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Franklin

Franklin travel guide

City in Pennsylvania, US

Best time to visitJuly to September
Nearest airportFKL · 2 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population6,077

About Franklin

Franklin is a city in and the county seat of Venango County, Pennsylvania, United States, located at the confluence of French Creek and the Allegheny River. The population was 6,077 in the 2020 census. Franklin is part of the Oil City micropolitan area. It is known for its three-day autumn festival in October, Applefest, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Places to visit in Franklin

  1. Oil Creek State Park

    Oil Creek State Park

    Park · 11 mi from centre

    A wooded valley where the oil industry boomed, now with a paved bike trail along the creek, hiking paths and remnants of oil boom towns.

  2. Drake Well Museum and Park

    Drake Well Museum and Park

    Museum

    In Titusville, the site of the first commercial oil well in the US, with a replica derrick, working machinery and exhibits on the early petroleum industry.

  3. Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad

    Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad

    Entertainment

    A heritage train that runs through the wooded Oil Creek valley, with narration about the nineteenth-century oil boom and stops near historic sites and trailheads along the way.

  4. Downtown Franklin

    Historic

    A historic downtown with Victorian buildings, local shops and restaurants, centered on a town square near where French Creek meets the Allegheny River, with riverside trails nearby.

Where to stay in Franklin

Popular hotels in Franklin, out of 8 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Franklin

Best time to visit Franklin

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Franklin is July to September, when average daytime highs are around 76–83°F and rain falls on about 11 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 19° – 31° 15
Feb 24° – 40° 10
Mar 32° – 53° 12
Apr 41° – 62° 15
May 52° – 70° 18
Jun 61° – 79° 15
Jul 64° – 83° 11
Aug 61° – 79° 11
Sep 57° – 76° 10
Oct 45° – 64° 9
Nov 36° – 50° 14
Dec 23° – 37° 16

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Franklin weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 62° 36° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 65° 39° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 62° 42° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 62° 38° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 66° 42° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 65° 47° 3%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/New_YorkUTC−4
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Franklin

These are the airports closest to central Franklin. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • FKL Venango Regional Airport2 mi (3 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Franklin

Getting around Franklin

Liberty Street contains shopping areas, the Barrow Civic Theater, the Courthouse, and the parks, making it a great place for those travelling on foot. St. John's Episcopal Church is also nearby, so visitors can see all of these without having to drive around however, not all of the sites are in walking distance, so those hoping to see more than the downtown area will need to take the bus or drive.

By car

The sites in Seneca, such as the mall and roller skating rink, can be reached from downtown Franklin by travelling on Route 322 East. For Two Mile Run County Park and Tri-City Speedway, drive down Rocky Grove Avenue. Rocky Grove Avenue becomes Route 417 outside of the city, but they are exactly the same road.

By bus

Franklin is served by the VenanGO Bus, which also has stops in Oil City and the Cranberry Mall. It costs $1.50 for adults and $0.75 for children ages 6-11. Children 5 and under, as well as Senior Citizens with PA Transit Passes, can ride for free. Buses operate from 8AM to 4PM and generally arrive at each stop once per hour, making it most convenient for shopping trips.

Franklin travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Franklin?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Franklin is July to September, when average daytime highs are around 76–83°F and rain falls on about 11 days a month.

What is the weather like in Franklin?

July is usually the warmest month in Franklin, with average highs of 83°F (29°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 19°F (-7°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 165 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Franklin?

Venango Regional Airport (FKL) is the closest airport, about 2 miles (3 km) from the centre of Franklin.

What time zone is Franklin in?

Franklin uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Franklin?

Liberty Street contains shopping areas, the Barrow Civic Theater, the Courthouse, and the parks, making it a great place for those travelling on foot. St.

What are the best places to visit in Franklin?

Top sights in Franklin include Oil Creek State Park, Drake Well Museum and Park, Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad and Downtown Franklin. A wooded valley where the oil industry boomed, now with a paved bike trail along the creek, hiking paths and remnants of oil boom towns.

Where should I stay in Franklin?

Popular areas for hotels in Franklin include Downtown. Well-reviewed options include Comfort Inn & Suites Franklin East and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Franklin By IHG.

How many hotels can I book in Franklin?

Destina Holidays currently lists 8 properties in and around Franklin, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.