McKean County was created on March 26, 1804, from part of Lycoming County and named for Governor Thomas McKean. It was attached to Centre County until 1814, when it was combined with Potter County to elect commissioners jointly, and was also attached to Lycoming County for judicial and elective purposes. It was fully organized in 1826. Smethport, the county seat, was laid out in 1807 and named in honor of Raymond and Theodore de Smeth, Amsterdam bankers. It was incorporated as a borough on February 11, 1853.

McKean County is one of America's few easy-to-reach mountain woodland areas. Only a few hours drive from most of the Northeastern United States it is wooded Appalachian Mountains creased by pristine creeks and streams and sprinkled with clear mountain lakes. The geography is mountainous with high peaks and deep valleys.

McKean County is a wonderland full of recreation, private campgrounds and state parks. It abounds in easy access points to streams and trails, in wayside picnic parks, friendly inns, quality family restaurants and stimulating natural attractions. Old railroad beds are now hiking, snowmobiling, bicycle and skiing trails. The major forest roads provide access into some of the best wilderness hunting and fishing areas in the Eastern United States.

McKean County has developed into a year-round vacation land matching the interest of hikers, campers, snowmobilers, fisherpeople, birdwatchers, skiers, photographers or anyone else wanting to get away from it all. You can challenge our rugged wilderness or - if you prefer - you can have the luxury of modern conveniences and "rough it easy". Plan a day trip, weekend or your whole vacation.