Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I rent equipment to enjoy Chautauqua County?
Canoes/Kayaks - Evergreen Outfitters, Ashville, 716-763-2266, www.evergreen-outfitters.com, also camping gear, rowing shells and snowshoes
Power Boats/Pontoons – Chautauqua Marina, Mayville, 716-753-3913, www.chautauquamarina.com, also jet-ski rentals
Fishing Boats/Pontoons - We Wan Chu Cottages, Chautauqua, 716-789-3383, www.wewanchu.com
Bicycles/Mountain Bikes – Hollyloft Ski & Bike, Jamestown, 716-483-2330, www.hollyloft.com, also cross country skis
Bicycles at Chautauqua Institution - Jamestown Cycle Shop, 716-664-4112, www.jamestowncycleshop.com
Snowmobiles – no rentals available in area
How to I get to Chautauqua?
Chautauqua County is located in the far southwestern corner of New York State easily accessible by car via I-90 and I-86. The Chautauqua County Airport is located near the City of Jamestown and is serviced by Continental Airlines with regular flights to and from Cleveland, OH and Hopkins International Airport. The Buffalo Intrenational Airport is between 1-1/2 to 2 hours from most points in Chautauqua County and the Erie (PA) International Airport is about 45 miles away. If flying to the area, a rental car is most convenient for hitting all the attractions and hidden gems of the county. Or, if you prefer, there are several methods of ground transportation available. Visit our transportation page for a list of shuttles, bus and taxi services.
What is Chautauqua Institution?
Chautauqua Institution is a center for arts, education, recreation and religion founded in 1874. It is a National Historic District and is spread out like a college campus along the northwest shores of Chautauqua Lake running about a mile in length and 1/2 mile deep. Unlike most college campus' however, gingerbread cottages line its streets instead of dormatories and the lecture halls have roofs but no walls. It's educational system encompasses schools of music, art, and dance and each summer there are regular arts ensembles - a symphony, theater company, opera company, and center for the visual arts. Learning opportunities include an annual Special Studies program with over 600 classes, a sailing school, golf learning center, tennis center, children's programs, and a nine-week lecture platform with guest speakers from all over the world. Visit Chautauqua Institution for more information and schedules.
Do I need a gate pass to visit Chautauqua Institution?
During Chautauqua's nine-week program season from the end of June until the end of August, you always need a pass to enter and leave the Institution, even if you have accommodations on the grounds. The cost of the gate pass depends on the length of your stay, and the gate pass becomes your ticket to all events in Amphitheater from morning lectures to evening concerts. On Sundays during the program season there is no charge for a gate pass. You do not need a gate pass to access the Chautauqua Golf Club which is located across Route 394 from the Main Gate and Institution's grounds. There is no gass pass required from early September until the season begins again in June and you can walk, bike and drive freely throughout the grounds for almost 10 months of the year.
Is Chautauqua Institution open during the winter?
There are no formal programs from September through June, but the grounds are open and freely accessible from September through June. Several businesses and accommodations stay open year 'round as does the Chautauqua Bookstore, Library, and Post Office. Special groups, weddings, and reunions are often scheduled during this off-season. Annual Jazz and Quilt Festivals are held during the fall. Tours of the grounds via horse-drawn sleighs are given on weekends during January and February.
What is Lily Dale?
The Lily Dale Assembly is another summer campus-like community located on the Cassadaga Lakes. It is the world's largest spiritualist community with a summer program season from late June through late August or early September. Daily seasonal activities include public clairvoyance and healing services, workshops and lectures. Lily Dale also maintains accommodations, bookstore, museum and library. Visit the Lily Dale Assembly for more information and a workshop schedule.
Is there a size/speed/hp limit for boats on Chautauqua County lakes?
There are no horsepower limits. Speed is limited to 20 mph at night and 5 mph within 200 feet of a dock, moored boat or shore. No Wake Zones are marked. For more information on boating and other sporting regulations, see the Recreation section of the annual Chautauqua County Visitors Guide or the appropriate section of the website under Where to Play.