Olean offers public art and architectural history, as well as a farmers market and activities along the Allegheny River. These attractions have different focuses: you may be interested in culture and architecture, local goods, or getting active on foot, by bike, or on the water.
Art and Local History
The Bartlett House / Olean Point Museum is located at 302 Laurens Street in Olean, New York. It is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 12 to 4 p.m., or by appointment. Since hours can change, check them before your visit.
Woodland in the City is a public art project in Olean. It currently includes 29 colorful fiberglass figures shaped like squirrels. The recurring motif gives the project a clear visual focus and sets it apart from the historical themes featured at other locations in Olean.
The Saint Mary of the Angels Complex represents a longer-term development in local architecture. A nomination for the New York State Register of Historic Resources identifies it as locally significant for architecture under Criterion C. The complex is a representative, intact collection of religious buildings that documents more than sixty years of parish development and architectural change during a period of rapid growth in Olean. The focus, then, is not on a single building, but on the connection between a group of buildings and the development of the community.
Trails and Activities Along the Allegheny River
The Allegheny River Valley Trail is a 6.2-mile loop between the Town of Allegany and the City of Olean. The route runs along the Allegheny River and through other areas. It is 10 feet wide, paved, and level, and accessible to people with disabilities. The trail can be used for walking, jogging, and biking. Details about the surface and accessibility complement the route length and give you a concrete basis for choosing a route for any of these activities.
Olean’s South Union Street Launch is available for boats, canoes, and kayaks. It has a paved ramp for launching watercraft into the Allegheny River. The launch is accessible from West Riverside Drive and is near the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge. Unlike the trail, which is a loop for getting around on land, this is a specific access point to the water.
Another option for getting active is Franchot Park, which has a 9-hole disc golf course. Olean offers several types of activities to choose from: a round on the trail, disc golf in the park, or launching a watercraft at the launch.
Farmers Market and Local Goods
The Olean Area Farmer’s Market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade goods from local farmers and vendors every week. If you would like to include regional products and handmade goods in your stay, you’ll find a different focus here than at the museum, architectural sites, and river activities. The farmers market adds an option centered on goods and local vendors.
For an overview of travel in the region: New York.
