Situated in Cattaraugus County, New York, Olean is the largest city in the area. The place has an energetic spirit and outstanding resources that one might expect to find. It also serves as the financial, business, transportation and entertainment center of Cattaraugus Country. There are also fantastic Airbnb vacation rentals for you to book if you’re looking to stay the night.
Its location provides easy access to the major markets throughout the Northeast, including Canada. Olean is rich in recreational opportunities for everyone. The area offers excellent outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as fun things to do indoors. Listed below are the top things to do in Olean, New York!
1. Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels
Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels is one of the most outstanding landmarks in the beautiful town of Olean. It’s right in the heart of the town and features towering twin spires that are prominent in Gothic Revival church designs.
Although the church has a humble beginning of a shanty wooden structure, it was reconstructed in 1913 and was completed in 1917. In its centennial year in 1952, the church was again refurbished with new interior designs while adding new artworks, altars, railing, and pulpit, making it to what it is today—a true architectural wonder.
Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels
Address: 202 S Union St, Olean, NY 14760, United States
Website: Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels
Opening hours: Mon: 7am - 8pm; Tue - Wed: 7am - 8:30pm; Thu - Fri: 7am - 7:30pm; Sat: 7am - 6pm; Sun: 7:30 - 6pm
2. Rock City Park
Located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of this city, Rock City Park is a fun day trip. With amazing scenery, this park offers plenty of hiking trails to wander through and enjoy the sights. You will find a breathtaking view overlooking the Enchanted Mountains.
This trip is definitely worth a visit. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes to enjoy to the fullest. If you are planning a picnic or reunion, this is the perfect spot. While there, be sure to check out the souvenir and rock shop as well as the museum.
Rock City Park
Address: 505 NY-16, 14760 Olean, NY
Phone: +1 716-372-7790
Website: Rock City Park
3. Holiday Valley
This terrific resort boasts of 13 lifts, 58 slopes and trails, three base lodges, two hotels, a golf course, pools, aerial park, mountain coaster and numerous amenities. If you want to have a great time in no matter what weather, do go to this place. Among all the amenities that this place offers is also an outstanding staff who truly makes this place special.
The resort has become a leader in the ski industry and also ranks among the favorites of skiers in the East. If you are in Olean, the place is just a 30-minute drive from the city. So, don’t forget to pay a visit.
Holiday Valley
Address: 6557 Holiday Valley Rd, 14731 Ellicottville, NY
Phone: +1 716-699-2345
Website: Holiday Valley
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4. Allegany State Park
Thinking about what to do in Olean, NY? Set off 41 kilometers (27 miles) from Olean, Allegany State Park is located in Cattaraugus County. just north of the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. This wilderness playground of Western New York is divided into two sections: The Red House Area and the Quaker Run Area. The park was also named as a top “amazing spot” in the nation in the year 2007. It is generally known for its two lakes and wonderful camping experiences. Allegany State Park offers swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and many more things.
Allegany State Park
Address: 2373 ASP Route 1, 14779 Salamanca, NY
Area: 64,800 acres ( 26223.63 hectare )
Phone: +1 716-354-9101
Open: All year
Website: Allegany State Park
5. Olean Bartlett House
Located in the converted Carriage House on the Bartlett property, this house is one of the top Olean, NY, attractions and features nine rooms decorated in turn-of-the-century Victorian style and seven fireplaces, each different in design and composition. The intricate detail work in every room is just astonishing.
If you want to have a tour back in time, this is a recommended visit. Featuring each room with a different floor design, this house has a Tiffany-style staircase window, woodwork throughout, and very interesting period furnishings.
Olean Bartlett House
Address: 302 Laurens St, 14760 Olean, NY
Phone: +1 716-376-5642
Website: Olean Bartlett House
6. Cutco-Ka-Bar Visitors Center
If you like knives, stop here! It is the place where tradition and state-of-the-art technology come together. The display at the visitors center showcases storyboards, antique kitchen cutlery, military knives and pocket knives. The knives are built to last and are backed by forever guarantee. Go there to discover the rich heritage of Cutco cutlery and KA-BAR knives.
Cutco-Ka-Bar Visitors Center
Address: 1040 E State St, 14760 Olean, NY
Phone: +1 716-790-7000
Hours Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: Cutco-Ka-Bar Visitors Center
7. Good Times of Olean
A fun destination, with the multi-use facility. Good Times offers a 16-lane bowling center, an 18-hole miniature golf course, beach volleyball courts, and batting cages for baseball and softball. An excellent choice if you want to have a fun entertaining evening with your friends or family.
The place offers plenty of space for outdoor activities. With three restaurants, private conference rooms, and a concert stage, Good Times offers one of the largest selections of food and drink choices around. Go for the food and stay for the fun!
Good Times of Olean
Address: 800R E State St, 14760 Olean, NY
Phone: +1 716-379-8210
Website: Good Times of Olean
8. XPhobia
Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed at the time of writing
Do you like solving puzzles or riddles? If yes, this is the perfect spot for you. XPhobia is not any ordinary “escape game.”
It is a movie, with an immersive entertainment experience. XPhobia will take you on a movie ride. If you have what it takes to solve a murder, escape from a serial killer or rob a bank, do go to this place.
XPhobia Entertainment
Address: 452 N Barry St, 14760 Olean, NY
Phone: +1 716-379-3393
Hours Open: 5 - 10:30 p.m.
Website: XPhobia Entertainment
9. Willoughby's Furniture & Gifts
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Willoughby’s Furniture & Gifts is a furniture and gift store specializing in Amish furniture, holiday and home decor. The store believes in high-quality, American-made goods. It is the perfect place for all your primitive and holiday needs! Do check this pleasantly surprising place out!
Willoughby's Furniture & Gifts
Address: 1472 Olean-Portville Rd, 14760 Olean, NY
Phone: +1 716-373-5080
Hours Open: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: Willoughby’s Furniture & Gifts
10. Four Mile Brewing
If you are traveling and desire some good food and great atmosphere, this is the place to be. With its excellent beer and service, it offers an outside patio which has plenty of space for seating. They also have a kitchen which serves deli-style sandwiches, salads, and jumbo pretzels. A must stop for all the craft beer enthusiasts!
Four Mile Brewing, LLC
Address: 202 E Greene St, 14760 Olean, NY
Phone: +1 716-373-2337
Hours Open: 12-11 p.m.
Website: Four Mile Brewing, LLC
11. Olean Recreation Center
Olean Recreation Center is situated at 551 East State Street on the corner of East State & Front Streets and offers top notch facilities. There are tons of stuff you can do here. The area includes two basketball courts, three volleyball courts, swimming pool, soccer floor, roller hockey area and many more things.
An awesome recreation center with some great facilities for locals and visitors. The staff is very nice and the facilities are well maintained and always clean. There’s plenty for everyone.
Olean Recreation Center
Address: 551 E State St, 14760 Olean, NY
Phone: +1 716-373-7465
Hours Open: 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., 6–8 p.m.
Website: Olean Recreation Center
12. Attend an open mic night at Talty's Irish Pub
If you’re taking down a list of Olean activities you can enjoy for your next trip, check this out. Local entertainment is always a plus when you’re traveling. Not only do you get to see local talent in front of your very eyes, but you can also get a great new discovery from a few seconds of watching it. When visiting a small town like Olean in New York, take a jab at your comedic skills and join an open mic night or simply just attend one with a friend. The best place for this is at Talty’s, an Irish Pub many locals frequent and hang out in for its affordable drinks, scrumptious food, and quality entertainment. Open mic nights are every Thursday night starting at 9 pm, coupled with live music from local and international performers, as well as jam sessions for musicians who wish to jam with local talents.
Talty's Irish Pub
Address: 535 N Union St., Olean, NY 14760
Website: Talty’s Irish Pub
Opening hours: 3 pm to 2 am, Tuesdays to Fridays; 11 am to 2 am, Sturdays; 11 am to 6 pm, Sundays
The enterprising city with the hometown touch
The heading pretty much sums it up for the quality of life you will enjoy at Olean. If you’re looking for a location with all the amenities but the unique flavor of a close-knit community, Olean is the place for you and your family. Do visit to experience life in Olean.