Lakes, Beaches & Lighthouses

Lake Erie Life is Better at the Lake

BEACHES, LIGHTHOUSES & MORE

Bear Lake Cassadaga Lakes

Findley Lake Chautauqua Lake

Did You Know…

When in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region you are never more than 20 minutes away from a body of water. This makes it easy to transition between lake fun and village or town amenities and attractions. Experience the best that lake life has to offer on the five lakes located throughout the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region. Nearly 50 miles of Lake Erie shoreline including windswept shores, beaches and dramatic cliffs make up Chautauqua County’s northwestern border. Lake Erie is home to many water-based activities and attractions making it a great vacation destination. Chautauqua Lake lies in the heart of Chautauqua County. Comprised of two basins, Chautauqua Lake is 17 miles long and 2 miles wide at its widest point. This inland lake is a yearround destination for lots of lake activities including boating, sailing, paddle sports, fishing and relaxing.

Cassadaga Lakes is made up three interconnected glacial lakes and is a great location for fishing large and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and muskellunge. Visitors should also keep an eye out for wildlife such as bald eagles, great horned owls, osprey, beavers, and painted turtles. Watersports including boating, paddlesports and fishing are popular activities on Findley Lake. The smallest lake in the region, Bear Lake, was formed thousands of years ago when huge blocks of melting glacial ice dotted the landscape. With over 70% of Bear Lake’s shoreline being wetland, it is an excellent habit for bass and other predatory and prey fish.

Paddle...

Explore Chautauqua County’s lakes and waterways by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Bring your own, reserve a rental or join a guided tour. Rental and watercraft launch information can be found on pages 28-29.

Fun in the Sun

LAKE ERIE BEACHES Located near Silver Creek, Sunset Bay Beach, with its sandy shoreline and shallow water, is an ideal spot for a day of summer fun. Sip fun cocktails and savor delicious food on the outside deck of Cabana Sam’s Beach Bar & Grill, adjacent to the beach so the fun doesn’t have to stop.

Barcelona Harbor is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. This Westfield beach is wide and is perfect for a stroll in the sand, looking for beach glass, or enjoying a sunset lakeside campfire. Though there are no lifeguards here, the water is good for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Picnic tables, free parking, a pier, several restaurants, and boat launch make it a bustling destination.

Dunkirk’s Point Gratiot Park offers life-guarded swimming, picnic facilities and a playground, making it a popular spot for families. Allow kids to cool off on hot days at the splash pad at Wright Park Beach, also located in Dunkirk. High bluffs provide a breathtaking view at Lake Erie State Park, where visitors can also enjoy the conveniences of picnic areas, playgrounds, cabin rentals, a disc golf course, and hiking trails.

Beaches Historic Lighthouses

Drive around Chautauqua Lake and see three iconic beacons in the villages of Mayville and Stow as well as Lucille Ball Memorial Park next to the luxurious Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. On Lake Erie, tour the Dunkirk Lighthouse and get the chance to climb up to the observation deck for sweeping views. Also found on Lake Erie, Barcelona Lighthouse became the U.S.’s First Natural Gas Lighthouse in 1829. Visit the keeper’s cottage to see exhibits chronicling both lighthouse and local history.

Beach

Lake Address

Barcelona Harbor Beach Erie 8269 First St, Westfield

Cassadaga Beach Cassadaga Park Avenue, Cassadaga

Chautauqua Institution Chautauqua Route 394, Chautauqua

Beaches Map Contact Code

716-326-3211 x2 C7

716-595-3007 J7

716-357-6250 G10

Hanover Town Beach Erie South Shore Dr., Sunset Bay, Irving 716-934-2273 N1

Lily Dale Beach Cassadaga Cleveland Ave., Lily Dale Assembly 716-595-8721 J6 Long Point State Park Chautauqua Route 430, Bemus Point 716-386-2722 H11 Mayville Lakeside Park Chautauqua Route 394, Mayville 716-753-2125 G10 Point Gratiot Park Erie Rt. 5 west to Point Drive, Dunkirk 716-366-3262 I3

Sunset Bay Beach Erie 1028 South Shore Drive, Irving 716-934-4847 M1