Celoron New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Celoron, New York.
1. Lucille Ball Memorial Park
LEGENDARY COMEDIAN'S TRIBUTE
Lucille Ball Memorial Park is a seven-acre public lakefront park honoring the legendary comedian who was born in nearby Jamestown. Visitors can enjoy over 2,000 feet of public lake access, featuring a boat launch, lighthouse, band shell, pavilion, and playground. The park serves as a beloved community gathering space where travelers can relax by the waterfront while paying homage to one of America's most iconic entertainers.
2. National Comedy Center
AMERICA'S HUMOR SHOWCASE
The National Comedy Center offers visitors an immersive journey through the art of comedy with interactive exhibits and artifacts from legendary performers. Located near Celoron, this state-of-the-art facility celebrates comedy's past, present, and future through innovative technology and engaging displays. Visitors can experience personalized humor preferences through smart technology that tailors the experience to individual tastes.
3. Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
I LOVE LUCY MEMORABILIA
The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum showcases an extensive collection of memorabilia from the iconic 'I Love Lucy' television show and the careers of its famous stars. Located near Celoron in Jamestown, visitors can explore recreated sets, view original costumes, and discover personal artifacts from the beloved comedy duo. The museum offers a nostalgic glimpse into television history while celebrating Lucille Ball's local roots in Chautauqua County.
4. Chautauqua Institution
CULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER
Chautauqua Institution is a renowned summer learning center and resort offering world-class arts, education, and cultural programming. Visitors can attend lectures, concerts, theater performances, and religious services within its historic grounds not far from Celoron. The Institution's beautiful Victorian architecture and lakeside setting create an inspiring atmosphere where knowledge and creativity flourish during its famous summer season.
5. Chautauqua Lake
SCENIC WATER RECREATION
Chautauqua Lake provides a picturesque setting for water recreation with its 17-mile expanse bordering Celoron at its southwestern end. Visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, and water sports against the backdrop of rolling hills and charming lakeside communities. The lake serves as the centerpiece of the region's outdoor activities, offering seasonal beauty from summer sailing to winter ice fishing.
6. Chautauqua Belle
HISTORIC STEAMBOAT CRUISE
The Chautauqua Belle offers authentic steamboat cruises on the beautiful waters of Chautauqua Lake near Celoron. Passengers can step back in time aboard this historic vessel, enjoying narrated tours that highlight the area's rich history and natural beauty. The majestic paddlewheel steamboat provides a unique vantage point to view lakeside mansions, wildlife, and the picturesque shoreline while learning about local legends and lore.
7. Lake Erie Wine Country
VINEYARD TASTING TOURS
Lake Erie Wine Country showcases over 30,000 acres of vineyards producing distinctive wines in the region accessible from Celoron. Visitors can tour picturesque wineries, sample local varieties, and learn about the unique microclimate that makes this area ideal for viticulture. The scenic wine trail offers breathtaking views of rolling vineyard landscapes alongside Lake Erie, creating perfect opportunities for day trips and wine tasting adventures.
8. Apple Orchards
FRESH FRUIT PICKING
The apple orchards near Celoron offer visitors the delightful experience of picking fresh fruit straight from the trees. Families can enjoy wandering through rows of apple-laden trees, selecting varieties that range from sweet to tart depending on the season. The orchards provide a perfect autumn activity with the added bonus of fresh apple cider, homemade treats, and scenic rural landscapes in Chautauqua County.
9. Celoron Park
HISTORIC AMUSEMENT DESTINATION
Celoron Park was once a popular tourist destination featuring attractions like the impressive 125-foot Phoenix Ferris wheel. Visitors to this historic site can appreciate the legacy of what was formerly a bustling amusement park drawing crowds to the Celoron shoreline. Though the original park attractions no longer operate, the area's rich recreational history continues to be celebrated in the community's current lakefront park.
10. Chautauqua County Golf Courses
SCENIC LAKESIDE FAIRWAYS
Chautauqua County offers several beautiful golf courses where visitors can enjoy a round while taking in spectacular lake views near Celoron. Golfers of all skill levels can test their abilities on well-maintained fairways set against the rolling landscape of western New York. The courses combine challenging play with scenic beauty, making golf one of the premier recreational activities in the Chautauqua region throughout the warmer months.
11. Shopping
LOCAL RETAIL THERAPY
Shopping in and around Celoron offers visitors unique retail experiences including the gift shops at the National Comedy Center and Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. Travelers can find local artisan goods, specialty foods, and Chautauqua-themed souvenirs in nearby Jamestown's downtown boutiques. The village's proximity to larger shopping areas ensures visitors can enjoy both quaint local shops and more extensive retail options throughout Chautauqua County.
12. Dining
LAKESIDE CULINARY DELIGHTS
Dining in Celoron features waterfront restaurants at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel where visitors can enjoy meals with spectacular lake views. Local eateries serve fresh seafood, regional specialties, and comfort food favorites that showcase western New York flavors. Nearby Jamestown also offers diverse dining options from casual cafes to fine dining establishments, allowing visitors to experience the full range of Chautauqua County's culinary scene.
13. Hiking
SCENIC NATURE TRAILS
Hiking opportunities near Celoron include the scenic lakefront paths in Lucille Ball Memorial Park and extensive trail systems throughout Chautauqua County. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Long Point State Park trails offering beautiful views of Chautauqua Lake and opportunities to observe local wildlife. The region's varied terrain provides hiking experiences for all skill levels, from leisurely strolls along the waterfront to more challenging woodland paths in the surrounding countryside.
14. Fishing
PRIME ANGLING WATERS
Fishing in Celoron provides anglers with excellent opportunities to catch walleye, bass, and muskellunge in the abundant waters of Chautauqua Lake. The village's boat launch at Lucille Ball Memorial Park offers convenient lake access for both shore fishing and launching watercraft. Seasonal fishing events and year-round opportunities (including ice fishing in winter) make Celoron a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts visiting western New York.
15. Camping
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR ACCOMMODATIONS
Camping near Celoron includes lakeside options at nearby Chautauqua Lake campgrounds where visitors can enjoy waterfront sites with beautiful sunset views. Campers can choose from facilities offering everything from rustic tent sites to full RV hookups in the surrounding Chautauqua County area. The camping experience is enhanced by easy access to water recreation, hiking trails, and the cultural attractions that make the Chautauqua region a popular vacation destination.