Crawford County: Nature Trails, Water and History

Erie National Wildlife Refuge is located in Crawford County and offers a distinctive natural setting for wildlife watching and walking. More than 40 percent of the refuge consists of wetland habitats that provide suitable environments for migratory and waterfowl. The trails, boardwalks and information signs provide access to family-friendly areas for wildlife watching.

Wetlands and Nature Trails

The refuge has five nature trails: Beaver Run Trail, Deer Run Trail, Tsuga Trail, Muddy Creek Holly Trail and Trolley Line Trail. The 1.2-mile Tsuga Trail passes through dense hemlock stands, mixed deciduous forests, meadows and wetlands. This route therefore takes you through several different habitat types. The trails’ distinct names offer specific points of reference when planning time for wildlife watching and exercise.

Bossard Nature Trail is designated a National Recreation Trail in the National Trails System. The trail is self-guided and also has two observation blinds. This offers another named option for combining a hike with wildlife watching.

Water, Trails and Seasonal Experiences

Woodcock Creek Lake lies among gently rounded hills in the rural landscape of central Crawford County. A road crosses its dam, and the almost one-mile route is suitable for walking, jogging or running. The route can therefore be easily included in your daily plans as a standalone workout.

Woodcock Lake Park has a developed swimming beach, four reservable shelters and a six-lane boat ramp. The facilities offer a range of activities by the water, from spending time at the beach to using a reservable shelter or launching a boat. Which option is right for your outing depends on your plans for the day.

The Barbara J Sternwheeler offers boat rides on Conneaut Lake. Check schedules and operating details separately before your trip. Another seasonal option is the outdoor wine tasting offered at Conneaut Cellars Winery & Distillery in summer.

Homes, Museums and Local History

The Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum, also known as Mount Hope, was built in 1843 by Henry Baldwin, who was a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. The Crawford County Historical Society has owned and operated the house since 1963. Its construction and later stewardship mark two distinct chapters in its history.

The Crawford County Agricultural and Fair Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Crawford County Fair and Crawford County’s agricultural heritage. Plan your visit around the Fair dates: the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the Crawford County Fair. Because opening hours are tied to the event, checking its dates is an important part of planning.

The John Brown Tannery Site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitor amenities include an off-street parking area, a concrete entrance plaza and two illustrated, weather-resistant information panels. The historic site thus pairs its listing on the Register with practical features to help visitors find their way around.

You can also include history and exercise in your daily plans in Meadville. Meadville Market House is Pennsylvania’s oldest continuously operating market building. The paved Ernst Trail runs five miles from Park Avenue Plaza in Meadville to Route 19 and is suitable for biking, walking, running and inline skating. Its length and range of activities give you a clear basis for weighing the route against other plans for the day.

Choose a Hotel That Fits Your Travel Plans

Your preferred focus is a useful starting point when choosing a hotel: wildlife watching and trails, activities on the water or historical interests each shape different travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Conneaut Lakeshore, Cambridge Springs, Greene County, Franklin, Columbia, Westmoreland, Fayette County.

Go to the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.