Attractions and Places To See in Crawford County - Top 7
Best attractions and places to see in Crawford County include a diverse range of natural and historical sites. This region features extensive forest areas, significant cave systems, and historical landmarks related to early American transportation and industry. Visitors can explore conservation areas, state parks, and unique roadside attractions. The landscape is characterized by rivers, bluffs, and dense woodlands, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and historical exploration.
Best attractions and places to see in Crawford County
- The most popular attractions is…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Cuba, Old Carr Phillips Station and the Cuba Murals
Highlight • Monument
In 1932 Paul T. Carr opened a Phillips 66 station here and soon expanded it to include a Pontiac car dealership. In …
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Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba
Highlight • Historical Site
The motel was built in 1934 and was first called Wagon Wheel Cabins. The individual cottages were built from natural stone from the Ozark Mountains. …
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Huzzah Conservation Area
Highlight • Forest
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Onondaga Cave State Park
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Fanning Route 66 Outpost
Highlight • Monument
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Missouri Hick Bar-B-Q, Route 66, Cuba
Highlight • Restaurant
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Onondaga Cave State Park
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Onondaga Cave State Park is a beautiful Missouri State Park located on the Meramec River, southeast of Leasburg. Established in 1982, this park offers a range of activities, including cave tours of a spectacular underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowing formations that earned it National Natural Landmark status. It's a popular spot for camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and swimming.
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The Huzzah Conservation Area covers more than 6,000 acres of dense forest, peaceful creeks, and impressive bluffs. At the center of this landscape is the Ozark Trail, which features the ruins of the Scotia Furnace from the 1870s. This site represents a brief but significant period in Ozark history, marked by iron production that relied on charcoal and timber. The area is rich in wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and bobcats, while the Meramec River and Huzzah and Courtois Creeks support thriving populations of bass and crayfish.
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The Onondaga Cave State Park is a Missouri State Park on the Meramec River, about 8 km southeast of the village of Leasburg. The park was founded in 1982. Park activities include cave tours, camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and swimming.
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A former trading post where numerous travelers still stop, if only for a photo of the world's largest rocking chair. The chair is 12.82m high and 6.17m wide. It was built in 2008. It is also listed in the Guinness Book of Records under the name "The Route 66 Rocker".
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Old Carr Phillips 66 Service Station in Cuba In 1932 Paul T. Carr opened a Phillips 66 station here and soon expanded it to include a Pontiac car dealership. In 1968, Bill and Lynn Wallis, the founders of Wallis Oil Vertriebsgesellschaft, moved into the small cottage and opened their first mobile station here. They still have their offices in Cuba across from the old gas station that Lynn Wallis was reluctant to sell because she feared it would be torn down. From today's perspective almost a miracle, where everyone else is only out for profit. Ultimately, as part of the Viva Cuba project, it was restored and restored to its 1930s condition. The garage doors now feature drawings commemorating Bill Wallis and the history of the site. Viva Cuba Organization's Mural Project (Wall Drawings) In many places along Route 66, small works of art have been attached to old facades, which illustrate the history of the city or are simply intended to attract tourists. Cuba stands out from the crowd. It's not for nothing that the city is officially nicknamed "Mural City". Through Fran Eickhoff's initiative, 12 beautiful murals were installed to beautify the city as part of Viva Cuba's Outdoor Mural Project. Most are along Route 66 between Smith St and Fillmore and along Buchanan St towards the railroad.
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This restaurant was actually only opened after Route 66 had been abandoned, but if the establishment had been set up earlier, it would have made it onto every official Route 66 site, because it simply fits their mentality.
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Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba The motel was built in 1934 and was first called Wagon Wheel Cabins. The individual cottages were built from natural stone from the Ozark Mountains. In 1946, 5 more cabins were added to the 9. At times, a Standard Oil gas station and a small restaurant also belonged to the complex. Today, the facility, which has made it onto the list of National Historic Places, shines in a gorgeous retro design.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in Crawford County?
Crawford County is rich in history. You can explore the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, a historic Route 66 landmark built in 1934 from Ozark Mountain stone. Other significant sites include the Drake Well Museum and Park in Titusville, marking the birthplace of the modern petroleum industry, and the Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum in Meadville, showcasing 19th-century life. The foundations of abolitionist John Brown's 1825 tannery, an active stop on the Underground Railroad, are also located here.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Crawford County?
Yes, Crawford County offers several family-friendly attractions. The Onondaga Cave State Park provides engaging cave tours, camping, and picnicking. For a unique experience, visit the Linesville Spillway within Pymatuning State Park, famous for ducks appearing to walk on fish. Conneaut Lake Park offers classic amusement park rides, including a wooden roller coaster. Many city parks, like Diamond Park in Meadville, also host community events suitable for families.
Where can I experience nature and outdoor activities in Crawford County?
Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to do. Huzzah Conservation Area features over 6,000 acres of dense forest, creeks, and bluffs, with opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. Pymatuning State Park, one of Pennsylvania's largest, offers boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking trails around Pymatuning Lake. Conneaut Lake is ideal for water sports, and French Creek is popular for kayaking. The Ernst Trail is perfect for walking and cycling.
What unique cultural or artistic attractions are there?
Crawford County boasts several unique cultural and artistic spots. The PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden in Meadville, also known as 'Read Between the Signs,' is a public art installation made from repurposed road signs. In Cuba, you can see the Cuba Murals, part of the Viva Cuba Organization's project to beautify the city with historical depictions. The Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum highlights the history of stereoscopic photography.
Can I find places for hiking or cycling in the area?
Absolutely. The Huzzah Conservation Area features sections of the Ozark Trail, offering scenic hikes through forests and past historical ruins. Pymatuning State Park has seven miles of hiking trails. For cycling, the Ernst Trail provides a scenic path. The Erie National Wildlife Refuge also offers hiking opportunities, such as on the Tsuga Trail, perfect for birdwatching.
Are there any notable lakes or rivers for recreation?
Yes, Crawford County is home to significant bodies of water. Pymatuning Lake, within Pymatuning State Park, is Pennsylvania's largest lake and offers boating, fishing, and swimming. Conneaut Lake is Pennsylvania's largest natural lake, popular for water sports and swimming. French Creek, named 2022 River of the Year, is a favorite for kayakers, with launch points along its banks.
What are some interesting historical industrial sites?
The region has a strong industrial heritage. The Drake Well Museum and Park in Titusville is a must-visit, commemorating the site of the world's first commercial oil well. The Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad offers a scenic journey through the Oil Creek Valley, providing insight into the area's rich oil industry history. You can also find the ruins of the Scotia Furnace from the 1870s within the Huzzah Conservation Area.
Where can I find local food and drink experiences?
Crawford County offers local culinary and beverage experiences. The Meadville Market House is one of the nation's oldest continuously operating community markets, offering a glimpse into local commerce. For dining, Missouri Hick Bar-B-Q on Route 66 in Cuba is a popular spot. The county is also home to several breweries, such as Voodoo Brewery in Meadville, and various wineries where you can sample local beverages.
Are there any unique lodging options available?
For a unique stay, consider the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, a historic Route 66 motel that has been restored to a gorgeous retro design. Another distinctive option is the Caboose Motel, located on stationary tracks beside the Perry Street Station, offering the experience of sleeping in a caboose near the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad.
What are some good places for wildlife viewing or birdwatching?
The Erie National Wildlife Refuge, with its two tracts including the Sugar Lake Tract, is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with over 200 bird species identified. The Huzzah Conservation Area is rich in wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and bobcats. The Helen B. Katz Natural Area, along Cussewago Creek, is also known for high-quality wetlands and floodplain, making it ideal for birding and wildlife watching.
What is the Crawford County Forest?
Crawford County is unique in being the steward of the Commonwealth's only county forest. This expansive natural area provides a significant resource for outdoor recreation and conservation, contributing to the region's diverse natural amenities.
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