Woodside Tavern on the Range
A restaurant with a farm to table operation.
A great place to eat in the center of Olean.
Olean
Olean is a town in Cattaraugus County, New York. The name is derived from the Latin word "oleum" due to the discovery of crude oil in nearby Ischua.
Location
The Town of Olean is in the southeast corner of the county. The City of Olean, originally the Village of Olean, is adjacent to the town.
History
Olean was first settled around 1805. The Town of Olean was established in 1808 as the only town in the county. The "Town of Ischua," (now Franklinville) was established in 1812, part of Perrysburg was removed in 1814, Great Valley was formed in 1818, Hinsdale in 1820, and Portville, in 1837.
The Village of Olean, was originally named "Hamilton," after Alexander Hamilton, but was called Olean Point until simplified to Olean in 1823.
The name "Olean" was suggested for the area due to the oil found in the vicinity. The famed Seneca Oil Spring, discovered by the Franciscan Missionary Joseph De La Roche D'Allion in 1627 was located about 14 miles upstream of Olean Point. The original town hall burned in 1884, prompting a law that forbade wooden structures in parts of the town.
The City of Olean is a city within the Town of Olean in Cattaraugus County, New York. Olean is the largest city in Cattaraugus County, and serves as the financial, business and transportation center of the county. 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 city is located where Olean Creek flows into the Allegheny River and by the Southern Tier Expressway (Interstate 86 and New York State Route 17). New York State Route 417 passes east-west through the city and intersects New York State Route 16, a north-south highway.
Interesting facts:
- Home to famous Rock City Park
- The Olean Business Institute and a branch of Jamestown Community College are within the city
- St. Bonaventure University is a few miles to the west in the Town of Allegany.
- CUTCO national headquarters is based in Olean.
- Dresser-Rand Group, Inc. North American headquarters was based in Olean.
- Colonial Radio Group, which owns radio stations in the region and previously owned stations in the Carolinas, has been headquartered in Olean since 2009.
- Part of the movie "Unstoppable" was filmed near a rail yard in Olean.
Learn more about the City of Olean.
Learn more about the Town of Olean.
Places in Olean
A bar in Olean with an industrial-type feel to it with all the class of a big city bar.
Restaurant with lunch & dinner specials daily! Open mic nights, and live entertainment.
A majestic geological spectacle of enormous rock formations and is often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
Treat yourself to lunch at The Hatch Cafe, located on The Jamestown Community College campus and open to anyone!
Rafi's Food Hub, "The Original Rafi's," opened in Olean offering American and Mediterranean dishes at affordable prices.
A paved parking area and ramp to launch your kayak, canoe or boat on the Allegheny River in Olean, NY
Experiences
William O. Smith Recreation Center
Recreation center in Olean, NY.
Whitetail Country Sports World, Inc.
A store that offers sporting goods, hunting supplies, canoes, fishing equipment, archery equipment, rifles, ammo, fishing trips and more!
Where to Stay for the Eclipse
Stay in the Enchanted Mountains for the Total Solar Eclipse!
Warm Weather Fun!
The start of all of your Spring and Summer Fun is upon us!Â
UpCycle in Olean
Bike shop in Olean's and the only bicycle repair shop.
Union Whiskey
A bar in Olean with an industrial-type feel to it with all the class of a big city bar.
Union Tee Golf
State-of-the-art golf simulator
Two Locations in Cattaraugus County named in Top 10 Hidden Hidden Gems of WNY 2011
In 2011, an article written by Christine A. Smyczynski for the Member Connection, the magazine for AAA Members, two of the treasures of the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County have been named in the top 10 Hidden Gems in Western New York by AAA.
Tri-County Arts Council
Transforming the Southern Tier of New York State into a better place to live through education, service and community outreach.
Total Solar Eclipse
Have you made plans for the Total Solar Eclipse yet? If not, you better because IT’S A BIG DEAL!
Come view this once in a lifetime opportunity in the Enchanted Mountains, away from the city lights.
Tony's Napoli
Restaurant that dishes out the freshest pizza in the Olean, NY
The Wing Bar & Grill
Pizzeria and grille in Olean, NY.
The Twist & Shake
Seasonal roadside stand with ice cream and a food menu.
The Spot 2 Be Restaurant
The spot to find great home cooking.
The Paper Factory
A one stop shop for all of your party needs... including decorations and gifts!
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
As snow blankets the majestic peaks, the Enchanted Mountains come alive with the spirit of Christmas! Picture twinkling lights reflecting off frosty pines, cheerful carolers serenading under a starry sky, and the scent of hot cocoa mingling with the crisp winter air.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
As snow blankets the majestic peaks, the Enchanted Mountains come alive with the spirit of Christmas! Picture twinkling lights reflecting off frosty pines, cheerful carolers serenading under a starry sky, and the scent of hot cocoa mingling with the crisp winter air.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
It’s time to get into the Christmas Spirit! The Enchanted Mountains has fun events that are perfect for friends and family of all ages, which start the day after Thanksgiving. Start planning your trip!
The Magic of First Snow
There's something undeniably special about the first snow of the season. It’s as if nature herself is hitting the reset button, blanketing the world in a fresh layer of white.Â
The Hatch Cafe
Treat yourself to lunch at The Hatch Cafe, located on The Jamestown Community College campus and open to anyone!
The Century Manor Grillhouse
Casual dining at an affordable price.
Tasty Time Cafe
Café that offers frozen yogurt, a food menu and much more!
Tasta Pizza
A local favorite pizzeria known for their mouthwatering pizza and baked chicken wings!
Talty's Irish Pub
Restaurant with lunch & dinner specials daily! Open mic nights, and live entertainment.
Spring Openings 2025
Breathe in the fresh air and relish the expansive beauty of the Enchanted Mountains with these exciting spring openings!
Explore the scenic trails at Griffis Sculpture Park, which spans 450 acres and showcases over 250 steel scu
Spring Openings 2024
Enjoy the fresh air and wide open spaces that the Enchanted Mountains has to offer with these spring openings!
Hike the trails at Griffis Sculpture Park, that's located on 450 acres, to discover 250+ steel sculp
Spring Openings 2023
Enjoy the fresh air and wide open spaces that the Enchanted Mountains has to offer with these spring openings!
Located on 12,000 acres of the Allegheny Reservoir, Onoville Marina Park is one of our best kept secrets. Camp, boat, o
Sports Locker
Family-owned sporting goods store in Olean, NY.
South Union Street Launch onto Allegheny River
A paved parking area and ramp to launch your kayak, canoe or boat on the Allegheny River in Olean, NY