Drake Well Museum & Park and its collection

Drake Well Museum & Park
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The Drake Well Museum and Park is a significant site that interprets the birth of the American oil industry. This historical event took place in 1859 by "Colonel" Edwin Drake along the banks of Oil Creek in Cherrytree Township, Venango County, Pennsylvania. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing this important part of American history.

Artifacts and Exhibits

The museum is home to a collection of artifacts related to the early oil industry. One of the key exhibits is the reconstructed Drake Well, which demonstrates the first practical use of salt drilling techniques for the extraction of petroleum. This exhibit provides a unique insight into the early techniques used in the oil industry.

Indoor and Outdoor Exhibits

The museum offers both indoor and outdoor exhibits, providing a comprehensive experience for visitors. It also houses a library with over 2,500 titles, a vast collection of manuscript material, and a photographic collection with over 10,800 images. These resources offer a deep dive into the history and development of the oil industry.

Programs and Visitor Services

The museum offers a variety of programs and services for visitors. These include the Fall Gas-Up engine show, a spring Heritage Lecture Series, Heritage School Tours, and the Nitroglycerine Show. Visitor services include an orientation film, guided tours, a museum store, and more. These offerings ensure a rich and engaging experience for all visitors.

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ENDrake Well Museum

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Science & Technology Science & Technology Industrial heritage Historic house

Drake Well Museum & Park
202 Museum Ln
Titusville, PA
Pennsylvania

Visitor information Drake Well Museum & Park

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday
10:00 – 16:00
Thursday
10:00 – 16:00
Friday
10:00 – 16:00
Saturday
10:00 – 16:00
Sunday
10:00 – 16:00

Hours of Operation:

April 1–October 31
Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

November 1–March 31
Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Monday to Thursday
The museum store is closed from January to March.

Admission

0 – 2Free
3 – 11$5.00
12 – 64$10.00
65+$8.00

AAA Members — $2 off general admission ticket for AAA members. Must show valid AAA card when purchasing admission.

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Parking
Child-friendly
Museum shop

Location & Map

202 Museum Ln, Cherrytree

Discover all museums in Cherrytree

Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Drake Well Museum & Park have been found.

Drake Well Museum & Park Reviews

Drake Well Museum & Park has 2 ratings.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Drake Well Museum & Park in Cherrytree, Pennsylvania, offers visitors an educational experience focused on the birth of the modern oil industry. The museum showcases the site where Edwin Drake drilled the first commercially successful oil well in 1859, marking a significant moment in American industrial history.

    Visitors generally appreciate the museum's informative exhibits that detail the early days of oil production and its impact on the region. The outdoor displays, including reconstructed oil derricks and period machinery, provide a tangible connection to the past. Many find the guided tours to be informative and engaging, with knowledgeable staff enhancing the experience.

    The park surrounding the museum is often noted for its pleasant walking trails and picnic areas, offering a nice balance to the indoor exhibits. Some visitors particularly enjoy the working replica of Drake's original well, which demonstrates the oil pumping process.

    However, some reviewers mention that the museum might not appeal to everyone, particularly those without a specific interest in industrial history or petroleum. A few visitors have commented that certain areas of the museum could benefit from updates or more interactive displays to engage younger audiences.

    The museum's location in a rural area is seen as both a positive (for its authenticity and peaceful setting) and a negative (for those expecting more amenities nearby). Some visitors suggest allocating about 2-3 hours for a thorough exploration of both the museum and the park grounds.

    Overall, the Drake Well Museum & Park is generally regarded as a well-maintained and informative site that effectively preserves and presents an important chapter in American industrial history.

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  • V
    Va'mya • Apr 29, 2025

    it was the best it is nice place to spend with family and very cool artifacts.

    Visited on Apr 25, 2025

  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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