Olean Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Olean, NY with our comprehensive tour guide featuring information on places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Olean
- List of Places to Visit in Olean
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Olean
- Best Things to Do in Olean: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Olean
- Food and Drink Scene of Olean
- Where to Stay in Olean: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Olean: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Olean
- Best Time to Visit Olean
- Do’s and Don’ts of Olean
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Olean: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Olean
- Where to Go Next from Olean: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Olean
Welcome to Olean, NY, a small city nestled in Cattaraugus County, in the Southern Tier region of New York. With its rich history, beautiful landscape, and friendly locals, Olean makes the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, culture or nature, Olean has something for everyone.
List of Places to Visit in Olean
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- The Olean Heritage Museum
- The Fannie E. Bartlett House
- The St. Bonaventure University Museum
- The African American Center for Cultural Development
Natural Attractions of Olean: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Allegany State Park
- Rock City Park
- Pfeiffer Nature Center
- Rushford Lake
Hiking/Biking Routes of Olean
- Cutco Trail
- Bartlett Hill Loop
- Allegany State Park Trail
- Rock City Loop
Best Things to Do in Olean: Activities and Tours
- Whitewater Rafting on the Allegheny River
- Golfing at the Bartlett Country Club
- Visiting the Cattaraugus County Fair
- Taking a Hot Air Balloon Ride with Balloons Over Allegany
Week-Long Itinerary for Olean
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Olean Heritage Museum and the Fannie E. Bartlett House |
| 2 | Hike the Cutco Trail and enjoy the views from Bartlett Hill |
| 3 | Explore Allegany State Park and take a picnic lunch |
| 4 | Go golfing at the Bartlett Country Club |
| 5 | Take a whitewater rafting trip down the Allegheny River |
| 6 | Visit Rock City Park and Pfeiffer Nature Center |
| 7 | End the trip with a hot air balloon ride with Balloons Over Allegany |
Food and Drink Scene of Olean
Must-Try Dishes
- Beef on Weck
- Chicken Wings
- Salt Potatoes
- Apple Cider Donuts
Local Beverages
- Southern Tier Brewing Company
- Four Mile Brewing
- Ellicottville Brewing Company
- Winery of Ellicottville
Where to Stay in Olean: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Best Western Plus University Inn
- Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Olean/Allegany
- The Old Library Inn Bed and Breakfast
- The Inn At One Bank Street
What to Buy in Olean: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Olean-made cutlery from Cutco
- Local wines and craft beer
- Handmade pottery from Pfeiffer Nature Center
- Artwork from the African American Center for Cultural Development
Local Culture and Customs of Olean
- Respect the natural environment and outdoor spaces
- Say “hello” to strangers on the street
- Try the local food and drink specialties
- Appreciate the history and cultural diversity of the city
Best Time to Visit Olean
The best time to visit Olean is from late spring to early fall when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are in full swing.
Do’s and Don’ts of Olean
Do:
- Explore the natural beauty of Allegany State Park
- Visit the local museums and historical sites
- Try the local food and drink specialties
- Support the local businesses and artisans
Don’t:
- Litter or damage the natural environment
- Be disrespectful to the locals or their customs
- Skip out on the local attractions and activities
- Forget to take plenty of pictures!
Safety and Health
Safety in Olean
Olean is a friendly and safe city, but it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe.
Health in Olean
Olean has a number of medical facilities, including Olean General Hospital, which is located in the heart of the city.
Getting to Olean: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Olean
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
- Bradford Regional Airport (BFD)
Bus Stations Near Olean
- Olean Bus Terminal
- Megabus stop in Buffalo, NY
Other Options
- Driving: Olean is easily accessible by car via I-86.
- Train: The nearest Amtrak station is in Buffalo, NY, about 80 miles from Olean.
How to Get Around in Olean
The best way to get around Olean is by car or bike, but there are also local taxis and buses available for transportation.
Where to Go Next from Olean: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Ellicottville, NY
- Niagara Falls, NY
- Erie, PA
- Allegheny National Forest, PA
Conclusion
We hope this comprehensive tour guide to Olean has helped you plan your trip to our beautiful city. Whether you’re here for the culture, the nature, the food, or the fun, Olean has something to offer everyone. Come and visit us soon!
