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:
  • Hike from the Pennsylvania border to Chautauqua Gorge State Forest on the 24-mile Westside Overland Trail system or explore hardwood forests along the 19-mile Eastside Overland Trail. Magnificent views atop Chautauqua County’s hills are not to be missed, especially the panoramic view of Lake Erie from the Luensman Overview Park. Erlandson Overview Park marks the highest accessible elevation point in the county, and on clear days it is possible to spot Chautauqua Lake from above. Hike through abandoned rail corridors on more than 17 miles of Rails to Trails, plan a family-friendly visit to the Audubon Community Nature Center or stand in awe of giant 60-foot-tall rock formations at Panama Rocks Scenic Park.

• 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.