Findley Lake gives Mina a clear thematic center: at the water, a long milling history, paddling and fishing opportunities, and evidence of local community life come together. Findley Lake is part of French Creek, one of the most species-rich streams east of the Mississippi. The Town of Mina describes Findley Lake as the second-largest body of water in Chautauqua County; the lake also has two islands there. In the Town of Mina, the appearance of Findley Lake’s water and shores changes with the light, temperature, and season.
Findley Lake: Landscape and Milling History
Findley Lake is man-made. In 1815, Alexander Findley built a dam to power his mill; two ponds became the lake in the process. In the Town of Mina, French Creek is part of the milling history: the outflow from Findley Lake runs through it; in the past, the stream powered numerous mills. This connects the waterscape with the milling history of the Town of Mina.
Swartz Mill is also a reminder of this past. It is one of the last surviving water-powered gristmills in Chautauqua County and was built in the 19th century. The structure remains intact, but the mill is no longer in operation. Those interested in the beginnings of local milling history can also visit the nearby Marion Labar Walford Water Wheel Overlook Building, a visitor center commemorating the original dam and the mill built by Alexander Findley in 1815.
Water Activities and a Running Event
Boating, paddling, and fishing are popular activities on Findley Lake. Ice fishing is permitted in winter when the ice is thick enough. The lake has a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation launch site designated for hand-propelled boats, with parking for ten cars. An accessible fishing platform offers another way to fish. Check current conditions at the launch site before you travel.
Pontoon boats, paddleboards, and kayaks are available to rent at 2745 Shadyside Road in Findley Lake. Those who want to experience the lake from the water can choose from several types of boats and paddlecraft. Check current seasonal and operating information before making plans. The Findley Lake Race Around the Lake also has a direct connection to the area: the event includes a five-mile race and a fun run around the lake. If the event is important to your trip, check the dates.
Community and Cultural Heritage
The Findley Lake & Mina Historical Society is located in the Community Center on North Road in Findley Lake. It offers programs and tours about the history of the Town of Mina and Findley Lake, and documents community events and interviews with longtime residents. If you would like to include a tour or program in your stay, check the schedule in advance.
In the Town of Mina, the Findley Lake & Mina Historical Society’s Heritage Room in the Community Building preserves documents, photographs, maps, family records, and old newspapers; three-dimensional archival objects are on display there. These include artifacts related to the history of an original log cabin at Lakeside Assembly. This gathering on the southwest shore of Findley Lake welcomed visitors from the region during the summers of 1895 to 1915. It was one of the smaller Chautauqua assemblies; its programs were every bit as good as those of the Chautauqua Assembly at Chautauqua Institution. It later closed because of declining demand and financial difficulties.
A mural at the Findley Lake Fire Hall, created by local artists, depicts defining scenes from the area and celebrates its heritage, nature, and community pride. Alexander Findley Community Library offers books, Wi-Fi, computers, printing services, and genealogical research, as well as free monthly programs and special events. It also provides access to a regional network of 37 libraries. For specific program dates, it is best to check with the library in advance.
Discover more destinations: Clymer, Fredonia, Cassadaga, Frewsburg, Bemus Point, Mayville, Panama, Jamestown.
For the broader travel guide: Chautauqua.
