PA Counties

5 Must-See Attractions in McKean County

A collage of photos from McKean County PA featuring the Kinzua Skywalk, The Marilla Bridges Trail, The Eldred WWII Museum, and the Zippo Case Museum.

If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in McKean County, you’re in the right place!

A map of Pennsylvania with McKean County highlighted in red.

The county was established in 1804 and named for Thomas McKean, signer of the Declaration of Independence and three term Governor of Pennsylvania between 1799 and 1808.

McKean County historical marker in Smethport Pennsylvania.

The county seat is Smethport, where the coldest temperature ever recorded in Pennsylvania (42 degrees below zero) was recorded on January 5, 1904.

The McKean County courthouse in Smethport Pennsylvania.

From state parks to hiking trails to museums, here are 5 of the best things to see and do in McKean County.

Simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below to read more in-depth information about each destination.

Looking through the steel piers of the Kinzua Bridge skywalk.

1. The Zippo/Case Museum

The Zippo/Case Museum in McKean County is dedicated to telling the story of Zippo lighters and Case knives, two iconic products made in Bradford.

The Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, Pennsylvania.

2. The Eldred WWII Museum

The Eldred WWII Museum in McKean County is a 15,000 square-foot facility that honors the heroes of World War II through powerful exhibits, artifacts, and educational displays.

Collage of four photos from the Eldred WWII Museum in McKean County, PA, featuring the exterior of the museum with a tank and mural, a naval exhibit with model ships and transport artifacts, a display of World War II-era military helmets and uniforms beneath historic posters and model planes, and a group of mannequins dressed in international military uniforms positioned around a detailed battlefield diorama.

3. The Marilla Bridges Trail

The Marilla Bridges Trail in McKean County is a gorgeous 1-mile loop trail around the Marilla Reservoir near Bradford.

The Eric Benjamin Covered Bridge along the Marilla Bridges Trail in McKean County.

4. Kinzua Bridge State Park

Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County is home to what was once the longest and tallest railway bridge in the entire world – The Kinzua Viaduct.

Scenes from Kinzua Bridge State Park in Pennsylvania.

5. The Penn Brad Oil Museum

The Penn Brad Oil Museum in McKean County retraces the history of the Bradford Oil Field, the world’s first billion dollar oilfield, where over 90,000 wells were drilled.

Collage of four photos taken at the Penn Brad Oil Museum in McKean County, Pennsylvania, capturing highlights from the museum and its exhibits: the top left image shows the museum’s rustic wooden exterior with a tall oil derrick and American flag; the top right image features a historic nitroglycerine wagon used for transporting explosives in the oil fields, displayed inside a wooden barn with vintage oil company signs; the bottom left image shows an indoor exhibit with a steam-powered fire engine and gasoline pump surrounded by oil industry memorabilia; and the bottom right image displays shelves filled with colorful vintage oil cans and containers from brands like Kendall, Pennzoil, Wolf’s Head, and Quaker State, reflecting the history of oil production in the Bradford Oil Field.

Nearby Attractions

14 Must-See Attractions in Potter County is your guide to the best things to see and do in McKean County’s neighbor to the east.

The best things to do in Potter County Pennsylvania.

12 Must-See Attractions in Cameron County is a guide to the best things to see and do in McKean County’s neighbor to the southeast.

A collage of four diverse photographs showcasing the natural beauty of Cameron County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A wooden sign reading 'Square Timber Vista' amid a lush green landscape with rolling hills. Top right: An old concrete water tower stands next to a tranquil river flanked by green hills under a blue sky. Bottom left: A snowy scene with a stream flowing over small waterfalls, surrounded by snow-laden trees and rocks. Bottom right: Two elk with large, branching antlers standing in a grassy field with a backdrop of a clear blue sky.

12 Must-See Attractions in Elk County is your guide to some of the best things to see and do in McKean County’s neighbor to the south.

The Best Things to See and Do in Elk County PA.

8 Must-See Attractions in Warren County is your guide to some of the best things to see and do in McKean County’s neighbor to the west.

Collage of four scenic locations in Warren County, Pennsylvania, featuring Hector Falls cascading down a rock face, the calm waters of Chapman Lake reflecting the sky, an aerial view of downtown Warren along the Allegheny River, and people relaxing on the sandy beach at Kinzua Beach near the Kinzua Dam.

Discover even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

Did you enjoy this article?

If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!

Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.