Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York might just be one of the best-kept secrets in the region. Just a couple hours from Buffalo, Cleveland, or even Pittsburgh, this lakefront destination offers a surprising mix of culture, history, and outdoor fun. Whether you’re catching a comedy set at the National Comedy Center, cruising on the Chautauqua Belle steamboat, or grabbing lunch at a cozy café in Jamestown, there’s something for every kind of traveler. I’ve rounded up 15 of my favorite things to do around Chautauqua Lake — from hiking and boating to shopping, museums, and great food — to help you plan your perfect getaway.
1. Visit the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott DownshiftingPRO
In Jamestown, you can step into TV history at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. From original costumes to set recreations, this spot brings “I Love Lucy” fans behind the scenes. The exhibit featuring their New York City apartment and the Vitameatavegamin set made me smile from ear to ear – very nostalgic but worth a stop..
2. Tour the National Comedy Center
Photo Credit: Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau.
Spend hours laughing your way through Jamestown’s National Comedy Center, a modern museum celebrating comedians and comedic storytelling. It features interactive exhibits and rare footage. Find out what your ‘sense of humor’ taste is and then try testing your comedic timing at the stand-up stage reliving classic stand-up routines.
3. Shop and Dine in Downtown Jamestown
Photo Credit: Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau.
Spend a morning exploring downtown Jamestown’s unique boutique—then head to Labyrinth Press Company for lunch. Here, the Get Shorty Flatbread topped with three cheeses, and chunky tomato sauce is a true local favorite, paired perfectly with a Black and Blue Berry smoothie or iced tea. I loved the relaxed atmosphere and the way every dish highlighted Chautauqua’s fresh ingredients.
4. Learn at the Robert H. Jackson Center
Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott DownshiftingPRO
Dive into American legal history at the Robert H. Jackson Center, honoring the Supreme Court Justice who led the prosecution at the Nuremberg Trials. Exhibits cover law, justice, and WWII history. The courtroom replica and rare artifacts made the experience feel very real. This was a very interesting look into the life and career of a Supreme Court Justice.
5. Start at the Grape Discovery Center
Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott DownshiftingPRO.
Begin your trip at the Grape Discovery Center in Westfield to learn about the region’s winemaking legacy. Explore exhibits, sample local wines and juices, and pick up regional products in the shop. I loved seeing the old winemaking tools and sipping a Concord grape slushie on the sunny patio.
6. Cruise on the Chautauqua Belle Steamboat
Photo Credit: Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau.
Sail across the lake on the historic Chautauqua Belle, one of the last steamboats still running in the U.S. The narrated tour gives insight into the region’s history while offering scenic lake views. We loved sitting on the upper deck, feeling the breeze and waving to passing boats.
7. Play “Stones” at Southern Tier Brewing Co.
Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott DownshiftingPRO.
Head to Southern Tier Brewing’s Empty Pint taproom to enjoy craft beer and their unique “stones” (think bocci ball but with obstacles). The laid-back space is perfect for relaxing with friends or enjoying live music – there is seating outside or head up to the Empty Pint for a meal. We spent a lazy afternoon sampling IPAs and a delicious late lunch of burgers and a salad!
8. Hike the Trails at Audubon Community Nature Center
Photo Credit: Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau.
Stretch your legs with a walk through wetlands and forest trails at the Audubon Community Nature Center. Located just outside Jamestown, it’s a peaceful spot for birdwatching and outdoor fun. With six miles of trails featuring overlooks and photo blinds at prime bird watching locations.
9. Explore the Chautauqua Institution
Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott via DownshiftingPRO.
Open during the summer season, theChautauqua Institution blends culture, music, and art in a stunning lakeside setting. Attend a performance, take a historic tour, or wander through the charming grounds. We caught a jazz trio playing on the plaza and admired the Victorian cottages.
10. Relax at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel
Photo Credit: Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau.
Unwind in luxury at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, located right on the waterfront. Enjoy the outdoor putting green, relax in the indoor or outdoor pool, or keep active in the large fitness center. Our room had a balcony overlooking the marina—perfect for morning coffee.
11. Walk Through Lucille Ball Memorial Park
Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott DownshiftingPRO.
Located in Celoron, this lakeside park pays tribute to its hometown star, Lucille Ball. The Lucille Ball Memorial Park features two famous Lucy statues and gorgeous waterfront views. There is a boat launch and long dock perfect for a little fishing. The peaceful walking path and views of Chautauqua Lake made it one of my favorite photo spots on the trip.
12. Have Dinner at the Landmark Restaurant
Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott DownshiftingPRO.
Treat yourself to a delicious meal at the Landmark Restaurant in Jamestown. This local favorite offers a warm atmosphere and a menu filled with steaks, seafood, and seasonal dishes. Stop off at the lively bar or enjoy a romantic dinner in the elegant dining room. The salmon and scallop with lemon butter sauce was a standout.
13. Tour the Dunkirk Lighthouse & Veterans Museum
Photo Credit: Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau.
Just north of Chautauqua Lake, the Dunkirk Lighthouse offers sweeping views of Lake Erie and a deep dive into local history. Climb the spiral 61-ft tower, still fitted with its original Fresnel lens, for a panoramic look at the shoreline and surrounding waters. After taking in the view, explore the restored 1800s keeper’s home and an impressive collection of military and maritime artifacts.
14. Visit the Village of Bemus Point
Photo Credit: Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau.
Bemus Point is a charming town with lakeside dining, local shops, and waterfront views. It’s also home to the historic Bemus Point–Stow Ferry. Providing family fun for generations, walked along the pier and watched the sunset light up the lake in gold.
15. Visit the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum
Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott DownshiftingPRO.
An hour’s drive from Chautauqua Lake in Salamanca, the Seneca Iroquois National Museum houses the extensive and important collection of Iroquois beadwork and Seneca artifacts. You can learn more about Native American culture in New York state through immersive exhibits that highlight traditional crafts, storytelling, and the significance of the Hiawatha Belt. I was especially struck by the intricate beadwork patterns and the museum’s dedication to preserving Seneca-Iroquois heritage.
More interesting articles about Upper New York State
Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott DownshiftingPRO.
Margarita Ibbottis the creator and author ofDownshiftingPRO.com, a travel and lifestyle blog that focuses on traveling to the US, Canada, Colombia, and Europe. This travel website brings unique insight into museums, cultural activities, and luxury accommodations. She loves a good girl’s getaway and traveling with her adult children—family travel but with cocktails. Colombian by birth, Canadian by nationality, she’s here to help others organize their lives and travels.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor