Discover Olean: Museum, Art, and Outdoor Activities

When planning a trip to Olean, there are several themes to choose from: museums and architecture, public art, a weekly market, and activities along the Allegheny River. If you’re looking for hotels in Olean, this variety can help with your planning: consider whether culture, regional goods, or outdoor activities will be the focus of your stay. The following places offer different ways to explore these themes.

Museum, Art, and Architecture

The Bartlett House / Olean Point Museum is located at 302 Laurens Street in Olean, New York. The listed opening hours are Wednesdays and Fridays from 12 to 4 p.m.; visits are also available by appointment. Since opening hours may change, it’s best to check them before your visit. That way, you can plan your museum visit for a suitable day of the week or arrange an appointment.

Woodland in the City offers a different kind of cultural experience: it is a public art project in Olean. It currently includes 29 colorful fiberglass squirrel figures. The recurring motif and striking colors give the project a distinctive character alongside the city’s museum and architectural heritage.

The architectural history of the Saint Mary of the Angels Complex takes center stage. A New York State registration form identified as a draft classifies the complex as locally significant under Criterion C. It describes 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. Those interested in architecture will find a different way to explore local history here than through the museum or art project: the focus is on the buildings as a cohesive collection and their development over an extended period.

Farmers Market and Regional Goods

The Olean Area Farmer’s Market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items from local farmers and vendors every week. The selection includes both food and handcrafted products. If you’d like to include local produce or regional goods in your trip, the market is a distinct stop alongside the cultural attractions.

Trail, Disc Golf, and Watercraft

The Allegheny River Valley Trail is a 6.2-mile loop between the Town of Allegany and the City of Olean. It runs along the Allegheny River and through other areas. The trail can be used for walking, jogging, and cycling. It is 10 feet wide, paved, and accessible to people with disabilities thanks to its level surface. Its length and loop format give you a clear idea of the type of trail described; the three listed uses range from a leisurely walk to more strenuous exercise.

For a different outdoor activity, Franchot Park is home to a 9-hole disc golf course. This offers a clearly defined park activity alongside the trail activities. The differences between the loop trail, disc golf course, and water access can help you choose activities based on your interests, without experiencing every attraction in the same way.

The South Union Street Launch is a paved ramp on the Allegheny River in Olean where kayaks, canoes, or boats can be launched. It is set back from West Riverside Drive near the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge. If you’re considering an activity on the water, this spot differs from the other options listed in its specific purpose: it is used to launch watercraft. Discover more destinations:

For the broader travel overview: New York.