Chautauqua Lake is divided by Bemus Point into two nearly equal basins. In Bemus Point, you can include the lake in your trip in different ways: at a boat launch and rental facility, on a passenger ferry, or from public waterfront spaces. So when planning your trip, the first thing to consider is whether you want to get out on the water yourself, plan a crossing, or spend time on land.
Boating, Rentals, and the Ferry
The DEC Bemus Point Launch is on Lakeside Avenue on the east side of the lake. The paved boat launch has parking for 30 cars and boat trailers. If a boat is part of your plans, you can take this location and its parking into account; the launch is the specific access point to the water.
Bemus Bay Water Toys rents kayaks, paddleboards, and other water toys on the Bemus Point waterfront. This offers two different practical options: the launch focuses on the paved boat ramp and parking, while the rental facility focuses on the equipment available to rent. Before your trip, you can decide whether to include the boat launch or a rental option in your plans.
The Bemus Point-Stow Ferry has carried passengers across Chautauqua Lake between the villages of Bemus Point and Stow since the 1870s. It is one of the oldest continuously operating ferries in North America. If you plan to take the ferry, check the current schedule in advance.
Park, Dock, and Other Activities
Village Park is open daily until 11 p.m. Its amenities include benches, a playground, picnic tables, grills, a basketball court, and pickleball courts, along with views of the lake. This gives you a choice of play, picnic, and sports options. Main Street also has a lakeside golf course with a tap house.
At the public dock on the Casino side of Lenhart’s Pier, there is a small observation area with a picnic table. Fishing or relaxing by the water are possible activities there. Compared with the play and sports options at Village Park, the dock offers a different way to spend time by the water.
Summer Program and Fall Festival
The Summer Movie Series offers free movie screenings at Village Park every summer. Screening dates vary by season. If you want to plan your trip around a movie night, check the dates for your travel period. The program is seasonal, so the movie dates should not be confused with the park’s daily opening hours.
The Bemus Point Fall Fest is an annual festival in the Village of Bemus Point. The 2026 edition took place from September 18 to 20 and included, among other things, a street market, food and drinks, live music, and seasonal activities. The September dates given are for 2026; if you’re traveling in another year, check the dates for that year’s edition.
A Look at the History of Boating
The Boat Chandlery at 73 Lakeside Ave. was founded in 1918; nearly 1,000 boats were sold through the business. Together with the ferry connection, this historic landmark offers another glimpse of local history: in addition to passenger transport across the lake, the boat trade also played a role.
Discover more destinations: Frewsburg, Cassadaga, Mayville, Clymer, Mina, Panama, Jamestown, Fredonia.
For the main travel overview: Chautauqua.
