McKean County

Smethport, the county seat, is a borough in McKean County. Rich in history and beauty this small Victorian Village was selected as Pennsylvania’s First Route 6 Heritage Community. This heritage is reflected in the displays at the McKean County Historical Society’s Old Jail Museum. A self-guided walking tour will take you past the Route 6 Diner, a variety of local shops, and through the Smethport Mansion District which showcases prime examples of Victorian style architecture. Smethport is the birthplace of the famous Civil War Regiment of sharpshooters known as the “Bucktails”, a re-enactment of the mustering of troops is held every April. In August, join the fun at the McKean County Fair, still going strong after 100 years. Hamlin Lake just a few blocks off of Main Street is filled with trout and offers excellent fishing for the visiting angler.

Bradford, known as the “Cool Town with the Warm Heart” Bradford started out as a lumber town called Littleton, but when the oil gushed in the late 1800s, little Littleton became big Bradford, the "High-grade Oil Metropolis of the World." Bradford’s downtown is a registered National Historic District with an eclectic variety of architectural styles. The Penn Brad Oil Museum and the restored one room school house at Crook Farm showcase the pioneer spirit of the community. Bradford is also an educational and arts center - The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and the Bromeley Theater provides culture and balance. Bradford is the perfect launching point for hiking excursions on the over 600 miles of trails within the Allegheny National Forest, or fishing expeditions on the Allegheny Reservoir. The birthplace of the world famous “Zippo” lighter, travelers will enjoy the exhibits at the Zippo/Case Visitors Center and shopping locally.

Eldred, located in northern McKean County along the Pennsylvania and New York State borders, east of Bradford, and 80 miles south of Buffalo, this small town manufactures fine furniture for Ethan Allen, Eldred residents are proud to stamp the label “Made in America.”  During WW II, Eldred was the site of a British and American munitions plant that employed 1500 workers, 95 percent of them women. On Memorial Day in 1996, the Eldred World War II Museum opened. Dedicated to preserving the history of WWII, this museum offers spectacular exhibits, an extensive research library, and award winning programs. Hosting visitors and tour groups from around the world, admission to the museum is free.

Kane,“A Star in the Forest”, is a community where scenic Route 6 is Main Street. It was founded in 1863 by Thomas L. Kane who went on to became a famous American Civil War General. Rich in natural resources, Kane produces the best black cherry timber in the world. A creative community of artists and visionaries, Kane annually hosts an outdoor fine arts show in June-“Art in the Wilds”. Visitors will enjoy sampling the award winning wines at Flickerwood Wine Cellars along with catching a movie at the old fashioned Kane Family Drive-In Theater. Nearby, the Longhouse Scenic Drive loops from Kane through the Allegheny National Forest, following the shorelines of the mighty Allegheny Reservoir.

Lantz Corners is located at the intersection of Route 6 and Route 219. Here you will find the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau Visitors Center, a resource for free maps, visitor guides and travel information. The community features a variety of overnight accommodations, restaurants and businesses. A popular destination for winter recreation, a trailhead for “the Loop” a 360 mile groomed snowmobile trail within the Allegheny National Forest is located at Lantz Corners.

Ludlow, a quaint village, located along scenic Route 6, is nestled in the Allegheny National Forest and is the gateway to the Tionesta Scenic Area and provides trail access to the North Country Trail. Founded in 1871, the community of Ludlow is named after Andrew H. Ludlow. Olmsted Manor, an Adult Retreat and Renewal Center offers Christian hospitality for individuals and groups. The Tudor style Manor House built in 1917 welcomes visitors in style on its 325 acre estate. Olmsted Manor is ideal for conferences, weddings and small meetings. Wildcat Park features outdoor picnic areas, pavilions, playgrounds and a pristine fishing stream.

Mt. Jewett, discover the Swedish traditions of the early settlers of Mt. Jewett. Here the residents take pride in their Swedish heritage all year long, and hold an annual celebration, the Mt. Jewett Swedish Festival, during the second week in August. The center piece of the town is a colorful four-story, 3,400 square foot mural by world famous muralist Kong Ho who drew upon the region’s cultural assets as inspiration for the design. The Nebo Chapel built in 1887, is an octagonal shaped church patterned after Ersta Kyrka at Danviken, near Stockholm, Sweden. Mt. Jewett is the gateway community to the Kinzua Scenic Byway and the historic Kinzua Bridge State Park.

Port Allegany is historically the starting point for traveling via canoe on the Allegheny River, this town was first known as the “Canoe Place” because it was where people would stop to build or repair canoes in order to navigate the Allegheny River. Established as the town of Keating in 1826, it wasn’t until 1840 that this community was named Port Allegany. The Canoe Place Inn, originally built in 1859 as a tavern, is still in operation today. With a long history of glass production, Port Allegany is the “Glass Block Capital of the World”. The town square features a wonderful gazebo, and hosts a variety of fairs and festivals throughout the year.

Westline, an outdoor lover’s paradise, is located along Kinzua Creek  which is among the top trout fishing streams in Pennsylvania. This village is a hub for fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hiking and biking. The Kinzua Valley Trail can be accessed from this community as can the Westline Cross-Country Ski Trail. The Westline Inn, built in the late 1800’s, provides a unique lodging and dining experience deep within the forestlands of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Offering a “bed & a meal”, this Inn features fine American and French cuisine served in a rustic yet elegant atmosphere.