10 Things to do in Chautauqua County That You Shouldn't Miss

July 23, 2021 Veronika Gaddis

Whether you love sailing, touring wineries, or exploring Amish country, this picturesque region has something for everyone. In summer, Chautauqua County lures you with its five lakes including the Lake Erie shoreline, as well as dynamic arts and cultural programming at the Chautauqua Institution. In winter, abundant snows make it perfect for alpine and cross-country skiers. Any time of year, visit Jamestown and discover tributes to Lucille Ball, Roger Tory Peterson, and Robert H. Jackson.
Restaurants in Chautauqua County

1. National Comedy Center

203 W 2nd St, Jamestown, NY 14701-4903 +1 716-484-2222 [email protected] http://comedycenter.org/
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 261 reviews

National Comedy Center

The National Comedy Center is the United States' official cultural institution and museum dedicated to presenting the vital story of comedy and preserving its heritage for future generations. Recently named the “Best New Museum” in the country by USA Today, and one of the "World's Greatest Places" by TIME magazine, the Comedy Center offers a visitor experience filled with laughter – featuring state-of-the-art technology, interactivity and personalization to create a one-of-a-kind, immersive museum environment perfect for the entire family. Based on the vision of Jamestown, NY native Lucille Ball for her hometown of Jamestown, NY to become a destination for comedy, the National Comedy Center showcases comedy's great minds and unique voices in ways that engage, inspire, educate and entertain. The Center’s award-winning LaughSafe program will keep everyone laughing safely, touch-free and worry-free throughout their socially-distanced experience in its expansive 37,000-square-foot museum.

Reviewed By marksinghTO - Toronto, Canada

I think the National Comedy Centre is worth a drive to Jamestown, tbh. The use of technology to personalize and enhance your experience is quite awesome. My favourites included seeing some uber-famous costumes up close and personal, comedy karaoke (turns out, I'm hilarious!), the Blue Room, celebrating the non-PG side of comedy and more. On top of it all, they have a bar with reusable "to-go" cups - and you're allowed "to go" anywhere in the museum with your reasonably-priced drink. So bloody civilized. A must-visit!

2. Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

2 W 3rd St, Jamestown, NY 14701-5104 +1 716-484-0800 [email protected] http://www.lucy-desi.com
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 605 reviews

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

Lucille Ball's hometown of Jamestown, NY honors the legacy of "The First Couple of Comedy" with the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. The museum attraction is open seven days a week, and features replica sets, Lucille Ball's Emmy awards, costumes, rare memorabilia, and much more.

Reviewed By Burtdol - Apex, United States

This museum reviews the great days of Lucille Ball, her husband during part of this time. Ricky Ricardo and all the familiar players in the great production of The Lucille Ball Comedy Show! Background of both Lucy and Ricky are provided from the beginnings of their lives and travel through history to the final days. Absolutely great in every respect!

3. Chautauqua Institution

1 Ames Ave, Chautauqua, NY 14722-2501 +1 800-836-2787 [email protected] http://chq.org
Excellent
73%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 447 reviews

Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a community on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York state that comes alive each summer with a unique mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, concerts, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational activities. Over the course of nine weeks, more than 100,000 visitors will stay at Chautauqua and participate in programs, classes and community events for all ages-all within the beautiful setting of a historic lakeside village.

Reviewed By 803elizr - San Francisco, United States

A truly amazing summer experience. Stay In the old hotel with its wooden rocking chairs and quaint rooms with glorious views from upstairs rooms. It’s like taking a step back in time. The educational programs are superb as is entertainment. Always enlightening and restorative. Genuinely sorry to miss it this year with the pandemic but look forward to a return next year....

4. Lily Dale Museum

16-18 Library Street, Lily Dale, NY 14752-9706 +1 716-595-8721 http://www.lilydaleassembly.com/inside-lily-dale/lily-dale-museum/
Excellent
64%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Lily Dale Museum

5. Lily Dale Assembly

5 Melrose Dr, Lily Dale, NY 14752-9715 +1 716-595-8721 [email protected] http://www.lilydaleassembly.com/
Excellent
64%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 224 reviews

Lily Dale Assembly

The world’s largest Spiritualist community.

Reviewed By RNjohnr

THE BOUGH HOUSE is a culinary delight, great quality of fare at a great price. LilyDale is a place to relax and connect with spirit. So many different aspects of spiritualism to explore and participate in. My wife and I have been going there for years and recently purchased a small cottage. A great place to unwind, recharge and be one with spirit. The nearby Casadaga Lake offers crisp calm waters to canoe, kayak, boat and fish. The STUMP which is the primary energy source for spirit communication is inspiring as well as the Forest Temple. The HEALING TEMPLE is heaven on earth for morning meditations and daily hands on healing services. There is a hotel and many BnB on premises. Come to LilyDale you will not be disappointed...john

6. Dunkirk Lighthouse & Veterans Park Museum

1 Lighthouse Point Drive, Dunkirk, NY 14048 +1 716-366-5050 [email protected] http://www.dunkirklighthouse.com
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 125 reviews

Dunkirk Lighthouse & Veterans Park Museum

Reviewed By tripofdreams - Cleveland, United States

The lighthouse and military museum were very good. The military museum had the most authentic artifacts we have ever seen. WW1 uniforms, a Nazi flag taken off a building in Italy, boots from Desert Storm. A room for each branch of the military. Kudos to the dedicated volunteers who oversee this priceless collection. We enjoyed our visit very much.

7. Chautauqua Lake

NY
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
7%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

Chautauqua Lake

8. Lake View Cemetery

907 Lakeview Ave, Jamestown, NY 14701-2120 +1 716-665-3206 [email protected] http://www.lake-view-cemetery.com/
Excellent
66%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 123 reviews

Lake View Cemetery

Reviewed By LEDR - Columbus, United States

While visiting Jamestown, New York and stopping by the National Comedy Center and the Lucy Desi Museum and catching Sebastian Maniscalco at the North West Arena, I would be remiss if I were not to visit the grave site of Lucille Ball. So on our last day in Jamestown we drove over to the Lake View Cemetery and followed the red hearts painted on to the cemetery road which directed us to a short rise along a stone walkway to a beautiful dark tombstone adorned with flowers which marks the eternal resting site of America's first lady of comedy Lucille Ball. I am pleased that we paid our respects.

9. Lawson Center

73 Lakeside Dr, Bemus Point, Ellery, NY 14712-9312 +1 716-386-3355 http://www.thelawsoncenter.org/
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Lawson Center

10. Midway State Park

4859 Route 430, Bemus Point, Ellery, NY 14712-9638 +1 716-386-3165 [email protected] http://parks.ny.gov/parks/167/details.aspx
Excellent
36%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 96 reviews

Midway State Park

Our Pricing, Operational Calendar and other information is available on our webpage and our facebook page. Please note that on all normal operating days, the rides close from 3-3:30 pm for safety checks; the arcade and concessions will remain open during this time. Located on the shores of beautiful Chautauqua Lake, Midway State Park is a family treasure. Originally established in 1898 as a trolley park, Midway State Park is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the nation. Midway State Park continues to offer the same family friendly atmosphere that visitors have come to love. Patrons can take a nostalgic ride on the vintage carousel, play a game of mini golf, take a spin on the tilt-a whirl, ride the go-karts or watch their children enjoy themselves on the many kiddie rides. And, while some may prefer to relax while enjoying a cotton candy or ice cream, others can test their skills at classic midway games.

Reviewed By SusieQ14063 - Fredonia, United States

New York State did an amazing job taking a small rundown amusement park and made it in to a beautiful family day out! The rides are ages 3-8 maybe they are all well maintained! A beautiful carousel etc! On the beautiful shores of Chautauqua Lake! They even have an arcade and inexpensive snack bar! You are welcome to bring a picnic! You can purchase tickets or a wrist band!! Much less expensive than any overwhelming amusement park!! Not to be missed!

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