Population38,984 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
A Northern County With An Earlier Map
McKean County, PennsylvaniaSmethport anchors McKean County in northern Pennsylvania, where the county’s early separation from Lycoming provides a starting point for local-history research. State and county records connect the civic center with a wider regional story that predates the present administrative boundaries. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 38,984 residents in McKean County, Pennsylvania, on July 1, 2025. The county has approximately 980 square miles of land, according to the 2020 Census Gazetteer.
McKean County at a Glance
Population38,984 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatSmethport
Largest Municipality (2025 estimate)Bradford city
Established1804 (organized; NACo County Explorer)
ZIP Code LookupUSPS address lookup
Total Area, Including Water984.727 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Roads & Traffic511PA travel updates
Telephone Area CodesPUC area-code map
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover McKean County
McKean County
McKean County was established in 1804 from Lycoming County. Smethport is the county seat, giving the area's government records a defined civic location. The earlier parent-county relationship matters when tracing documents and community histories, because events before county formation may appear under a different administrative name than the one used today. The county-seat relationship supplies an organizing framework rather than a complete account of every settlement. Community-level sources remain necessary to understand how particular places developed within the larger northern Pennsylvania region.
Use Smethport as the starting point for a county-history inquiry, then narrow the search to a particular community or family. The Lycoming connection can help with earlier records. Current county information should guide the location and access arrangements of specific public institutions. Record the dates covered by each collection before visiting or requesting material. A clear distinction between earlier parent-county records and later local holdings can make a focused inquiry more productive.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
Smethport anchors McKean County in northern Pennsylvania, where the county's early separation from Lycoming provides a starting point for local-history research.
Community History
McKean County was established in 1804 from Lycoming County. Smethport is the county seat, giving the area's government records a defined civic location.
Explore Locally
Use Smethport as the starting point for a county-history inquiry, then narrow the search to a particular community or family.
Discover local histories by following the county's changing map.
A Closer Look
McKean County
Places and perspectives from McKean County
McKean County Wire
McKean County & Pennsylvania News
Includes Pennsylvania statewide reporting; stories may cover other counties.Photo CreditsSpotlight PA — Pennsylvania Statewide
Top EPA official’s visits to Pa., other swing states ahead of midterms raise ethics concerns
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is visiting battleground districts and states in the runup to the midterm elections. Are…
Read the Story Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Around McKean County
Stories from every corner of McKean County.
Top EPA official’s visits to Pa., other swing states ahead of midterms raise ethics concerns
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is visiting battleground districts and states in the runup to the midterm elections. Are…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Erie gunman who killed family controlled their movements, finances: police
A Pennsylvania man who fatally shot eight others, including seven family members, before killing himself had exercised strict…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Rep. Perry’s Trump ties targeted by Dems in closely watched Pa. swing district race
The president’s declining popularity could be a liability for Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, a Trump loyalist who…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Reading could pull up to $24M from reserves to balance its next 2 budgets
Reading may use $24 million in reserves to cover budget gaps over two years, raising fears the city…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
The legislature didn’t act on skill games by the Pa. Supreme Court’s deadline. What happens now?
Top lawmakers said they wanted to act before the court-imposed deadline but didn’t, leading some members to mount…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the Right Local Connection
Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.
Government
Schools
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
George Blaisdell El Sch – Elementary; grades PK-02. 265 Constitution Ave, Bradford, PA 16701. 814-362-6834.
Kane Area El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 400 West Hemlock Ave, Kane, PA 16735. 814-837-7555.
Otto-Eldred JSHS – High; grades 07-12. 143 R L Sweitzer Dr, Duke Center, PA 16729. 814-817-1380.
Port Allegany El Sch – Elementary; grades PK-06. 85 Clyde Lynch Dr, Port Allegany, PA 16743. 814-642-9557.
Smethport Area El Sch – Elementary; grades PK-06. 414 S Mechanic St, Smethport, PA 16749. 814-887-5012.
Floyd C Fretz MS – Middle; grades 06-08. 140 Lorana Ave, Bradford, PA 16701. 814-362-3500.
Otto-Eldred El Sch – Elementary; grades PK-06. 5 Bennett Street, Eldred, PA 16731. 814-817-1380.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
Upmc Kane – Critical Access Hospitals. 4372 Route 6, Kane, PA 16735. 814-837-8585.
Public Safety
Emergency Services
State Parks
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Trails
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Utilities
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Libraries
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Bradford Area Public Library – 67 W Washington St, Bradford, PA 16701. 814-362-6527.
Friends Memorial Public Library – 230 Chase Street, Kane, PA 16735. 814-837-7010.
Mount Jewett Memorial Library – 7 E. Main St, Mount Jewett, PA 16740. 814-778-5588.
Samuel W Smith Memorial Public Library – 201 E Maple St, Port Allegany, PA 16743. 814-642-9210.
Hamlin Memorial Library – 123 S Mechanic St, Smethport, PA 16749. 814-887-9262.
Courts
DMV
Pennsylvania — Find a Location
Pennsylvania — Title and Registration
Pennsylvania — Licenses & Photo IDs
Transportation
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Plan Your McKean County Visit
Find places to go, compare activities and make the most of your time here.
Local Questions
McKean County: Places, Plans & Practical Answers
Start with these 11 answers, then find 5 more planning questions below the discovery lists.
No. The bridge and Skywalk can have restoration-related restrictions independent of other park facilities. Read the park's current alerts before traveling. The Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford is a separate option when a bridge visit is affected.
Zippo/Case Museum: Explore Bradford's lighter and cutlery manufacturing history; museum admission is free. Eldred World War II Museum: Explore wartime history in Eldred; consider the subject matter when planning for young children.
Marilla Reservoir trails: Plan a walk through the reservoir area near Bradford and select a route using the trail map. Kinzua Bridge State Park: Visit the former railroad-bridge site near Mount Jewett; check restoration closures before planning any Skywalk access.
Zippo/Case Museum: Explore Bradford's lighter and cutlery manufacturing history; museum admission is free. Marilla Reservoir trails: Plan a walk through the reservoir area near Bradford and select a route using the trail map. Free access does not include purchases, rentals or separately ticketed activities.
Beefeaters: Plan a Bradford meal in the former Carnegie Library building. Bradford Brew Station: Consider a meal in Bradford and check the current menu and service schedule.
Zippo/Case Museum Gift Shop: Look for locally associated souvenirs and collectibles after the museum visit. Small Town Girl Boutique: Browse women's clothing and accessories on Main Street in Bradford.
Small Town Girl Boutique: Browse women's clothing and accessories on Main Street in Bradford. bealls, Bradford: Shop apparel and footwear at the East Main Street store.
Smethport anchors McKean County in northern Pennsylvania, where the county's early separation from Lycoming provides a starting point for local-history research. Use the local museums and historic sites above to explore that story in more detail.
Bradford Area Public Library – 67 W Washington St, Bradford, PA 16701. 814-362-6527. Friends Memorial Public Library – 230 Chase Street, Kane, PA 16735. 814-837-7010. These contacts come from the supplied local-library directory; call for current opening hours, children’s programs and visitor services.
George Blaisdell El Sch – Elementary; grades PK-02. 265 Constitution Ave, Bradford, PA 16701. 814-362-6834. Kane Area El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 400 West Hemlock Ave, Kane, PA 16735. 814-837-7555. These are selected contacts from the supplied school directory. Contact the school or district to confirm attendance boundaries and enrollment; a nearby school is not necessarily the assigned school.
Smethport is the county seat recorded in the supplied McKean County information. Use the Government tab in local resources to locate the department you need; offices may have different addresses and appointment arrangements.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make Time for a Local DiscoveryExplore places to eat, shop and spend time in McKean County, Pennsylvania. Follow each link for current visiting details.
Kids’ Fun
- Zippo/Case Museum — Explore Bradford's lighter and cutlery manufacturing history; museum admission is free.
- Eldred World War II Museum — Explore wartime history in Eldred; consider the subject matter when planning for young children.
Restaurants
- Beefeaters — Plan a Bradford meal in the former Carnegie Library building.
- Bradford Brew Station — Consider a meal in Bradford and check the current menu and service schedule.
Shopping & Retail
- Zippo/Case Museum Gift Shop — Look for locally associated souvenirs and collectibles after the museum visit.
- Small Town Girl Boutique — Browse women's clothing and accessories on Main Street in Bradford.
Clothing & Boutiques
- Small Town Girl Boutique — Browse women's clothing and accessories on Main Street in Bradford.
- bealls, Bradford — Shop apparel and footwear at the East Main Street store.
Outdoor Fun
- Marilla Reservoir trails — Plan a walk through the reservoir area near Bradford and select a route using the trail map.
- Kinzua Bridge State Park — Visit the former railroad-bridge site near Mount Jewett; check restoration closures before planning any Skywalk access.
Free Things to Do
- Zippo/Case Museum — Explore Bradford's lighter and cutlery manufacturing history; museum admission is free.
- Marilla Reservoir trails — Plan a walk through the reservoir area near Bradford and select a route using the trail map.
Businesses in This County Guide
More McKean County Questions
How could I build a short McKean County outing from these places?
One possible plan is Zippo/Case Museum, a meal at Beefeaters, and a browse at Zippo/Case Museum Gift Shop. These are separate stops; map their addresses and check opening times before deciding whether all three fit your day.
How can I keep a McKean County day trip inexpensive?
Start with Zippo/Case Museum and Marilla Reservoir trails and bring a picnic where permitted. Budget separately for museum or amusement tickets, restaurant meals, parking where charged, rentals and purchases. Check the linked destination’s current fees instead of assuming every activity on its grounds is free.
Where should I check the forecast before visiting Marilla Reservoir trails?
Use the county weather section above for the forecast. For Marilla Reservoir trails, also open the destination’s notices for trail, road or facility closures. A county forecast does not confirm that an individual trail or activity is operating.
What should I confirm before making a special trip to Small Town Girl Boutique?
Use Small Town Girl Boutique to confirm the physical-store address, current opening days and whether the item or fitting you need is available. Some shops list online stock, multiple locations or appointment services, so contact the store about a specific visit.
Where can I find the businesses featured in this McKean County guide?
The “Businesses in This County Guide” section links to D&L Enos. Open a business page for its contact details. A business featured in this guide may serve the county from another location; confirm its address and service area directly.
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.