On the Lake

• Lake Chautauqua provides 13,000 acres of watery fun for children. Swimming, fishing and boating are the main draws for visitors. Evergreen Outfitters, located in Ashville, rents canoes, kayaks and row boats for the lake. They can even deliver the rentals to you. Lake Chautauqua provides anglers with ripe fishing grounds, especially for muskellunge. The lake has a designated swimming area, located near Miller Bell Tower. Sailing is also a popular activity on the lake.
  
  

'Chautauqua Belle'

• One of the best lake activities for children is taking a cruise on the "Chautauqua Belle," a historic steamer. The steamboat operates throughout the year, but only runs on Saturday and Sunday between September and May. During the summer, the ship operates seven days a week, ferrying passengers from Mayville to the Chautauqua Institution near the bell tower and swimming area. Throughout the summer, "Chautauqua Belle" offers fireworks, cocktails, parties, Lake Idol and narrated cruises. The steamship is available for private rental for birthday parties, weddings and corporate events. Reservations are not available for the daily cruises, but can be made for special events.
  
  

Midway State Park

• In 1898, a trolley park with a baseball field, dance hall and small beach opened on the banks of Lake Chautauqua. Now, more than a 100 years later, Midway State Park has become a nostalgic amusement park with rides and carnival games. Kids will have plenty to do with bumper cars, go-karts, miniature golf, rock climbing wall, an arcade and other rides. Located in Maple Springs, the historic amusement park is now operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. Midway State Park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
  
  

Chautauqua Institution

• The Chautauqua Institution is a nonprofit educational center located on Lake Chautauqua's shores. The center provides thousands of residents and visitors education in art, writing, dance and theater. The Chautauqua Institution offers a number of youth programs throughout the nine-week summer session. Preschool, day camps, sports instruction and education in the arts are offered. The Boys' and Girls' Club operates the day camp (for children 7 to 15), giving kids the chance to study nature, enjoy the lake's recreational activities and provide positive role models. The institution also offers a school for children ages 3 to 5. The developmental school provides recreation, education and group activities.