Cattaraugus New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cattaraugus, New York.
1. Allegany State Park
LARGEST STATE PARK
Allegany State Park is the largest state park in New York, offering extensive hiking trails and camping opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore its dense forests, picturesque lakes, and abundant wildlife throughout all four seasons. The park provides a perfect natural escape with recreational activities including swimming, boating, and winter sports when snow blankets the landscape.
2. Rock City Park
ANCIENT ROCK FORMATIONS
Rock City Park features massive rock formations that were created over 320 million years ago, creating a natural labyrinth for visitors to explore. The enormous boulders, some as large as houses, create unique passageways and scenic viewpoints throughout the specialty museum area. Visitors can wander among these prehistoric giants while enjoying the peaceful woodland setting that surrounds this geological wonder.
3. Holiday Valley
PREMIER SKI DESTINATION
Holiday Valley is a popular ski and snowboard destination offering varied slopes for all skill levels with an efficient lift system and convenient ski-in/ski-out access. The resort presents a family-friendly environment year-round with scenic outdoor spaces and activities beyond the winter season. During warmer months, visitors can enjoy golfing, mountain biking, and various outdoor adventures in this picturesque setting.
4. Sky High Aerial Adventure Park
THRILLING TREETOP CHALLENGES
Sky High Aerial Adventure Park offers an exhilarating treetop experience with various aerial courses and zip lines for adventure seekers of all abilities. The complex features multiple difficulty levels with obstacles, rope bridges, and climbing elements set among the forest canopy. Visitors can challenge themselves while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding Cattaraugus County landscape from elevated platforms.
5. Cutco-Ka-Bar Visitors Center
LEGENDARY KNIFE HERITAGE
Cutco-Ka-Bar Visitors Center showcases the history and craftsmanship behind these iconic American knife brands that have been manufactured in Cattaraugus County. Visitors can explore displays featuring military knives, including the famous Ka-Bar combat knife used by U.S. Marines, alongside the company's evolution of cutlery products. The center offers fascinating insights into American manufacturing traditions and provides opportunities to purchase quality knives directly from the source.
6. Griffis Sculpture Park
OUTDOOR ART EXPERIENCE
Griffis Sculpture Park combines art and nature across 450 acres of meadows, ponds, and woodlands featuring over 250 large-scale sculptures. Visitors can wander along trails that wind through this outdoor gallery where artwork emerges from the landscape in surprising and delightful ways. The park offers picnic areas at scenic overlooks, making it perfect for a day of artistic exploration and natural beauty.
7. The Basilica of St Mary of the Angels
MAGNIFICENT HISTORIC CHURCH
The Basilica of St Mary of the Angels stands as an architectural masterpiece with its stunning stained glass windows and ornate interior that reflects European cathedral traditions. This historic church, elevated to basilica status in 2017, showcases remarkable craftsmanship in its altar, mosaics, and detailed woodwork. Visitors can admire the spiritual and artistic significance of this sacred space that has served as a community cornerstone since its construction.
8. Seneca Allegany Casino
ENTERTAINMENT AND GAMING
Seneca Allegany Casino offers a comprehensive entertainment experience with gaming floors featuring slots, table games, and poker in an energetic atmosphere. The resort complex includes multiple dining options ranging from casual to fine dining, along with a hotel for extended stays. Visitors can enjoy live performances by national acts at the event center while experiencing the full range of amenities this destination has to offer.
9. Pat McGee Trail
SCENIC RECREATIONAL PATH
The Pat McGee Trail stretches for 12 scenic miles between Cattaraugus and Salamanca, offering a mixed-surface pathway of asphalt and dirt that's popular with hikers and cyclists. This former railroad corridor provides a relatively flat route through varied landscapes including forests, wetlands, and rural countryside. Visitors can enjoy seasonal beauty along the trail while exploring at their own pace through this tranquil corridor.
10. Red House Lake
PICTURESQUE WATERFRONT RECREATION
Red House Lake is a beautiful artificial lake within Allegany State Park that serves as a hub for water-based activities including kayaking, swimming, and fishing. The lake is home to numerous fish species, making it popular with anglers seeking a peaceful day on the water. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty while relaxing on the shoreline or actively exploring this scenic aquatic feature.
11. Shopping
LOCAL RETAIL DESTINATIONS
Shopping in Cattaraugus County offers charming boutique experiences, particularly in the village of Ellicottville where specialty stores like Gado-Gado and The City Garage provide unique finds from clothing to home décor. The Ellicottville Emporium serves as a popular marketplace featuring local crafts, gifts, and regional products that showcase the area's creative spirit. Visitors can stroll through quaint downtown districts while discovering artisanal products, outdoor gear, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs throughout the county's retail destinations.
12. Dining
CULINARY DELIGHTS AND FLAVORS
Dining in Cattaraugus County features notable establishments like Ellicottville Brewing Company, where craft beers complement hearty pub fare in a historic setting with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Dina's Restaurant offers a refined dining experience with seasonal menus highlighting local ingredients and creative culinary techniques. Visitors can also enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Villaggio Restaurant, where traditional recipes and warm hospitality create a memorable dining atmosphere in the heart of the region.
13. Hiking
TRAILS THROUGH NATURAL SPLENDOR
Hiking in Cattaraugus County features exceptional experiences like the Bear Caves and Mount Seneca Trail, which winds through dense forests and unique rock formations near the New York-Pennsylvania border. The Finger Lakes Trail section through Rock City State Forest offers hikers nearly 3,000 acres of woodland paths with varying difficulty levels and scenic overlooks. Visitors can explore countless miles of well-maintained trails throughout Allegany State Park, where seasonal changes transform the landscape from vibrant spring wildflowers to spectacular autumn foliage.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S PARADISE WATERS
Fishing in Cattaraugus County provides exceptional opportunities at Red House Lake in Allegany State Park, where multiple fish species thrive in the peaceful waters surrounded by forest scenery. The Allegheny River offers premier fishing experiences with sections designated as catch-and-release areas for wild trout, attracting fly fishing enthusiasts from across the region. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal fishing at Quaker Lake and various streams throughout the county, where both novice and experienced anglers find rewarding experiences in these unspoiled natural waters.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
Camping in Cattaraugus County centers around Allegany State Park, which offers hundreds of campsites across both the Red House and Quaker areas with options ranging from rustic tent sites to cabins with modern amenities. The Arrowhead Camping Resort provides a family-friendly environment with swimming pools, planned activities, and spacious RV sites for those seeking a more developed camping experience. Visitors can also find backcountry camping opportunities in Rock City State Forest, where more adventurous outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a truly immersive natural experience away from the crowds.