You are invited to discover McKean County, PA’s rich history and heritage along PA Trail Central’s McKean County Museum Trail, featuring seven unique museums, each offering a glimpse into the Allegheny National Forest Region’s vibrant past.

Explore the legacy of Zippo lighters and Case knives at the Zippo/Case Museum, celebrate one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of all time at the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center in Bradford. The Penn-Brad Oil Museum preserves the stories, innovations, and achievements of Bradford’s historic Oil Field - the world’s first billion-dollar oil field.

The Eldred World War II Museum honors both the heroes and the homefront of the war. In Smethport, the McKean County Historical Society offers a broader look at local history, including exhibits in the Old Jail. At Kinzua Bridge State Park, a modern Visitor Center near Mt. Jewett serves as the gateway to the Kinzua Skywalk, featuring exhibits on the viaduct once hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Finally, the Historic Kane Depot and McCleery Discovery Center shares the story of the effort to save the Lobo wolf from extinction while celebrating the history of Kane, the Star in the Forest.

THE MUSEUM TRAIL

1. Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store, Bradford:

Delve into the legacy of two iconic American brands at the Zippo/Case Museum. This 15,000-square-foot facility offers a comprehensive look at the history of Zippo lighters and Case knives. Highlights include the original Zippo lighter, a striking American flag composed of 3,300 Zippo lighters, and exhibits detailing the brands' contributions to the U.S. military. The adjacent Flagship Store provides a unique shopping experience featuring the complete selection of Zippo and Case products, with options for personalization.

2. Marilyn Horne Museum & Exhibit Center, Bradford:

Located on the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford campus, the Marilyn Horne Museum celebrates the life of one of opera's most legendary mezzo-sopranos. Housed in a restored 1931 Art Deco building, visitors can explore interactive exhibits detailing Horne's illustrious career, view lavish stage costumes, and enjoy recordings of her iconic performances. A custom-designed theater showcases an exclusive documentary, providing an intimate look into her journey from Bradford to international acclaim.

3. Penn Brad Oil Museum, Bradford:

Experience the pioneering spirit of America's early oil industry at the Penn Brad Oil Museum. Situated just south of Bradford, this open-air museum chronicles the history of the Bradford Oil Field, once the first billion-dollar oil field in the world. Visitors can explore antique drilling equipment, a replica 1930s oilfield home, and a towering 72-foot wooden drilling rig, offering a hands-on journey into a crucial chapter of American energy heritage.

4. Eldred World War II Museum, Eldred:

Step into a powerful tribute to the World War II generation at the Eldred World War II Museum. Located in a town that once housed a wartime munitions factory, the museum offers an extensive collection of artifacts, including authentic weapons, military uniforms, and a full-sized 2½-ton Army truck. Interactive exhibits, such as a real submarine periscope, provide immersive experiences, while displays on the Holocaust and global contributions offer a comprehensive view of the era.

5. Kinzua Bridge State Park & Sky Walk, Mt. Jewett:

Discover one of Pennsylvania's most awe-inspiring landmarks at Kinzua Bridge State Park. Once the world's tallest and longest railroad viaduct, the Kinzua Bridge was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003. Today, the remaining towers have been transformed into the Kinzua Sky Walk, a 624-foot pedestrian walkway offering panoramic views of the Kinzua Gorge. The park's visitors center features exhibits on the bridge's history, the 2003 tornado, and local wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

6. McKean County Historical Society & Old Jail Museum, Smethport:

Explore the rich tapestry of McKean County's past at the Historical Society's Old Jail Museum. Housed in the former county jail, the museum offers exhibits on the Bucktails Civil War Regiment, antique weaponry, and the Holgate Toy Company. Visitors can also view antique looms in action and delve into local legends in the museum's original jail cells, rumored to be haunted by former inmate Ralph Crossmire.

7. McCleery Discovery Center & Historic Kane Depot, Kane:

McCleery Wolf Center at the Historic Kane Depot

Learn about a unique chapter in wildlife conservation at the McCleery Discovery Center. Located in the restored Historic Kane Depot, the museum honors Dr. Edward H. McCleery's efforts to rescue the last remaining Great Plains wolves from extinction. Exhibits include original correspondence, vintage photographs, and natural history specimens, providing insight into the legacy of the Lobo wolves and the town's role in their preservation.

Get Your Passport and Embark on the Trail:

To commemorate the McKean County Museum Trail’s journey through time, Trail Central-Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau developed a Passport that invites visitors to explore the seven museums, each dedicated to preserving the rich history and heritage of McKean County. Along the way, you'll experience the people, places, and pride that have shaped life in Bradford, Kane, Smethport, Eldred, Mt. Jewett, Port Allegany, and every meaningful stop in between.

At each museum, immerse yourself in the exhibits, listen to the stories, and collect a stamp in your Passport. Once you’ve gathered all seven stamps, bring your completed Passport to Trail Central-Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau at 80 E Corydon St., Bradford, or the Kane Area Chamber of Commerce at 63 N. Fraley St.

UNCOVER MORE OF McKEAN COUNTY

Bradford Walking Tour:

From Backwoods to Boomtown, Bradford Historic District: Feel Bradford's fascinating past as you walk in the footsteps of the early oil barons as their stories unfold in the architectural treasures they left behind, paying tribute to their spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Look up as you walk by 25 significant buildings with amazing details crafted of brick and stone, from Art Deco to 20th Century Modern.

Smethport Mansion District: A Glimpse of a Victorian Past:

Experience the charms of Smethport's Gilded Era nestled in the beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Upon entering this village, you will be propelled to another era of time and lifestyle, seeing more than 30 architectural gems along scenic U.S. Route 6.

View the Brochure here

Port Allegany Serenity Glass Park: Creative Artisan Park:

This public space in the heart of Port Allegany pays tribute to its rich history to Pittsburgh-Corning Corp. that was once America's sole manufacturer of glass blocks. This community art project showcases creative artwork from glass.

Accommodations & Lodging Map

Camp Hair, Don’t Care, Variety of Accommodations Await: distinctive and historic accommodations to nature themed camping and cabins, to hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, and nightly home rentals, McKean County features unique lodging properties steeped in history and natural beauty.

See a list of lodging and accommodations here

Enjoy the journey and celebrate the history and heritage found along the McKean County Museum Trail. For more information on lodging and the Museum Trail & Passport program, visit PATrailCentral.org or call Trail Central, 800-473-9370.