A Place for Everyone in Chautauqua County
Community isn’t just where you live, it’s also the people you see and surround yourself with and the group you feel a strong connection to. When it comes to living in Chautauqua County, you’ll find there’s a community for just about everyone.
Our Residents Are Our Greatest Asset
The residents of Chautauqua County are the fabric of their community and include a wide and diverse group of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Don’t believe us? Find out for yourself!
Arts & Culture
Art, history, live music and theater – it happens every day in Chautauqua County. You can create it, learn from it or be entertained by it all year round. Connect with the active art scene in Westfield. Attend a professional show at Chautauqua Institution, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, or Fredonia Opera House. Or take your part on stage at the Lucille Ball Little Theater in Jamestown. Jam with the band at the Big Inlet Brewery in Mayville or Southern Tier Brewing Co. in Lakewood. These opportunities and many more are easily found across the county.
Choose Your Thrills
Overnight camping, daytime hiking – many outdoor adventures are waiting for you in Chautauqua County.
From plentiful picturesque family-friendly parks and playgrounds along Lake Erie and Chautauqua Lake, to the cities and villages throughout the county plus, just for fun, the unique rock formations at Panama Rocks – you’ll find the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning views.
Long Point State Park, situated along Chautauqua Lake, and Lake Erie State Park offer hiking and biking trails, boat launches, beaches and relaxing picnic spots. One-of-a-kind Midway State Park, established in 1898, is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the nation. It is known for its vintage children’s rides and a restored carousel – it is a must if you have children.
Fresh Water Access
Five breath-taking lakes across the county offer all levels of fun. From competitive fishing and cruising, to recreational boating with friends and family. The waterways, rivers, and creeks are perfect for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Fishing is a 4-season sport in Chautauqua County. After enjoying a day on the water, stop in to one of the many local eateries to top off your day.
LAKES
- Lake Erie
- Chautauqua Lake
- Cassadaga Lake
- Findley Lake
- Bear Lake
NOTABLE RIVERS, CREEKS, & STREAMS
- Brokenstraw Creek
- Canadaway Creek
- Cassadaga Creek
- Cattaraugus Creek
- Chadakoin River
- Chautauqua Creek
- Conewango Creek
- French Creek
- Silver Creek
- Stillwater Creek
- Twentymile Creek
Chautauqua is located in the Eastern Divide or Eastern Continental Divide. This Eastern Divide separates the Gulf of Mexico drainage from the watersheds that flow directly into the Atlantic Ocean.