Olean

Olean is the largest city in Cattaraugus County and serves as its financial, business, transportation and entertainment center. It is one of the principal cities of the Southern Tier region of New York.
The city is surrounded by the town of Olean and is located in the southeastern part of the county. The population was 14,452 at the 2010 census.

By car

Olean is located along Interstate 86 at exits 25 and 26. Known as the Southern Tier Expressway west of I-81 in Binghamton, Interstate 86 connects to Interstate 90 in the west near Erie and Interstate 81 in Binghamton to the east.
New York State Route 16 runs through Olean as Union Street, the main north / south thoroughfare. New York 16 connects to Pennsylvania Route 646 to the south and to New York State Route 5 in Buffalo to the north.

By plane

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Bradford Regional Airport (BFD) in Bradford, Pennsylvania, which is served with daily commuter flights from Pittsburgh via Southern Airways Express: four on weekdays, two on Saturdays, and three on Sundays.
Also, if you happen to be flying your own plane, Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport (OLE), located at 5420 Hatch Hill Rd. in the nearby town of Ischua, is open to the public for general aviation purposes.
In practice, however, arriving in Olean by plane usually means flying into Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

By bus

• Coach USA buses arrive and depart from the parking lot of the Olean Center Mall at 400 North Union Street.

Service from Buffalo via Buffalo Niagara International Airport, East Aurora, Franklinville, and various points in between.

Service from Jamestown via Randolph, Little Valley, and Salamanca.

• Fullington Trailways buses arrive and depart from the Sunoco gas station at 301 South Union Street.

Service from DuBois via St. Marys and Bradford.

Service from Buffalo via Springville, Ellicottville, Salamanca, and various points in between.

As a smaller city a car is a benefit for travelling. However there are options available for those who are unable to drive.

By public transportation

The Olean Area Transit System (OATS) provides public transit in Cattaraugus County. The system provides 6 routes serving Olean and the surrounding area.

By taxi

• Alle Catt Taxi Service

  phone: +1 716 372-7171
  address: 718 E State St.

• Silver Roads Taxi

  phone: +1 716 373-1717
  address: 718 E State St.

• Southern Tier Transportation

  phone: +1 716 372-4646
  address: 3421 Route 16 N

Historic buildings

For a city of its size, Olean has a number of historic properties and districts.

• Beardsley-Oliver House

  address: 312 Laurel Ave
  Beardsley-Oliver House is a 2 1⁄2-story, wood-frame dwelling built in about 1890. It exhibits a late Victorian blending of Shingle Style and Queen Anne styles.

• Conklin Mountain House

  address: 304 E. State St.
  Conklin Mountain House is a Second Empire style wood frame dwelling built in 1886. The front facade features a three story tower with mansard roof and a wraparound porch. The interior features elaborate and extensive woodwork. It was constructed by the owners of Conklin Wagon Works, one of Olean's most important industries in the late 19th century. It was subsequently owned by the Mountain family, who operated the Mountain Clinic Infirmary.

• Oak Hill Park Historic District

  address: Roughly along Laurens, N. Second, Third, Fourth, and W. Sullivan Sts.
  The 32.5-acre (132,000 m2) district encompasses 89 properties including 82 residences, two churches, one school (the Olean High School), and a landscape design. There are 76 contributing buildings. The structures reflect a variety of mid-late 19th-century and early 20th-century architectural styles including Queen Anne, Italianate, and Gothic Revival styles. The structures were constructed between about 1849 and 1937.

• Olean Armory

  address: 119 Times Sq.
  Olean Armory is a historic armory building. It was designed by State architects Isaac G. Perry (1890 structure) and Lewis Pilcher (1919 structure). It consists of a two-story, Tudor inspired administration building constructed in 1919, with an attached Romanesque drill shed constructed in 1890. The building features a number of castellated style features such as turrets and buttresses.

• Olean Public Library

  address: 116 S. Union St.
  The Olean Public Library is a historic beaux arts library. It is located in the Union and State Streets Historic District.

• Olean School No. 10

  address: 411 W. Henley St.
  Olean School No. 10, now known as Ivers J. Norton School, is a historic school building. It was designed and built in 1908-1909, in the Prairie School style.

• St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

  address: 109 S. Barry St.
  St. Stephen's Episcopal Church is a Gothic Revival style church building designed by upstate New York architect Robert W. Gibson (1854–1927) and constructed 1889-1890. The complex also includes the Ashton Parish House, constructed 1922-1923, and the rectory, known as the Watson Wing, built about 1885. It is home to Olean's oldest continuously operating congregation, established in 1830.

• Temple B'Nai Israel

  address: 127 S. Barry St.
  Temple B'Nai Israel is a historic synagogue. It was built in 1929, and is a three- to four-story tall, light brown brick structure with terra cotta decorative details. It measures 85 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 50 feet tall. The front facade features a massive arched terra cotta portal encircling a large, round stained glass window. The congregation was established in the 1880s.

• Union and State Streets Historic District

  address: Roughly 101-133 N. Union, 110-114, 116 W. State & 102, 116, 120 S. Union Sts.
  The district encompasses 17 contributing buildings in the central business district of Olean. The district developed between about 1866 and 1939, and includes buildings in a variety of architectural styles including Beaux-Arts, Queen Anne, and Art Deco. Located in the district are the separately listed Olean Post Office and Olean Public Library. Other notable buildings include the Former First National Bank, current Manufacturers Hanover Building by Mowbray and Uffinger (c. 1915, 1938, 1950), Original First National Bank of Olean (c. 1866-1869), Masonic Temple by Warner and Brocket (1893), Olean House (c. 1889, 1893), and W.T. Grant Building (c. 1873-1878, Façade Update c. 1935-1940).

• United States Post Office

  address: 102 S. Union St.
  US Post Office—Olean is a historic post office building. It was designed and built in 1910-12 and is one of a number of post offices in New York State designed by the Office of the Supervising Architect of the Treasury Department, James Knox Taylor. It is a two story masonry and steel frame building. Its Renaissance Revival design compliments the adjacent Olean Public Library. It is located in the Union and State Streets Historic District.

Other attractions

• Cutco/Ka-Bar Visitors Center

  phone: +1 716 790 7000
  address: 1040 E. State St.
  Cutco, one of the world's largest manufacturers of direct-marketed knives, cutlery, and kitchenware, was founded in Olean in 1949, and this small museum tells the company's story. Interpretive exhibits cover company history and the manufacturing and marketing process, and antique kitchen, military, and pocket knives are displayed. This is also one of the only retail outlets for Cutco and Ka-Bar brand products. For knife enthusiasts, the Center pairs nicely with the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, PA, and/or the American Museum of Cutlery in Cattaraugus.

• Sprague's Maple Farms

  phone: +1 716 933-6637
  address: 1048 Portville-Obi Rd., Portville
  Modern facilities open year round to enjoy maple syrup in the restaurant, shop in the gift shop or hike to the old fashioned maple sugar shanty along the trails out back of the facility.

Arts

• Cattaraugus County Arts Council

  phone: +1 716 372-7455
  address: 100 West Main Street Allegany, NY 14706
  The Cattaraugus County Arts Council (CCAC) promotes the creation, presentation and appreciation of arts and culture in the region, while nurturing education and commerce in the arts. CCAC serves as a leader and driver of diverse activities and programs that promote the arts and expand their accessibility to all in the region.

• Friends of Good Music

  phone: +1 716 375-2494
  Friends of Good Music is dedicated to providing excellence in programming and performance of classical music that will expand knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts for residents of the Twin Tier Area.

• Olean Community Theatre

  phone: +1 716 375-1628
  Olean Community Theatre, Inc. has been providing quality, live entertainment for New York's Southern Tier since 1979.

• Olean Theatre Workshop

  phone: +1 716 373-7469
  address: 702 Washington Street
  Celebrating 25 years at the Washington Street Theatre. The Olean Theatre Workshop, Inc. is a not for profit corporation that performs and presents a variety of theatrical productions.

• Southern Tier Symphony

  phone: +1 716 378-0560
  The Southern Tier Symphony, based in Olean, is a regional orchestra in its thirteenth season, with paid musicians.

Outdoors

• Rock City Park

  address: 505 Route 16
  Join thousands of visitors each year who enjoy a 45 minute hiking trail, museum, fluorescent rock room and also souvenir and gift shop!

• Riverhurst Park

  phone: +1 716 373-0535
  address: 1269 Olean Portville Road
  Riverhurst Park is a small family owned park on the banks of the Allegany River. This private family owned campground is the perfect place to enjoy a family camping vacation. RV, pop-up, or tent.Chalet available with full bathroom and kitchen. Riverhurst Park is home to the historical 100 foot tall white pine trees. Kayak and canoe rentals for registered campers.

• Pfeiffer Nature Center

  phone: +1 716 933-0187
  address: 1974 Lillibridge Road Portville, NY 14770 & 1420 Yuba Dam Road Portville, NY 14770
  Pfeiffer Nature Center is home to more than 648 acres of nature’s bounty. Located in rural, southwestern New York State, you’ll find miles of open-access hiking trails, a historic American Chestnut log cabin, great birding areas and a picturesque pavilion available for rent. The Nature Center has two beautiful properties to explore. The Lillibridge Property consists of 188 acres of forest and has a rustic American Chestnut log cabin listed in the National & State Registers of Historic Places. The front of the cabin offers a spectacular panoramic view of both nearby farms and distant mountaintops. A timber frame pavilion offers a covered shelter for picnics and other events in the meadow. The Nature Center also owns 460 acres on Yubadam Road, the Eshelman Property, which has an active sugar bush, on-going scientific research projects, and a small farm. There are three miles of trails through forests, meadows, transitional zones, near ponds and wetlands. More trails are being developed to support snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Sports

• St. Bonaventure University Bonnies Athletics

  phone: +1 716 375-2000
  address: 3261 W State Rd, St Bonaventure, NY 14778, United States
  The St. Bonaventure Bonnies are the varsity intercollegiate athletic programs of St. Bonaventure University, based in nearby Allegany, New York. The Bonnies compete in the National Collegiate Athletics Association's Division I Atlantic 10 Conference.

• Olean Oilers Baseball

  phone: +1 716 474-8680
  address: Bradner Stadium, East State Street
  The Olean Oilers Baseball Team is a summer, wood bat development team playing in the New York Collegiate Baseball League (NYCBL).

Other

• Good Times Of Olean

  phone: +1 716 379-8210
  address: 800R East State Street
  Located down the street from Bradner Stadium, Good Times is a 42,000 square foot entertainment facility in the heart of Olean. The facility includes a 16 lane bowling alley, large performance stage with premium audio, Arcade & Games areas. Outside you can find White Sand Volleyball courts, Batting Cages, an 18 hole Mini Golf, and a large open space for outdoor activities. The Hammer Back Bar & Grill is the featured restaurant and bar, open year round, with an upper mezzanine that looks down into the Event Centre. GTO boasts fine cuisine at The Point or the SNAK SHAK offers a fast stop. GTO offers a variety of hosting options for your important events. GTO also provides league play for Bowling, Volleyball, Cornhole, and Darts, along with Shuffleboard, and Ping Pong, there is never a dull moment at Good Times.

The majority of Olean's retail businesses are located on North Union Street.

• The Olean Center Mall

  phone: +1 814 375-2602
  address: 400 North Union St
  Over 20 stores including Bon-Ton, JCPenney, Sears and Kohl's.

• Ask Design Jewelers

  phone: +1 716 373-4367
  address: 175 N. Union Street
  The largest selection of certified diamonds and bridal jewelry in the Southern Tier. Custom designs, engraving & jewelry repairs.

• Brittani's Country Loft

  phone: +1 716 373-5638
  address: 172 North Union Street
  Locally-made decor, re-purposed furniture and barn wood decor, Amish goods, etc.

• Chic-tiques & Florals

  phone: +1 716 372-5256
  address: 1080 Richards Rd. Allegany, NY
  Refurbished shabby-chic antiques. Handmade wreaths, topiaries, swags and arrangements made from dried and silk flowers.

• Handmade-by Shelby

  phone: +1 716 307-7517
  address: 317 West State Street
  Unique painted or etched glasses and many other unique custom or personalized gifts for sale. Weekly painting classes are also offered.

• Luckless Clothing

  phone: +1 716 379-8095
  address: 701 East State Street
  Country inspired clothing brand started by two brothers in their grandmother's basement.

• Sports Locker

  phone: +1 716 373-1411
  address: 711 W. State St.
  The Southern Tier’s largest selection of sports equipment, apparel and jerseys.

• Beef 'n' Barrel

  phone: +1 585 372-2985
  address: 146 N Union St
  With wood paneling and flickering candles, the expansive Beef 'n' Barrel still manages to feel warm and inviting. It's like a modern version of a classic 1970s steak house, minus the smoky atmosphere. The pristine furnishings and classic décor lend sophistication and elegance, but the friendly staff and enticing menu avoid any hint of pretentiousness. The lunch menu is focused on sliced roast beef, including Buffalo favorite beef on weck sandwiches. The dinner menu moves the focus to steaks. You'll find a few other entrees on the menu, but beef is definitely the main attraction, as evidenced by the carving stations located in each of the dining rooms. House-made breads and desserts provide excellent complements to the main courses.

• Broken Wing Pizzeria & Grille

  phone: +1 716 373-5600
  address: 313 Main St.
  A sit-down restaurant serving a wide variety of foods including hand tossed pizza.

• Century Manor

  phone: +1 716 372-1864
  address: 401 East State Street
  Local steakhouse serving Olean for over 50 years.

• Chuck Wagon Restaurant

  phone: +1 716 372-0464
  address: 2457 N. Union Street Ext.
  Family-owned and -operated since 1955. Inventive BBQ flavors and a friendly atmosphere. Menu includes black Angus burgers and fries, char-broiled steak, char-broiled fish, hot and cold sandwiches, julienne and taco salads, house-made milkshakes, wine and beer.

• Oishi Sushi & Hibachi

  phone: +1 716 373-8889
  address: 2234 W State St
  Authentic Japanese sushi and hibachi. You can watch as the chefs cook steak, chicken, fish, vegetables, fried rice, etc. in their inviting, wooden ornate dining room.

• Randy's Fireside

  phone: +1 716 373-3473
  address: 1644 Haskell Rd.
  Local eatery serving hand-cut steaks, fresh, never frozen burgers, local brews and salads.

• Randy's "Up the River"

  phone: +1 716 372-9606
  address: 3767 South 9 Mile Road Allegany, NY 14706
  Built in 1860 as a stage coach stop/hotel turned speakeasy, bar and restaurant. Popular with the St. Bonaventure crowd.

• Sparky's Pizza & Subs

  phone: +1 716 372-1097
  address: 501 W. State St.
  Subs, wings, salads, burgers, etc.

• Four Mile Brewing

  phone: +1 716 373-2337
  address: 202 East Green St.
  Four Mile Brewing is a microbrewery located in a historic pre-prohibition brewing complex close to downtown Olean. Also serves a variety of sandwiches, munchies and a Sunday brunch.

• 3rd Base Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 716 372-8779
  address: 1302 West State Street
  Legal beverages, Quick Draw, pool tables. They also serve wings, burgers, philly steak sandwiches & finger food items.

• Brickhouse Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 716 318-0283
  address: 181 West Main Street, Allegany, NY 14706
  Full service bar/restaurant serving burgers, pizza, wings, as well as daily specials.

• Eddie's State King

  phone: +1 716 373-2924
  address: 901 E. State St.
  Neighborhood sports bar. Enjoy the cold beer, warm atmosphere & friendly bartenders.

Bed & Breakfast

• The Gallets House B&B

  phone: +1 716 373-7493
  address: 1759 Four Mile Road, Allegany, NY
  An 1896 restored historical Victorian home with original family photos and heirlooms displayed throughout the B&B. Located in the picturesque Allegheny foothills in Southwestern NY, 2 miles from exit 24 on I-86 (formerly Rte 17), across the river from Olean but near St. Bonaventure U.

• The Old Library Inn A Victorian Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +1 716 372-2226
  address: 116 South Union Street

Hotel / Motel

• Best Western Plus University Inn

  phone: +1 716 372-1300
  address: 3051 W State Street
  Offers an indoor pool.

• Fairfield Inn & Suites Olean

  phone: +1 716 372-7500
  address: 3270 West State St

• Hampton Inn Express Olean

  phone: +1 716 375-1000
  address: 101 Main Street

• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Olean/Allegany

  phone: +1 716 373-5333
  address: 3234 NYS Route 417

Olean is primarily served by area code 716. However due to Olean's proximity to the 716/585 line, some Olean exchanges use the 585 area code.

• Olean LifeOlean Life operates a website promoting nightlife and entertainment in the Olean area. Their focus is restaurants, nightclubs and live entertainment venues and events such as concerts and festivals appealing to a wide demographic.

• Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce

  phone: +1 716 372-4433
  address: 120 North Union Street
  The leading business organization in the greater Olean area since 1906. Your Chamber Connection to the Olean area visitor information, resident information, business services and membership directory.

Hospitals

Olean General Hospital, is a member of the Upper Allegheny Health System. The campus includes 186 patient rooms, together with comprehensive patient, administrative and physician services and accommodations to meet the diagnostic, treatment, administrative and educational needs of its patients and medical staff.

Newspapers and print media

The Olean Times Herald is a daily newspaper serving the western Twin Tiers region, based in Olean. The afternoon newspaper, one of the few remaining afternoon papers in the nation, is published by Bradford Publishing seven days each week.

Television

Television stations serving Olean include:

• WVTT-CD Channel 25: Youtoo America.
• W30BW Channel 30: Retro TV.