Attractions & Recreation

Chautauqua County is the World’s Learning Center, providing unique experiences for visitors and residents alike with a focus on leisure and lifelong learning. Chautauqua County is a magnet for writers, artists, scientists, business people, politicians, and teachers of all disciplines to share their expertise in a relaxing vacation setting.

Whether you come to ski, ice fish, snowmobile, white water raft, or go camping in one of our parks, visitors to Chautauqua County always want to return. Summer is gorgeous and in the winter the scenes are postcard perfect.

Chautauqua County is seeded with historical sites and museums that are worthy of return trips throughout the year. For the tourist, Chautauqua County is both a welcomed destination for the world-wearied traveler as well as a state of mind. 

Home of the town ranked by Golf Digest Magazine as the ‘Best Little Golf Town In America,’ Chautauqua County has over 20 golf courses that are scenic and compelling, ranging in levels of difficulty to fit anyone from the novice golfer to true professional players.  All of the golf courses in Chautauqua County are maintained to the highest standards, with the upkeep and play of the course kept up to par with the breathtaking views and sweeping tree lines that dominate the area.

Chautauqua County makes up the largest part of the Lake Erie Wine Country trail, consisting of 24 wineries in a 50-mile stretch between Silver Creek, New York and Harborcreek, Pennsylvania.  This is the largest grape growing region east of the Rockies!

Today, the Chautauqua-Lake Erie wine and grape region produces wines for all tastes, from fruity native Labruscas and exquisite French-American wines to European-style wines. The styles produced here are unique and diverse, resulting in wide spread consumer enthusiasm.

Chautauqua County is home to year-round activities
Spring:  Fishing, Biking, Hiking, Kayaking, Birding, Rowing

Summer:  Golfing, Flying, Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Beaches, Swimming, Boating & Water Sports

Fall:  Camping, Hunting, Horseback Riding, Fall Foliage & Grape Harvest

Winter:  Downhill & Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding, Snowmobiling, Ice Fishing

The Chautaqua County events calendar can provide an updated list of events that are happening today and in the future within Western NY, ranging from baking classes to live theatre.

To receive a Chautauqua County Visitors Guide or other information, please contact us.

To access an electronic version of the Chautauqua County Visitors Guide click here.  For more information about visiting Chautauqua County, please contact us or visit the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau.