Baker Trail and BicyclePA Route V. It’s located just a few miles from Cook Forest State Park, the Allegheny National Forest, State Game Lands, Clarion Highlands Trail and ultimately to the Sandy Creek Trail, the Allegheny River Trail and, the Redbank Valley Trail. ​Rail 66 Country Trail a/k/a Rail 66, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, was created and now owns a permanent easement for 20.1 miles of the corridor in Clarion County. Volunteers invested many hours and local donors gave thousands of dollars for the effort. Rail 66 members use, maintain and support the trail. The old B&O lives on as a rail trail, providing recreation and economic development in Northwest Pennsylvania by tying together numerous communities, several trail systems, two state parks and the Allegheny National Forest.

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The Lumber Heritage Maple Trail

Spring Valley Maple

Scott Kolesar of Spring Valley Maple produces his own syrup from a grove of sugar maples on his property in his “sugar shack.” Scott took 1st place in the Grade A - Amber Syrup in glass, 2nd place in Grade A - Dark Syrup in glass and 2nd place Grade A - Very Dark Syrup in glass at the 2023 Pennsylvania Farm Show with his maple syrup. The process starts with drilling a tap hole into a maple tree. A spout is inserted to direct the sap to either a bucket or into tubing that sends the sap to a large collection tank at the sugar house or a central collection area using a vacuum pump. From the storage tanks, the sap is often put through a reverse osmosis machine, which takes a percentage of the water from the sap before boiling. The evaporation process sends clouds of sweet maple scented steam billowing from the sugarhouse cupolas and steam stacks. An evaporator is where the boiling takes place. Stainless steel pans sit atop an arch, or firebox, where either oil or wood creates an intense fire. As the water in the sap evaporates, the sap thickens. When the thermometer in the pan reaches 219 degrees the syrup is ready to draw off. Even though it looks like the finished product it will still need to be filtered, adjusted for density and graded for flavor and color. Choose PURE MAPLE SYRUP, a natural sweetener and a smart food choice!

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