History & Culture

The Tradition of Learning Continues On

For 150 years, visitors and residents of Chautauqua County have been engaged in a culture of learning for the sake of having fun, gathering at lakeside assemblies and summer camps, attending visual and performing arts showcases and inviting guests from around the world to share in the experience. Learn about our history, culture and communities through narrated boat tours, on a cemetery walk, or a trip to the Amish countryside.

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Barcelona Lighthouse
Barcelona Lighthouse State Park
The First Natural Gas Lighthouse. Finished in 1829, the 40-foot tall Barcelona Lighthouse (Portland Harbor) was the very first natural gas lighthouse in the world. It was in Federal Lighthouse Service until 1859. At that time…
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Bemus Point Stow Ferry aerial
Bemus Point-Stow Ferry
The Bemus Point-Stow Ferry returns for the summer season in May. Following a three-year restoration, the Ferry, which had been in continuous service since 1811, returned in 2021, and the cost to ride from Bemus Point to Stow…
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Jewish House at Chautauqua
Chabad Jewish House
Welcome-Shalom We are located within the historic Chautauqua Institution and are open during the summer season. The goal of Chabad Lubavitch of Chautauqua, is to offer the Chautauqua community and the community at large, the…
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Chautauqua Belle on Chautauqua Lake
Chautauqua Belle-U.S. Steam Lines Ltd
Prepare to embark on a steamship adventure on the Chautauqua Belle. Taking you back more than 100 years ago when steam powered a rising country! Crossings daily - come and enjoy yourself on the largest vessel on Chautauqua Lake!
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CHQ Amphitheater
Chautauqua Institution
Why do people come to Chautauqua Institution? Many of the guests who return to Chautauqua year after year describe it as an experience rather than a vacation -- a place for renewal. Chautauqua Institution was founded on the…
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Grape Discovery Center Exhibit
Grape Discovery Center
The Grape Discovery Center is the official Visitor’s Center for the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt, where you can experience and learn about all things grape.
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James Prendergast Library
James Prendergast Library
The James Prendergast Library was a gift to the city from Alexander Prendergast, the city founder’s son and his wife, Mary. They commissioned the building in memory of their son, James Prendergast, who died in 1879 at…
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Lucille Ball headstone
Lake View Cemetery
Lake View Cemetery in Jamestown, NY is the final resting place of 45,000 people, including Lucille Ball.  Grace Galloway, the Lady in Glass, also resides here. Visitors can honor and remember our nation's local military…
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Lakewood Memorial Library
Lakewood Memorial Library
The Lakewood Memorial Library - part of the CCLS library system - is a community resource located in the heart of the Village of Lakewood. We offer a variety programs designed to appeal to all ages and a variety of interests…
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McClurg Museum
McClurg Museum
Nestled within the Westfield NY village green, surrounded by majestic shade trees and manicured lawns, is a unique learning experience for children and adults alike: the McClurg Museum and History Center. Operated by the…
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NationalComedyCenter Comedy Late Night
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.
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One Fine Day Boat Charter
One Fine Day Boat Charter
Take a trip back in time on Lake Chautauqua aboard One Fine Day Boat Charter: your private antique charter vessel! Experience the lake your way with flexible scheduling and a custom itinerary based on your interests.…
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EXPLORE-Attractions-Robert-H-Jackson-Center
Robert H. Jackson Center
The Robert H. Jackson Center is a non-profit dedicated to promoting liberty under law through the examination of the life and work of Robert H. Jackson, Supreme Court Justice and Chief U.S. Prosecutor at Nuremberg.
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Downtown Jamestown
Something Unique
We provide step-on guide service throughout Chautauqua County from tours provided in our planner or custom tours to suit the interests of your group.  List your interest/s and we will do our best to design a tour to…
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underground railroad chautauqua county ny
Underground Railroad in Chautauqua County
Learn about the Underground Railroad in Chautauqua County through a new website, map, and film. The film Underground Chautauqua: Three Freedom Trails premiered at the Fredonia Opera House on November 10, 2022. …
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