Chautauqua NY is a great place to start a life that’s different from the common daily lives of city dwellers. Chautauqua has a certain charm about it that can be felt when you visit for the first time.
Here are some highly-rated things to do in Chautauqua, NY:
1) Hike the Chautauqua Gorge.
This is not just any old gorge – its walls are vertical and dropped to inland sea millions of years ago. The Gorge starts at the intersection of Lake Ave. and McKinley Parkway on the north side of town, but there are many places where you can get on it within the city limits, including on Minnehaha from the east side of the Chautauqua Institution.
2) Fish at Lake Erie.
Lake Erie is one of the Great Lakes in North America with an area of about 2,100 square miles. Its natural beauty is enchanting; it has some of the best fishing spots in all of New York State with many species of fish inhabiting its waters.
3) Visit the Chautauqua Institution.
The Chautauqua Institution is a private, non-profit education center that has been dedicated to teaching and enriching lives for over 140 years now. It’s also home to many fantastic events where guests can be captivated by talented performers from all over the world.
4) Take a boat ride on the lake.
Boating is not only relaxing and enjoyable, but it’s also a great way to see things from all angles – walking around isn’t always practical and driving doesn’t give you the same effect. Lake Chautauqua has many companies that offer boat rentals, including for water skiing, fishing, and other water sports.
5) Walk around Chautauqua Park Loop Trail.
The 5-mile loop is considered one of the best trails in the area because of its variety – it’s found in beautiful natural surroundings with hills, lakes, meadows, and thick forests full of wildlife. You can also enjoy the nicest views of Lake Chautauqua from the different lookouts along the way.
6) Walk around Watson Island.
Watson Island is a tiny island found in Lake Erie with a history going back to the late 1800s. It’s now home to many species of birds and other animals, but it features beautiful old homes that are well maintained – some of them are even open to the public for tours.
7) Kayak or canoe on Lake Chautauqua.
There are several companies in the area that offer kayaking and canoe rentals for a fun experience of discovering lake life up close. It’s best to go with experienced guides, though, because it can be difficult navigating the waters by yourself when you don’t know where all the rocks are – plus, you’ll be more likely to get a little lost.
8) Play golf.
Chautauqua Lake has several public and private courses for a great round of golf – not all of them are on or near the lake, but there are some that offer stunning views while playing. The Chautauqua Golf Club is popular for being the oldest golf course in the Chautauqua Region.
9) See some of the permanent outdoor art installations at Chautauqua Institution Historic District.
The Art Park is a collection of art by many different artists, but you can also admire works done by students on school trips or performances with live music. The park hosts several events throughout the year featuring different artists, musicians, and performers – it’s a really great experience.
10) Eat at one of the local restaurants or cafes in Chautauqua County.
There are many excellent restaurant options in Chautauqua with something for everyone’s taste buds; they’re perfect places to treat yourself to some delicious meals using fresh local ingredients as the seasons come and go. Of course, there are also great cafes, ice cream parlors, and other cafeterias with quick bites at affordable prices.
Chautauqua County is a perfect destination for many outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing. This blog has provided some excellent recommendations on what you should do if you are visiting this beautiful part of New York State. Thanks for reading!