Ole Bull State Park can be found along the Kettle Creek in Potter County in the PA Wilds. It comes in at 132 acres but offers plenty for visitors to see and do. Take a relaxing dip in the water, hike along some of the trails, or spend the night. Ole Bull State Park has something for everyone.
Ole Bull State Park is named after Ole Borneman Bull a famous norwegian violinist. In 1852, he founded a new colony called New Norway. However, in less than a year the area was abandoned and they all moved further west due to the harsh conditions in the surrounding area.
Today the foundation of his “castle” can be found at the park. Also at the park is a monument to honor Ole Bull. The park was established in 1925.
Below you will find some of the amazing things to see and do when you visit Ole Bull State Park in Potter County.
Camping
Ole Bull State Park has over 80 campsites to book. Everything from a unique house, group camping, and electric and non electric sites. In fact, over 50 of the sites have electricity.
You can also camp here year round. However, in the winter months it appears only 16 sites are available to book.
Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Most of the campsites also have plenty of shade from the sun. This however, can be a double edge sword. While this is great in the warmer summer months. It will block the night sky which is truly amazing here.
Like most of the state parks that can be found in the PA Wilds, the night sky is something many of us just don’t witness every day. You can see so many stars at night. Just remember to bring a red light flashlight. It can be very, very dark.
The campground is broken into two different areas. Each area has hot showers and flushing toilets. In area #2 pets are permitted.
The campsites can feel a little small if you have a bigger RV or travel trailer. However, if you are tent camping you will have plenty of room even if the neighbors might be a little closer to you here than other state parks.
Things to Do
Even though Ole Bull State Park comes in at 132 acres. There is plenty for visitors to do. Both overnight and daily visitors.
Hiking
Ole Bull has a total of 5 miles of hiking trails. Some of the trails even connect to the 85 mile Susquehannock Trail system. The trails range from fairly flat to some with a steep uphill climb.
Castle Vista Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park. It is also one of the challenging ones. This trail will take you up a short but steep climb up the mountain side to overlook and the foundation of Ole Bull’s homestead he attempted to make.
Swimming
There is a small area along the Kettle Creek that is open to swimming. The beach is open from 8am till sunset from late May to mid September.
It is only a short walk from the Bathhouse in camping area number one. It is a bit rocky, so make sure you have some kind of water shoes with you.
Stargazing
While many people know how great the night sky can be at Cherry Springs State Park. The night sky at Ole Bull is amazing as well. Both parks are in a Bortle 2 location. The main difference between the two locations is the view.
Cherry Springs has a huge, treeless observation field. Ole Bull is within a valley surrounded by trees. However, there are still plenty of areas within the park and campground that offer clear views of the night sky.
Local Area
While you will find nothing but woods all around the immediate area. If you hop in a car and take a short drive you will come across many amazing vistas and other Pennsylvania State Parks.
Cherry Springs and Lyman Run State Parks are a 20 minute drive to the north along route 44. Kettle Creek State Park is a 30 minute drive to the south. In total there are 15 different state parks within 30 miles of Ole Bull. State Parks are not the only thing nearby.
The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum is a pretty neat place to check out and learn all about the lumber industry in the area. Plus a visit here will take you through the small town of Galeton where you can get some fuel or a quick bite to eat. The Austin Dam Memorial is another interesting place to visit and is an hour away but will bring you close to Coudersport.
Coudersport is the largest town in the area and has a one screen movie theater, numerous mom and pop shops, Sheetz, McDonalds, and a hospital. A visit to Coudersport could be a fun afternoon activity for your family to enjoy. Plus you will be helping out a local area.
Ghostly Legend
Ole Bull State Park is also the location of a ghost. Well not one that you can see but one that you can hear. Visitors have claimed to hear the sound of a ghostly violin playing when the wind blows and you are standing near the ruins of the castle foundation.
The story goes something like this: When Ole Bull found out he was swindled out of the land he had purchased a year earlier he played his violin near the cliff of his castle. When he was finished he tossed the violin over the cliff.
Perhaps it was stormy the night he tossed his violin since today you only hear it playing when the wind is whipping or it is storming. Is the violin playing itself or is it the ghost of Ole Bull playing it? Somethings we may never know.
A visit to Ole Bull State Park is a must if you enjoy camping and spending the night outdoors. It is even a great spot to make your base camp for a week if you are planning on spending a lot of time in the PA Wilds. With so many amazing state parks located nearby, you will be in the perfect location to explore them all.
Have you ever spent the night at Ole Bull State Park? What did you think of the size of the campsites? Did you think they were too small? Let us know in the comments below.
Kozmo Photos 