Chautauqua Institution (http://www.ciweb.org/) on Chautauqua Lake is not a location to visit, but rather an experience to remember for a lifetime. This gated, summer season community offers adventures in the arts, education, religion, and recreation. You will appreciate the historic architecture, unique real estate, the dramatic lakeside setting, and so much more. Don't miss your chance to visit the world-renowned Institution for a day, a week, or the entire season.
Midway State Park (http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/167/details.aspx) is set on the shores of Lake Chautauqua and offers a full day of fun for the whole family. With rides for kids of all ages, a game room, putt putt, food/concession stands, gift shop, pavilions with picnic tables, fishing, and boat dockage - how can you stay away?
Long Point State Park (http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/109/details.aspx) on Chautauqua Lake will keep you busy for the entire weekend! When we say something for everyone, we are not kidding... Beach, boat dockage, fishing, playgrounds, picnic/grilling areas, hiking/nature trails, and biking just to name a few things. This area is known for its still/deep waters ideal for water skiing and tubing.
Chautauqua Rails to Trails (http://www.chaurtt.org/) offers safe, preserved, abandoned rail corridors converted into winding trails through picturesque countryside for those who enjoy walking, running, hiking, cycling, bird watching, horseback riding, and cross country skiing. You will have access to scenic woodlands, wetlands, and flowering meadows. Observe plants, birds, and animals.
The Summer Wind (http://www.thesummerwind.com/) offers sleek, state-of-the-art, yacht-type cruises around Chautauqua Lake departing from Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Celoron. Enjoy casual sightseeing, with or without lunch or dinner, or book a private charter while you are here. There are also special events almost every day of the season. This is a must-do while you are here in Chautauqua.
S.S. Chautauqua Belle (http://www.chautauquabelle.com/) is the most historic vessel on Chautauqua Lake. This steamship will take you on an unforgettable tour of all the sites, including the Chautauqua Institution, while you relax and learn about the gem of Chautauqua County. Have lunch, dinner, drinks, whatever you desire - as long as you have fun!
Camp Chautauqua (http://www.campchautauqua.com/) set on Chautauqua Lake is the highest rated campground in the area. They offer a wide range of camping options from non-hookup tent sites to concrete pads with power, cable, and internet. While staying at the camp you will enjoy all their amenties including pool, tennis courts, boat dockage, petting zoo, food service, and great hospitality.
Panama Rocks (http://www.panamarocks.com/) will offer your entire family a day of adventure on 12 acres of glacier-sculpted rock. There is a one-mile hiking trail (self-guided) that most can do in about 20 minutes non-stop. But be sure to save time to go off-trail to explore the dens, small caves, and crevice passageways. Panama Rocks offers food service and picnic areas as well.
Lakewood Beach (http://www.lakewoodny.com/recreation.htm) is a public park that offers shallow waters for the littlest swimmers to wade, sand to play in, tennis courts, and a basketball court. There is also a public boat launch available. The beach house offers lockers, dressing rooms, and showers.
Mayville Lakeside Park (http://tourchautauqua.com/Member-Detail-Play.aspx?MemberID=2788) is a public park that offers a swimming beach, bathhouse, picnic areas, tennis courts, and more. Conveniently located just outside the Village of Mayville on Route 394 just minutes from Chautauqua.
Bemus Point Village Beach (http://tourchautauqua.com/Member-Detail-Play.aspx?MemberID=2801) is located on Lakeside Drive near the Casino in the heart of the village. Enjoy playing in the sand or sitting on the concrete patio. There is shallow water with a clean, sandy bottom ideal for wading. Sit on the breakwall and enjoy the breezes or venture out onto the docks and jump into the cool water.
Bemus-Stow Ferry (http://www.bemuspoint.com/ferry.html) used to be the only way to get from one side of the lake to the other. It connects Bemus Point and Route 430 with Stow and Route 394. Very reasonably priced for an experience to ride the lake with your car, motorcycle, bike, or just yourself!
Jamestown Savings Bank Arena (http://jamestownsavingsbankicearena.com/) is a state-of-the-art ice skating and hockey arena. They also host major concerts and shows (Kenny Rogers, Clint Black, TNA Wrestling, Asia, and Yes, for example), hold conventions, have a finess center and pro shop, and so much more. Located right in downtown Jamestown.
Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Center (http://www.lucy-desi.com/) is Jamestown's own personal piece of television history! Did you know that Lucille Ball was born just outside of Jamestown in Celoron? You can visit the museum, gift shop, and even the playhouse where you can see the living room and kitchen sets of the Ricardo's New York City apartment as well as the suite of the Beverly Palms Hotel in Hollywood.
The Robert H. Jackson Center (http://www.roberthjackson.org/) offers you a piece of American history when you learn about the life and legend of Mr. Jackson. Known for being the architect of the international trial process, Robert Jackson was a lawyer, judge, and writer before serving as chief prosecutor of the surviving Nazi leaders at Nuremberg, Germany.
Audubon Center & Sanctuary (http://www.jamestownaudubon.org/) is over five-miles of beautifully maintained trails on a 60-acre wetland preserve. There is also a three-story nature center building with live fish, reptiles, and amphibians exhibits and a gift shop. Don't miss out on saying hello to the non-releasable bald eagle, Liberty, that the Audubon cares for. You can view her from the third floor or from outside where she lives in an enclosed space.
New York's Amish Trail (http://amishtrail.com/) offers you the chance to experience the country like never before. Book a guided tour package, which can be custom designed just for you. Someone is always available to assist you plan your trip. While you are traveling along the gorgeous countryside, don't forget to stop for something to eat at one of several restaurants or cafes along the trail. And the Amish shopping cannot be outdone by any major mall or department store!
