FAQs on Visiting Jamestown, NY

Read some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Jamestown, New York below.

  • What are some things to do in Jamestown, New York?

    Visit the city of Jamestown to explore some of the best cultural attractions and museums in western New York. From comedy to history, nature and entertainment, you will find a combination of learning and fun that makes for a perfect overnight trip or weekend getaway.

    • Visit the National Comedy Center and Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz Museum for a day of laughter in downtown Jamestown.
      • Recently named "Best New Museum" in the country by USA Today, one of the "World's Greatest Places" by TIME magazine, and among the “Top 25 Family Weekend Getaways in the U.S.” by U.S. News & World Report, the National Comedy Center provides hours of fun. The Comedy Center features state-of-the-art technology, interactivity, and personalization to create a 21st-century museum environment. Explore your favorite comedies and comedians at over 50 exhibits, including Johnny Carson: The Immersive Experience, which contains 30 digital projection screens that surround the audience and a holographic host, Jimmy Fallon.
      • The hometown of Lucille Ball, Jamestown honors the legacy of “The First Couple of Comedy” with the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. The museum features replica sets, Lucille Ball’s Emmy awards, costumes, rare memorabilia from I Love Lucy and other shows, and much more.
      • Save with a dual admission pass to both the Lucy Desi Museum and the National Comedy Center.
      • Take Lucille Ball's Hometown Tour to view I Love Lucy murals and multiple statues.
    • Discover the life and legacy of Robert H. Jackson – Supreme Court Justice, Chief U.S. Prosecutor at Nuremberg, and Chautauqua County native – at the Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown. Tour the Jackson Center’s exclusive collections and exhibits, plus program and meeting facilities, housed in a historic 1858 Italianate mansion. The Jackson Center is open for self-guided, individual, and group tours.
    • Learn about what makes Jamestown great at the Fenton History Center. Housed in the 1863 mansion of New York State's 22nd Governor, Reuben E. Fenton, the museum features numerous exhibitions including Made in Jamestown: How Furniture Built a City, Lucille Ball: Not the Girl Next Door, the Military Room, the Lookout Tower, and many others.
    • Visit the Roger Tory Peterson Institute to explore a beautiful museum with nature art exhibitions, walk 2.5 miles of trails on a 27-acre preserve, and discover the largest collection of Roger Tory Peterson’s original artwork, films, slides and papers. Peterson, the premier artist-naturalist of his time, connected people with nature as never before. The father of the modern field guide, Peterson’s artwork offered a way for readers to discover the beauty and wonder of nature.
    • Stretch your legs at the Audubon Community Nature Center, located just outside the city lines between Jamestown and Warren, Pennsylvania. The Audubon offers a 600-acre wildlife sanctuary with 6 miles of easy hiking trails through fields, woods, and wetlands with observation towers, a handicap accessible overlook and outdoor play areas. Indoors, the Nature Center features three floors of family fun with live animals, exhibits, a gift shop and play spaces.
    • The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts hosts concerts, comedy, movies, and more in a 1,165-seat historic theater.
    • The Northwest Arena attracts more than 250,000 visitors annually for numerous events including performances by top comedians during the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in August. Residents and visitors alike regularly head to the arena for public skating, ice bumper cars, skate 'n shoot hockey, backyard curling, or walking and running on the “cool” track.
  • What events are held annually in Jamestown, NY?
    • Jamestown's largest annual event, the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival boasts over 50 live events and attracts more than 15,000 attendees each August. "Lucy Fest" is presented by the National Comedy Center and embodies Lucille Ball’s vision for her hometown, Jamestown, New York, to be a destination for the celebration of the comedic arts and to showcase new comedic talent from around the country. 
      • The festival has featured comedy’s greatest stars and rising young comedians and has welcomed over 300 artists to Jamestown, NY, including Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Lily Tomlin, Nate Bargatze, John Mulaney, Trevor Noah, Taylor Tomlinson, Jeff Foxworthy, Gabriel Iglesias, Jay Leno, Sebastian Maniscalco, Amy Schumer, Nicole Byer, David Spade, Margaret Cho, Brian Regan, Ellen DeGeneres, Lewis Black, W. Kamau Bell, Jim Gaffigan, Kevin Nealon, Paula Poundstone, Dan Aykroyd, Joan Rivers, Bob Newhart, the Smothers Brothers, and more than one hundred other comedic artists.
    • Roger Tory Peterson Institute hosts the BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour each spring at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.
    • Take an after-dark stroll at Audubon Lights each spring at the Audubon Community Nature Center. Walk a luminary-lit trail past ponds that reflect the illuminated trees and stars above. Creative light displays, animal silhouettes, and more highlight natural features in new ways.
    • Jamestown holds the Turn the River Green event in celebration of St. Patrick's Day, where the Chadakoin River turns green along with kids' games and activities and a visit from a leprechaun.
    • The Jamestown NY Holiday Parade includes hundreds of floats, a visit from Santa and fireworks each December.
    • Some other annual events in Jamestown include the Jamestown Juneteenth Festival, Yassou (Greek) Festival, Pride Festival, Scandinavian Folk Festival and several others.

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  • Where can I learn about the history of Jamestown, NY?

    Explore the history of Jamestown, NY at the Fenton History Center. 

    • The Fenton History Center is located in the historic Fenton Mansion at 67 Washington St., Jamestown.
    • The museum operates in the family home of Reuben E. Fenton -- a U.S. Congressman, New York State Governor and U.S. Senator. 
    • The Fenton History Center holds numerous permanent exhibits, including:
      • Made in Jamestown: How Furniture Built a City
      • Interactive History of Jamestown, New York
      • Jamestown, New York: Industrialization
      • Lucille Ball: Not the Girl Next Door
      • Intersections: The Underground Railroad in Chautauqua County
      • Plus many others
    • Adjacent to the Fenton History Center, the Hall House includes a research center, library and archives.
  • What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Jamestown, NY?

    Top outdoor activities to enjoy in Jamestown include hiking and cycling, skateboarding, fishing, birdwatching, kayaking, and boating, plus more passive activities such as outdoor dining, relaxing at a park, or attending a baseball game. 

    • Cycling:
      • Take your bike out on the Jamestown Riverwalk, a 5-mile urban trail system that follows the Chadakoin River through downtown Jamestown. The Riverwalk is perfect for walking, jogging, biking and rollerblading.
      • Recommended road cycling routes include:
        • The Jamestown-Ellery Ride, which offers some challenging hills and terrain for the rider, and some historical stops throughout Jamestown and Celoron.
        • The Jamestown-Frewsburg Ride, which provides a complete tour of the greater Jamestown area.
    • Hiking:
      • In addition to the Jamestown Riverwalk, some other top hiking spots in Jamestown include:
        • Audubon Community Nature Center, a 570-acre wetland preserve with over five miles of trails, a native tree arboretum, picnic areas, a natural play space, and educational gardens
        • Roger Tory Peterson Institute, situated on a 27-acre nature preserve, features over two half-mile trails.
        • Jamestown also contains parks where you can stretch your legs, including the 35-acre Allen Park, which includes walking paths through wooded glens as well as a short sidewalk loop near the splash pad and playground. Bergman Park offers paths for walking or cycling, as well as baseball fields, a basketball court, a disc golf course, and more.
    • Fishing and Boating:
      • There are great shore fishing locations along the Jamestown Riverwalk, including at McCrea Point Park, home to a boat launch on the Chautauqua Lake outlet and an accessible kayak launch. 
      • The Chadakoin River, the Chautauqua Lake outlet, allows you to paddle into the southern basin of Chautauqua Lake or into downtown Jamestown. You can rent a kayak at the nearby Chadakoin Paddle Company.
  • What are some good day trip options for visitors staying in Jamestown, NY?

    If you are on vacation in Jamestown, New York and want to venture out to the surrounding areas for a few hours or a day, you will find numerous unique options to fit your interests.

    • Visit Chautauqua Institution: 
      • The pre-eminent expression of lifelong learning in the United States, Chautauqua Institution comes alive each summer with a unique mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational activities. Over the course of nine weeks, more than 100,000 people visit Chautauqua and participate in programs, classes and community events for all ages — all within the beautiful setting of a historic lakeside village.
      • You can visit Chautauqua Institution year-round. A gate pass is only required during the nine-week summer season. The gates are open the rest of the year, and admission is free. Locations such as the Book Store, Library, and Post Office are open year-round. Some hotels and vacation rentals are open year-round, and some restaurants and shops at Chautauqua Institution are open outside of the summer season.
    • Explore five nearby lakes:
      • Windswept shores, beaches, and dramatic cliffs define Chautauqua County’s northern Lake Erie border. Lake Erie and its tributaries, known as Steelhead Alley, harbor abundant walleye, bass, and trout fisheries, and are also home to popular migration flyways. Don't miss lighthouses in Dunkirk and Barcelona, or the Boardwalk Marketplace in the summer.
      • Inland, Chautauqua Lake has remained a destination for lake recreation enthusiasts who have enjoyed sailing, boating, fishing, kayaking, and other water fun for generations. Cruise the lake’s 17 miles to discover numerous public docking points plus the beautiful Long Point State Park, or take a historic boat tour. Check out the lakeside villages of Bemus Point, Lakewood and Celoron, where you will find a lighthouse, Lucille Ball statues and the beautiful Chautauqua Harbor Hotel.
      • Several smaller lakes surround Chautauqua, including Findley Lake to the southwest, plus Bear and Cassadaga Lakes to the north. There isn’t a single part of Chautauqua County that is more than 20 minutes from open water.
    • Enjoy a round of golf:

      • Some of the best public golf courses in western New York are located in Chautauqua County, including more than a dozen options for visitors to enjoy. Located just across the street from Chautauqua Institution, the Chautauqua Golf Club is one of only two 36-hole courses between Cleveland and Rochester. Additionally, the Golf Learning Center at Chautauqua Golf Club provides instruction and practice holes. The Upper Golf Course at Peek’n Peak Resort near Findley Lake has superior ratings from Golf Digest - 4 1/2 stars. Peek'n Peak has hosted several PGA Tour events.

    • Stretch your legs at some of the best hiking trails in western New York:
    • Embark on summer or winter adventures at Peek'n Peak Resort:
      • Summer: In addition to Peek'n Peak's Upper Golf Course, try the exciting Peak Mountain Adventures activities, including the Aerial Adventure Ropes Course, Giant Zipline, and more. Peek’n Putt mini golf is also open in the summer, and guests can admire the ski slopes and surrounding countryside with a scenic chairlift ride. Try out two brand-new professional Sand Volleyball courts, a Paintball Arena, and Cornhole Courts.
      • Winter: The Peak is the best place to learn to ski or snowboard or simply improve on your existing skills, whether you are a first-timer or seasoned on the slopes. The resort is home to 26 slopes serviced by 8 chairlifts, as well as Terrain Parks, Snow Tubing, Lunar Lights Nighttime Tubing, and a renowned Snowsports School and Peek’n Kids lesson programs.
    • Bring your kids to Midway State Park:
      • Located on the shores of beautiful Chautauqua Lake, Midway State Park is a summertime family treasure. Originally established in 1898 as a trolley park, Midway is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the nation. Patrons can take a nostalgic ride on the vintage carousel, play a game of mini golf, take a spin on the tilt-a-whirl and ride the go-karts or watch their children enjoy themselves on the many kiddie rides. And, while some may prefer to relax while enjoying an old fashioned candy apple or cotton candy, others can test their skills at classic midway games, or stretch their legs on the playground.
    • Tour wineries, breweries and distilleries:
      • Lake Erie Wine Country, a 50-mile wine trail featuring 23 wineries, stretches from Chautauqua County into Pennsylvania. Nearby breweries and distilleries include Southern Tier Brewing and Distilling in Lakewood, and Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing in Westfield. Other breweries include Wicked Warren's in Jamestown and Big Inlet Brewing in Mayville, among others.
  • What is Jamestown, NY known for?

    Jamestown, NY is home to the National Comedy Center and Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz Museum.

    • Recently named "Best New Museum" in the country by USA Today, one of the "World's Greatest Places" by TIME magazine, and among the “Top 25 Family Weekend Getaways in the U.S.” by U.S. News & World Report, the National Comedy Center provides hours of fun. The Comedy Center features state-of-the-art technology, interactivity, and personalization to create a 21st-century museum environment. Explore your favorite comedies and comedians at over 50 exhibits, including Johnny Carson: The Immersive Experience, which contains 30 digital projection screens that surround the audience and a holographic host, Jimmy Fallon.
    • The hometown of Lucille Ball, Jamestown honors the legacy of “The First Couple of Comedy” with the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. The museum features replica sets, Lucille Ball’s Emmy awards, costumes, rare memorabilia from I Love Lucy and other shows, and much more.
    • Jamestown's largest annual event, the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival boasts over 50 live events and attracts more than 15,000 attendees each August.

    The Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown celebrates the life and legacy of Robert H. Jackson – Supreme Court Justice, Chief U.S. Prosecutor at Nuremberg, and Chautauqua County native. Tour the Jackson Center’s exclusive collections and exhibits, plus program and meeting facilities, housed in a historic 1858 Italianate mansion. The Jackson Center is open for self-guided, individual, and group tours.

    Jamestown was once known as the "furniture capital of the world." Explore the Made in Jamestown: How Furniture Built a City exhibit and much more about what makes Jamestown great at the Fenton History Center. The museum operates in the historic Fenton Mansion, family home of Reuben E. Fenton -- a U.S. Congressman, New York State Governor and U.S. Senator. 

    Jamestown native Roger Tory Peterson was the premier artist-naturalist of his time and connected people with nature as never before. The father of the modern field guide, Peterson’s artwork offered a way for readers to discover the beauty and wonder of nature. Visit the Roger Tory Peterson Institute to explore a beautiful museum with nature art exhibitions, walk 2.5 miles of trails on a 27-acre preserve, and discover the largest collection of Roger Tory Peterson’s original artwork, films, slides and papers.

  • When is the best time of year to visit Jamestown, NY?

    Jamestown, NY offers entertainment and recreation options for visitors to enjoy year-round, and the best time of year to visit varies based on your specific interests.

    Jamestown enjoys the most visitors during the summer season, roughly from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Jamestown's largest annual event, the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival boasts over 50 live events and attracts more than 15,000 attendees each August. More festivals and events take place during the summer than in any other season.

    However, Jamestown's extensive list of attractions and museums are open year-round. Some visitors prefer to visit during the spring and fall months, removed from the wintry weather but outside of the busiest time of year. Guests can often find discounted hotel rooms and vacation rentals during the off-season.

    The winter months also attract visitors to Jamestown, with highlights including the Northwest Arena -- which hosts numerous on-ice activities -- and nearby Peek'n Peak Ski Resort.

  • What are some recommended places to shop and dine in Jamestown, NY?

    Jamestown, NY is home to many unique shops and restaurants.

    Some of Jamestown's best shops include:

    • Art Cloth & Craft: Browse a unique selection of handmade gifts, jewelry, and goods from local artisans and other small US based companies.
    • Dot's Gift Boutique: For that perfect gift, something just right for your next gathering, or that special something just for you - you’ll find what you are looking for at Dot’s.
    • Little Gift Nook: Shop bamboo baby clothing, unique children’s apparel, sensory and educational toys, baby shower gifts, collectibles, Buffalo football-inspired apparel, and Chautauqua Lake clothing.

    Some of Jamestown's best restaurants include:

    • 4 Below Haggy's Bar and Grill: Enjoy an a la carte menu, designed for each customer to customize their own dining experience including burgers, wraps, salads, and soups.
    • The Cherry Lounge: Visit The Cherry for some of the best chicken wings in town, as well as burgers, salads, sandwiches and more -- plus a happy hour every weekday.
    • Ecklof Bakery: Try some Scandinavian baked goods, sandwiches, homemade Korv burgers, breakfast burritos and more.
    • Labyrinth Press Co. & Brazil Craft Beer and Wine Lounge: Explore a creative vegetarian and vegan menu, extensive craft beer and wine lists, coffee, teas, lattes, and smoothies.
    • Landmark Restaurant: Experience comfortable and casual fine dining with steaks, seafood, salads, sandwiches and pasta in a beautifully renovated historic building.
    • Lisciandro's Restaurant: A great breakfast and lunch spot, Lisciandro's is well known for homemade, spicy Italian sausage used on several dishes as well as rigatoni and meatballs.
    • Pace's Pizzeria: Featuring homemade dough and sauce combined with fresh toppings, Pace's also has salads, sandwiches, pasta, beer and an extensive wine list.
    • Pearl City Hops: Located in the DoubleTree by Hilton - Jamestown, Pearl City Hops offers salads, burgers, chicken wings, seafood, and more - plus breakfast.
    • The Pub: Try the local favorite beef on kummelweck sandwich, "The Big Guy," or salads, soups, and Italian dishes paired with a variety of wines, beers and spirits.
    • Raven & Rune: Housed in Jamestown's historic Viking Temple, Raven & Rune features a full menu and fully stocked bar.
    • Shawbucks Press Room Restaurant: The Press Room is a casual restaurant serving dinner plus a light bar menu for late night.
    • The Taco Company: Open for lunch and dinner, The Taco Company features a menu of "Jamestown style" Mexican food with beer, wine and margaritas to quench your thirst.
    • Wicked Warren's: This brewpub brings together handcrafted beers and pizzas, plus chicken wings, burgers, salads, and sandwiches.
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