Chautauqua & Lake Erie
Play, Laugh & Learn
Meetings | Retreats | Incentives
The Chautauqua & Lake Erie Region of New York State has been a travel and vacation destination for 150 years. Many of the reasons why vacationers have been attracted to the area for decades are the same reasons why group visitors love the region today, including our five amazing lakes, beautiful waterways and unique nature and cultural attractions. Embrace the Lake Effect and uncover all the region has to offer the attendees of your meeting, retreat or incentive trip.
By the Numbers
Driving In & Getting Around
The Chautauqua & Lake Erie Region is convenient to the highways — but just a little off the beaten path — making it a perfect destination for attendees to drive to. Interstates 90 and 86 bisect here from north to south along Lake Erie and east to west near the Pennsylvania border.
| Buffalo, NY – Less than 2 hours | Erie, NY – Less than 2 hours |
| Rochester, NY – Less than 2 hours | Cleveland, OH – Within 3 hours |
| Pittsburgh, PA – Within 3 hours | Toronto, Ontario – Within 3 hours |
| Columbus, OH – 4.5 hours | Harrisburg, PA – 5 hours |
| Albany, NY – 5.5 hours | New York City, NY – 6.5 hours |
| Philadelphia, PA – 6.5 hours |
Buffalo, NY – Less than 2 hours
Erie, NY – Less than 2 hours
Rochester, NY – Less than 2 hours
Cleveland, OH – Within 3 hours
Pittsburgh, PA – Within 3 hours
Toronto, Ontario – Within 3 hours
Columbus, OH – 4.5 hours
Harrisburg, PA – 5 hours
Albany, NY – 5.5 hours
New York City, NY – 6.5 hours
Philadelphia, PA – 6.5 hours
Stay & Meet
Roger Tory Peterson Institute
- 23,000-sq.-ft. building on a 27-acre nature preserve with space to host business meetings, receptions, retreats & events
- Homage to “Peterson Field Guide to Birds”
Robert H. Jackson Center
- 3 small meeting rooms (8-25 seats)
- 2 conference rooms (12-25 seats)
- Banquet room (150 seats)
- Auditorium (180 seats)
- 1858 Italianate mansion
National Comedy Center
- 37,000-sq.-ft. venue
- Accommodates 20 to 200 guests
- 50+ immersive, entertaining exhibits
Chautauqua Institution
- Accommodates up to 300
- 3 additional rooms that can host from 25 to 200 people
- Onsite Athenaeum Hotel Heirloom Restaurant
- On the shores of Chautauqua Lake
Destination-Exclusive Experiences
- Attendees can take advantage of various recreational activities, from golfing at over 15 courses and hiking trails in Sherman or Bemus Point villages to skiing and figure skating.
- Connect your group to nature by birding or horseback riding.
- The water is the place to refresh and recharge — whether it’s boating or fishing on Chautauqua Lake, Lake Erie or our other lakes and waterways.
- Groups can enjoy good libations and great company at the region’s more than 20 wineries and several craft beverage establishments and breweries.
- Plan time for history and heritage with more than 30 museums throughout Chautauqua County.
- Infuse the group dining experience with local, fresh ingredients and creative flavors.
- Attendees can find that perfect souvenir at one of the locally-owned shops, retailers and boutiques in downtown Westfield, downtown Jamestown and Findley Lake.
