Congressman
John E. Peterson

McKean County

Mr. Peterson presents a check for new equipment at Seneca Highlands AVTS.

McKean County, part of the Allegheny National Forest region, is 992 square miles of forested rolling hills, deep valleys and pristine mountain streams sprinkled with wayside picnic parks, friendly inns and exciting natural attractions. The Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir provide tremendous scenery and abundant recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, water skiing and swimming. Be sure to drive the 29-mile Longhouse Scenic Byway and visit two scenic overlooks -- Rimrock and Jake's Rock -- which offer breathtaking views of the reservoir and surrounding woodlands.

McKean County was created in 1804 from part of Lycoming County and named for Governor Thomas McKean. Major industries include timber, oil, manufacturing and farming. The borough of Kane is considered the Black Cherry capital of the world. The picturesque city of Bradford is home to both Zippo Manufacturing, maker of the famous wind proof lighter, and Case Cutlery, maker of the world renowned case knives. The county seat of Smethport was laid out in 1807 and incorporated as a borough in 1853.

While in McKean County, be sure to visit the Kinzua Viaduct, the second-highest railroad bridge in the United States which has been called the "Eighth Wonder of the World." When the viaduct was built in 1881, it was the world's highest and longest railroad bridge at 301 feet tall and 2,100 feet long. McKean County also has some of the best wilderness hunting and fishing in the Eastern United States, and old railroad beds are now hiking, snowmobiling, bicycling and skiing trails.

Other popular attractions include the Eldred WWII Museum with an M551 Sheridan Tank bursting through the wall, the Penn Brad Oil Museum featuring one of the few remaining wooden oil derricks in the nation, and the annual three-day Swedish Festival in Mt. Jewett which celebrates the region's heritage. This exciting part of the Allegheny National Forest region offers year-round fun for the whole family.

Visit McKean County:
Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau
Bradford Online
Allegeny National Forest
Allegheny Online Magazine
Adventures in Northwest PA
Victorian Region of Northern PA

Local News:
The Bradford Era
The Kane Republican
WESB Radio

Local Weather:
Weather in Bradford

Economic Development:
Bradford Area Chamber
Kane Chamber of Commerce
Office of Economic and Community Development
Allegheny Research and Development Center
North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission
Ben Franklin Technology Partners
Northwest PA Industrial Resource Center
North Central PA Workforce Investment Board
Development Center

Health Care:
Bradford Regional Medical Center
Kane Community Hospital

Education:
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford
Seneca Highlands AVTS
Bradford Area School District
Kane Area School District
Otto-Eldred School District
Port Allegany School District
Smethport Area School District
More information on McKean County schools

Community Services:
Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center

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