Things to do in Bradford
Allegany State Park
In nearby New York State, Allegany State Park's 65,000 acres contains two major recreation areas and many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Allegany's recreation areas also provide hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails, picnic areas, and swim beaches. Almost all of the New York shoreline of the Allegheny River is contained in the Seneca Nation of Indians Reservation. The Seneca Indians have a long and rich history in the area. A museum containing exhibits on the history, culture, and folklore of the Seneca is located in the city of Salamanca. For additional information contact: Allegany State Park, 2373 ASP, Rte 1, Suite 3 Salamanca, N.Y. 14779 Phone: (716) 354-9121 Seneca Nation of Indians, G.R. Plummer Building P.O. Box 231 Salamanca, N.Y. 14779 Phone: (716) 945-1790 Call 716- 354-9121 for more information.
2373 ASP, Rte 1, Suite 3, Salamanca, PA 14779
Allegheny Arms and Armor Museum
The museum has over twenty major exhibits including armored cars, tanks, self-propelled guns, tracked recovery vehicles, armored personnel carrier, towed artillery pieces, Soviet armor, fixed and rotary aircraft plus a floating Coast Guard Cutter. Rt. 46 2 ˝ miles north of Smethport, PA.
Allegheny National Forest
The forest, which encompasses 513,257 acres, is within easy driving distance of several metropolitan areas in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada. Wide choices of lodging, dining and visitor services are readily available in the nearby towns of Bradford, Kane, Marshburg and Lantz Corners. Over 600 miles of trails criss-cross the ridges and valleys of the Allegheny National Forest. It provides opportunities for hunting, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobile riding, boating, mountain biking, riding ATV's, boat/camping and more. For additional information contact: Allegheny National Forest, Bradford Ranger Office, Rt. 56,Marshburg, PA Phone: 814-362-4613 Call 814-362-4613 for more information.
Bradford Ranger Office, Rt. 56, Marshburg, PA
Allegheny Reservoir
Welcome to the Alleghenies. Totally surrounded by forest, Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir are at the heart of one of the largest and most popular outdoor recreation complexes in the northeastern United States. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to visit the reservoir and discover a diversity of year-round recreational opportunities that will delight the outdoor enthusiast. The Allegheny Reservoir spans the border between Pennsylvania and New York. In Pennsylvania, the reservoir is completely surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest; and in New York State by Allegany State Park and the Allegany Indian Reservation of the Seneca Nation.
Case Knives
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery, one of America’s oldest and finest cutlery manufacturers is a Zippo subsidiary). The Zippo/Case Visitors Center is located at 1932 Zippo Drive, just off Route 219 in Bradford. Fourteen custom-made Zippo "street-lighters" line the drive leading up to the building. Over the entrance towers a 40-foot Zippo lighter with a pulsating neon flame, and an enormous three-bladed Canoe pocketknife, symbol of the Case Collector's Club. Call 888-442-1932 for more information.
1932 Zippo Drive, Bradford, PA
Crook Farm
Visitors can enjoy a walk back in time as they visit the 19th century restored farm house, barn, one-room schoolhouse, herb garden, tool house, train depot and outbuildings. Open Mid June through September. A variety of historical activities & programs are offered including: historical tours and demonstrations, luncheon tours, meeting grounds, a living history program for high school students, church services and weddings. The Crook Farm Country Fair held annually in August features entertainment, food, craft demonstrations and artisans. Please call 814-362-3906 or 814-368-5981 for more information. The Crook Farm house stands where it was constructed in 1847 in a beautiful rural setting located at Seaward Avenue Extension, Bradford, PA. It remained in the Crook family for over 125 years. This fully restored historical property was the home of Erastus and Betsy Crook early pioneers in McKean County. A diary left by Erastus details the heartbreaking harshness of illness and hard times. It was not until the Olmsted well was drilled on the property in 1875 that Mr. Crook was able to pay off his debts. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, the farmhouse has been restored and furnished in the period of the 1870s. It is believed to be the oldest dwelling in the Bradford Area. Today, the Bradford Landmark Society cares for the Crook Farm. Call 814-362-3906 for more information.
Seaward Avenue Extension, Bradford, PA
Eldred World War II Museum
As you approach the museum your eyes land on a tank! This museum is dedicated to those who were part of the dramatic war that changed the world forever. Eldred was the site of a British and American munitions plant, where fifteen hundred people worked… mostly women. Beautiful stained glass windows portray just how magnificent those workers really were. Twenty-four hours seven days a week, Jan. 1942-May 1945 they produced 8 million bombs, mortar shells, and fuses. A 40’s ambiance blankets you with big band music playing in the background. The Museum’s Maxim, a quote from American Philosopher George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” rests above the arches framing the entrance to the library, where books ranging from research/text to first hand experiences documented and in scrapbook form are available for research or browsing. You will find that time stands still inside the walls of history at the Eldred World War II Museum. 201 Main St., Eldred. Open 10am-4pm Tue., Thu., Sat., and Sun. 1pm-4pm. Admission is FREE.
Kinzua Viaduct
Built in 1882, it was at the time of its construction the highest railroad bridge in the world. It was rebuilt in 1900 to be able to stand heavier trains. This magnificent structure spans the Kinzua Creek Valley 2053 feet and stands 301 feet high. It was the second highest railroad viaduct in the United States and fourth highest in the world. Train excursions were common in its early history with the last excursion to the bridge running on June 21 1959. On August 16, 1963, Governor William B. Scranton signed a Bill authorizing the establishment of Kinzua Bridge State Park, preserving this National Landmark. In 1977, Kinzua Bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1982 was designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. On July 21st, 2003 at approximately 3:15pm a tornado rolled through the valley and destroyed a portion of the center span. Each end of the viaduct still stands, providing an evocative experience to anyone viewing this impressive peek into history.
Old Jail Museum
Constructed in 1872, she sits above the County Courthouse… as if to threaten anyone who is thinking about breaking the law. The jailhouse is the oldest public building in McKean County. It originally served as a family residence for the McKean County sheriff, who was frequently disturbed by the noises from prisoners at all hours of the night and early morn. Their second floor apartment sat above the female prisoners, who were anything but quiet. Today the building houses the McKean County Historical Society Museum, which showcases local history through genealogical records, and displays of artifacts, including Civil War and railroad memorabilia. Railroading, lumbering/logging, farming, oil, and “The Bucktails” are all part of the local history that shows the dedication and powerful will necessary to settle this territory. Visit the Museum to gain insights on the colorful history of McKean County and its pioneers.
Penn-Brad Oil Museum
Preserving the philosophy, the spirit, and the accomplishments of an oil country community; taking visitors back to the early oil boom times of The First Billion Dollar Oil Field. The guided tours are conducted by over 100 oil country veterans who volunteer their time to relate exciting first-hand experiences. Talks are illustrated with colorful display items such as yellow dogs and barkers, headache posts and Samson posts, hurry-up sticks and sucker rods, all used to produce the miracle molecule found in Pennsylvania - oil, while the old time player piano weaves a spell of nostalgic tunes. Located 3 miles South of Bradford at 50 Parkway Lane, Bradford, PA. The Penn-Brad Oil Museum is open from Memorial Day - Labor Day 10am – 4pm Monday – Saturday; Noon – 5pm Sunday.
50 Parkway Lane, Bradford, PA
Scenic Route 6
So big, so wild. Where the trees in the forest stand tall and mighty. Where the power of nature and the power of mankind will amaze you. From the inspiring Kinzua Viaduct, a National Civil Engineering Landmark, to the vast Allegheny National Forest, adventure awaits. Route 6 cuts a wide swath here from Port Allegany, Smethport, Mt. Jewett, Lantz Corners, Kane and Ludlow to the Allegheny National Forest. Historically, Port Allegany was the starting point for traveling via canoe on the Allegheny River. Smethport, a few miles west on Route 6, is rich with the Victorian Architecture of the 1800s. America's First Christmas Store imparts a festive feel to this community year-round. The Kinzua Bridge, near Mt. Jewett, is one of the wonders of the modern world. Built in 1882, the bridge was once the highest and longest railroad viaduct in the world. It towers 301 feet above Kinzua Creek. Today one finds lovely picnic areas, hiking trails and scenic overlooks. The Kinzua Bridge, near Mt. Jewett, is one of the wonders of the modern w??????????????88? the bridge was ???????????????? a? longest railroa???????????????? w?ld. It towered 3???????????????nz? Creek until Jul?????????????a ?rnado took down ?????????????? c?ter span, exhibi????????????????s ?wer of Mother Na???????????????? f?ds lovely picnic????????????????ra?s and scenic ove????????????????al uplifting experience, take the Knox and Kane Railroad. While in Kane, catch a movie at the Family Drive-In Theater or sample some PA wines. Visit America's past at the Allegheny Arms & Amour Museum, the Eldred World War II Museum, Crook Farm or the Penn-Brad Oil Museum. Take a short-side trip to Bradford to see where the spark for the famous Zippo lighter was first ignited. The Zippo/Case Visitors Center showcases this icon of American pop culture. Consider the half million acres of the Allegheny National Forest your personal recreation area. An outdoor mecca for wildlife watching, you might catch a glimpse of a black bear, an osprey or American Bald Eagle. Hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating - if you can dream it, you can do it here! Travel the longhouse National Scenic Drive and enjoy spectacular vistas as the road meanders along the shores of the reservoir. Seasonal highlights include the Mountain Laurel, which blooms in early June and the blazing fall foliage, which peaks in early October.
Seneca Nation of Indians
In nearby New York State, Allegany State Park's 65,000 acres contains two major recreation areas and many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Allegany's recreation areas also provide hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails, picnic areas, and swim beaches. Almost all of the New York shoreline of the Allegheny River is contained in the Seneca Nation of Indians Reservation. The Seneca Indians have a long and rich history in the area. A museum containing exhibits on the history, culture, and folklore of the Seneca is located in the city of Salamanca. For additional information contact: Allegany State Park, 2373 ASP, Rte 1, Suite 3 Salamanca, N.Y. 14779 Phone: (716) 354-9121 Seneca Nation of Indians, G.R. Plummer Building P.O. Box 231 Salamanca, N.Y. 14779 Phone: (716) 945-1790 Call 716- 945-1790 for more information.
Plummer Building P.O. Box 231, Salamanca, PA
University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh - The Allegheny Research & Development Center (ARDC) is the economic and community development arm of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Support for services is provided by the University, Ben Franklin Partnership funds, fees and donations. Services are available to residents and businesses in Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, Potter and Warren counties in Pennsylvania, Carraraugus, Allegany, and Chautauqua counties in New York. Call 814-362-0254 for more information.
Zippo Lighters
Zippo/Case Visitors Center - Welcome to the most visited museum in northern Pennsylvania! Since it’s opening in 1997 has attracted thousands of visitors from over 120 countries around the world. Step through history and trace two beloved American icons, the Zippo lighter and Case knives.