OIL CITY, Pa. — Oil Creek State Park offers a variety of free educational programs throughout the year.

Below is a list of upcoming programming for the month of June.

Keep in mind that the Petroleum Center bridge is closed to all traffic. Please plan accordingly.

National Trails Day Family Bike Rides
Saturday, June 3
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Jersey Trailhead

Join park staff for one of the Family Bike Rides on the bike trail at Oil Creek State Park to celebrate National Trails Day!

Each ride is an out-and-back lasting one hour with no set distance. This will be a leisurely pace, and stops will be made along the way to check out cool historical sites, plants, and animals. Take some time before or after your ride to enjoy the vendors on the nearby Queen City Trail for National Trails Day!

The park has a set of adult sized bikes and helmets that are available on a first-come basis. Registration is encouraged. Helmets are required.

To register, email ikuberry@pa.gov and let staff know if you will need to borrow a bike.

PA Salamanders
Tuesday, June 6
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Oil City Library

What is a salamander, and where do they live? Learn about Pennsylvania’s diversity of salamanders with the Oil Creek State Park naturalist.

Play a giant salamander matching game, read a fun story about a salamander, and create your own unique salamander craft to take home.

Register by calling the Oil City Library at 814-678-3072.

Wild Edibles
Wednesday, June 7
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Egbert Farm Day Use Area

Nature is full of useful and sometimes tasty plants. Join the park naturalist to identify common and historically used edible and medicinal plants growing at Oil Creek. This program includes a short walk around the day use area.

Register by emailing ikuberry@pa.gov.

Salamander Safari
Friday, June 9
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Petroleum Centre Train Station

Join the park naturalist for some family fun spotting salamanders at Oil Creek. Learn how to identify common salamanders found in Venango County before heading out to see what you can find. Wear sturdy shoes that you can get wet—old sneakers work best.

Register by emailing ikuberry@pa.gov.

The Great Benninghoff Robbery
Saturday, June 10
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Petroleum Center Train Station

Join the park naturalist on a 1.5-mile hike to the Benninghoff Tableau while uncovering the story of the most famous robbery in the oil region!

This tale follows the Benninghoff family as well as the folks who stole over $200,000 from their household safe. That amount would be worth $7 million today!

How did they do it? Was the money ever recovered? Join to find out!

This hike is moderately difficult, with two steep, hilly sections. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring water, and dress for the weather.

DiscoverE Outdoor Explorers
Wednesday, June 28; Thursday, June 29; Friday, June 30
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each day
Locations disclosed upon registration

Join a FREE three-day summer camp for kids ages six to eight at Oil Creek State Park. The theme this year is “Science after Sundown.”

Each day, participants will learn through guided activities, crafts, stories, games, community science projects, and snacks! All materials provided.

Spaces are limited, and registration is required.

To register, email ikuberry@pa.gov.

Access for People with Disabilities

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit. With a minimum of one-week notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs.