Activities and Attractions
Four season recreational activities are plentiful in Chautauqua County!
(Be sure to visit our seasonal pages too, Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter, for more information and photographs)
Sherman is located on the beautiful Southern Tier in Southwestern New York State and offers a plethora of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter activities. We are conveniently located only a few miles from three lakes. Lake Erie (15 miles), Findley Lake (8 miles) and Chautauqua Lake (9 miles). For you golfers, there are more golf courses in a 50 mile radius in this area than anywhere in the nation. If you enjoy winter activities, Sherman is just 8 miles from the world-class Peek’n Peak Ski Resort and our Inn has direct access to the 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails that crisscross the county. In the Fall enjoy a leisurely drive in the rolling farm country that surrounds Sherman or an afternoon in one of the numerous parks to view the spectacular Fall foliage. It will take your breath away. The Wine Trails are also just a short distance away as is the world acclaimed Chautauqua Institution and its full summer venue of cultural performances and lectures. And let’s not forget Niagara Falls which in just a 90 minutes away. There is something for everyone here. You won’t be disappointed if you want to stay busy. See List Below…
Yorker Museum, Sherman NY
The Yorker Museum is a reconstructed mini village with six restored buildings, depicting Sherman life in the mid-19th century.
Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails
Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails is preserving abandoned railroad corridors for conversion into safe off-road trails for recreational use: walking, running, hiking, bicycling, cross country skiing, bird watching (over 170 species identified) and horseback riding. Catch the Westside Overland Trail from downtown Sherman.
www.traillink.com/trail/chautauqua-rails-to-trails.aspx
Chautauqua County Golf Courses
Many, many to choose from. Green fees are very reasonable too ranging from $20 to $105.
www.wnygolfcourses.com/chautauqua_county.htm
Also:
- North Hills Municipal Golf Course, Corry PA
- Jackson Valley Golf Club, Warren PA
- And lots more in nearby Pennsylvania
Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua NY (May – Aug)
A MUST visit for all visitors!
Antique & Estate Sales
Reserve Thursdays-Saturdays for Estate Sale Shopping. Check the local papers for times and addresses.
Local Festivals
Chautauqua County is jam packed with local festivals during the summer months. Apple, Cherry, Wine, German,Gathering of the Clan Celtic Festival and there is even an Ice Castle Festival in the winter.
McClurg Mansion, Westfield NY
Built in 1818 by pioneer James McClurg. Its grand salons and formal rooms stood in sharp contrast to the rugged homes of neighboring frontier settlers. Today the 14-room Federal-style mansion is the home of the Chautauqua County Historical Society. The museum features period displays on three floors.
Lake Erie/Chautauqua Wine Trail
Experience the taste, sights, sounds and beauty of the Chautauqua & Lake Erie’s Wine County. Trail extends 47 miles and features 23 wineries
Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa, Clymer NY
Snow skiing and golf at it’s best and now offering more summer fun with a high adventure aerial course, chair lift rides, miniature golf, Segway tours, disc golf and dual zip-lines.
Snowmobile Trails
Sherman is in the Western end of the Snowbelt; a snowmobile’s paradise with over 200 miles of groomed trails in Chautauqua County. Contact the Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club for trail information on conditions.
Amish Country Western Chautauqua County
The township of Sherman is 40% Amish and neighboring Clymer is 60% Amish. A drive in the country will take you back in time as you drive past numerous farms worked the old fashion way, and many Amish home businesses offering services and products made by the Amish Artisans.
http://www.tourchautauqua.com/Maps.aspx
Panama Rock Scenic Park, Panama NY
Nature preserve and hiking trail. Geologist believe these rocks are 300 million years old!
The Great Blue Heron Festival, Sherman NY
Annual Music Festival, which draws comparisons to Woodstock takes place each July on 300 acres of land in the center of Amish County.
Brushwood Folklore Center, Sherman NY
Rustic, clothing-optional camping on 180 mostly wooded acres (day passes available) Enjoy a relaxing day in the country, or the excitement of an eclectic festival.
Historic Bemus Point/Stow Ferry, Chautauqua Lake NY
At Chautauqua Lake’s narrowest crossing of 968 feet, the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry has been operating since 1811
Dunkirk Lighthouse Museum, Dunkirk NY
Historic Operational Lighthouse
Magnificent view of Lake Erie from the observation deck
Lucy Desi Center for Comedy, Jamestown NY
The Ultimate “I Love Lucy” Experience
Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, Jamestown NY
Connecting people with nature in a meaningful way through art, education and science.
Jamestown Audubon Center & Sanctuary, Jamestown NY
www.audubon.org/locations/jamestown-audubon-center-and-sanctuary
Niagara Falls, Buffalo NY
Only two hours away…and one of the top 10 natural wonders of the world.
Valvo Candies, Silver Creek, NY
This 3rd generation business goes back to 1919. Valvo’s is the destination for thousands of customers each year. Whether you are a candy enthusiast, or simply out to satisfy your sweet tooth, Valvo’s has something for everyone!
Lake Erie Speedway, Northeast PA
This 3/8 mile, compound banked, asphalt oval features Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Compacts, Legends and Bandolero classes.
Presque Isle Downs & Casino, Erie PA
2000 slots, 48 table games and the horses too…
Other Activities include: Ice Skating, Movie Theaters, Mall shopping