In 1986, the line was acquired from Conrail by the Oil Creek Railway Historical Society, with the first tourist trains running on July 18; freight operations began on September 25, 1986.

[1] Briefly, from December 2, 1995 to August 1996, the Oil Creek and Titusville operated over the former Conrail main line between Meadville and Corry.

[1] The operation and ownership of that line reverted to Conrail before being turned over to the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad.

The railway travels through the Oil Creek State Park on its journey over 13.5 miles (21.7 km) of track.

Four stations along the line that have been used off and on to present day: Perry Street, Petroleum Centre, Rynd Farm, and Drake Well.