Things to do in Chautauqua County, Chautauqua County: The Best Specialty Museums

July 26, 2021 Florencio Paulino

Whether you love sailing, touring wineries, or exploring Amish country, this picturesque region has something for everyone. In summer, Chautauqua County lures you with its five lakes including the Lake Erie shoreline, as well as dynamic arts and cultural programming at the Chautauqua Institution. In winter, abundant snows make it perfect for alpine and cross-country skiers. Any time of year, visit Jamestown and discover tributes to Lucille Ball, Roger Tory Peterson, and Robert H. Jackson.
Restaurants in Chautauqua County

1. Lana's The Little House

Forestville, NY 14062 +1 716-965-2798 [email protected] http://LanasLittleHouse.com
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Lana's The Little House

Lana's The Little House Storybook English Cottage, complete with English Gardens. Open daily all year. Local and international guests visit for Tours, Gardens, Teas, Lodging, Tea Shop. A personalized "experience" -- not commercialized! Reservations required. Where tea junkies roam near Buffalo in Chautauqua since 2003. We focus on the art of great tea and proper preparation of great tea. Beginning July 22, 2018, we are available for lodging. Visit Lana's The Little House website for further details of this handcrafted treasure on 21 enchanting acres.

2. National Comedy Center

203 W 2nd St, Jamestown, NY 14701-4903 +1 716-484-2222 [email protected] http://comedycenter.org/
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 261 reviews

National Comedy Center

The National Comedy Center is the United States' official cultural institution and museum dedicated to presenting the vital story of comedy and preserving its heritage for future generations. Recently named the “Best New Museum” in the country by USA Today, and one of the "World's Greatest Places" by TIME magazine, the Comedy Center offers a visitor experience filled with laughter – featuring state-of-the-art technology, interactivity and personalization to create a one-of-a-kind, immersive museum environment perfect for the entire family. Based on the vision of Jamestown, NY native Lucille Ball for her hometown of Jamestown, NY to become a destination for comedy, the National Comedy Center showcases comedy's great minds and unique voices in ways that engage, inspire, educate and entertain. The Center’s award-winning LaughSafe program will keep everyone laughing safely, touch-free and worry-free throughout their socially-distanced experience in its expansive 37,000-square-foot museum.

Reviewed By marksinghTO - Toronto, Canada

I think the National Comedy Centre is worth a drive to Jamestown, tbh. The use of technology to personalize and enhance your experience is quite awesome. My favourites included seeing some uber-famous costumes up close and personal, comedy karaoke (turns out, I'm hilarious!), the Blue Room, celebrating the non-PG side of comedy and more. On top of it all, they have a bar with reusable "to-go" cups - and you're allowed "to go" anywhere in the museum with your reasonably-priced drink. So bloody civilized. A must-visit!

3. Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

2 W 3rd St, Jamestown, NY 14701-5104 +1 716-484-0800 [email protected] http://www.lucy-desi.com
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 605 reviews

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

Lucille Ball's hometown of Jamestown, NY honors the legacy of "The First Couple of Comedy" with the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. The museum attraction is open seven days a week, and features replica sets, Lucille Ball's Emmy awards, costumes, rare memorabilia, and much more.

Reviewed By Burtdol - Apex, United States

This museum reviews the great days of Lucille Ball, her husband during part of this time. Ricky Ricardo and all the familiar players in the great production of The Lucille Ball Comedy Show! Background of both Lucy and Ricky are provided from the beginnings of their lives and travel through history to the final days. Absolutely great in every respect!

4. McClurg Museum

NYS Rts 394 & 20 Moore Park, Westfield, NY 14787 +1 716-326-2977 [email protected] http://mcclurgmuseum.org
Excellent
83%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

McClurg Museum

The museum opened its doors in 1951 in Chautauqua County's first brick mansion. The house was built in 1818 by pioneer James McClurg, the wealthy son of a Pittsburgh industrialist. Its grand salons and formal rooms stood in sharp contrast to the rugged homes of neighboring frontier settlers. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Today the 24-room Federal-style mansion is the home of the Chautauqua County Historical Society. The museum features period displays on three floors. Displays include some of the earliest artifacts and archival materials relating to the settlement and development of the county. The society's collections feature fine art, antique furnishings, textiles, mastodon bones, a First Nations exhibit and much, much more. Guided tours and group rates are available.

Reviewed By mvm52 - Slickville, United States

The guided tour was fantastic! Great overview of local and national historic events related to the mansion. Our guide (whose name I have forgotten) was very knowledgeable and well versed.

5. Fenton History Center

67 Washington St, Jamestown, NY 14701-6697 +1 716-664-6256 http://www.fentonhistorycenter.org/
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

Fenton History Center

Southern Chautauqua County's history lives at the Fenton History Center. Visit the house museum in the 1863 Italianate Villa home of Reuben E. Fenton, 22nd New York State Governor and our Research Center in the historical Hall House that was built in 1846.

6. Dunkirk Lighthouse & Veterans Park Museum

1 Lighthouse Point Drive, Dunkirk, NY 14048 +1 716-366-5050 [email protected] http://www.dunkirklighthouse.com
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 125 reviews

Dunkirk Lighthouse & Veterans Park Museum

Reviewed By tripofdreams - Cleveland, United States

The lighthouse and military museum were very good. The military museum had the most authentic artifacts we have ever seen. WW1 uniforms, a Nazi flag taken off a building in Italy, boots from Desert Storm. A room for each branch of the military. Kudos to the dedicated volunteers who oversee this priceless collection. We enjoyed our visit very much.

7. Grape Discovery Center

8305 W Route 20, Westfield, NY 14787-9748 +1 716-326-2003 [email protected] http://www.grapediscoverycenter.com
Excellent
51%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 82 reviews

Grape Discovery Center

Reviewed By rosydennis - Brevard, United States

Really a nice stop to learn more about the grapes and wines of the region. Very friendly and knowledgeable stafff. Interesting items to purchase and great exhibits. Well worth the time to visit.

8. Lawson Center

73 Lakeside Dr, Bemus Point, Ellery, NY 14712-9312 +1 716-386-3355 http://www.thelawsoncenter.org/
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Lawson Center

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