Bemus Point on Chautauqua Lake

Chautauqua Lake is a defining landmark in Bemus Point: it divides the village into two nearly equal basins. Boating options, ferry service, public gathering places, and seasonal events offer different ways to plan your trip. When looking for a hotel in Bemus Point, you can first consider whether your stay will center on time by the water, a ferry crossing, local history, or an event date.

Boat Launch and Orientation at the Lake

On Lakeside Avenue on the east side of the lake is the DEC Bemus Point Launch, a paved boat launch. It has parking for 30 cars and boat trailers. If you are planning a boating activity, the location, condition of the launch, and stated parking capacity are specific details you can compare with your plans.

Village Park and Time by the Water

Village Park is open daily until 11 p.m. It has benches, a playground, picnic tables and grills, as well as a basketball court and pickleball courts with lake views. The park offers different options: you can spend time at the tables or include the sports courts and playground in your plans.

Another public gathering place is on the casino side of the Lenhart landing. The landing has a small observation area with a picnic table, for fishing or relaxing by the water. This means the larger Village Park, with its several facilities, and the smaller observation area at the landing can be considered as different places to visit.

Ferry Service and Local History

Since the 1870s, the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry has carried passengers across Chautauqua Lake between the villages of Bemus Point and Stow. It is one of the oldest continuously operating ferries in North America. As a passenger crossing between two villages, it is distinct from the boat launch on Lakeside Avenue. If you plan to take the ferry, check the current schedule in advance.

The boating business is also part of local history: The Boat Chandlery at 73 Lakeside Ave. was founded in 1918; nearly 1,000 boats were sold through the business. Its address and long business history add a historical perspective on Bemus Point to today’s boating options.

Events and Recreation

The Bemus Point Fall Fest takes place annually. For the 2026 edition, a street market, food and drinks, live music, and seasonal activities were planned for September 18–20, among other offerings. If attending the festival is the reason for your trip, check the dates for that edition before planning around it.

The Summer Movie Series offers free film screenings in Village Park every summer. Individual screening dates vary by season. Unlike the multi-day Fall Fest, the movie series is a recurring summer program with changing dates for individual screenings. So base your plans on the specific dates for the summer in question.

On the Bemus Point waterfront, Bemus Bay Water Toys rents kayaks, paddleboards, and other water toys. There is also a golf course on the lake with a Tap House on Main Street. These are two different options for planning your leisure time: watercraft rentals and golf by the lake with a Tap House. If a particular rental is part of your plans, check its availability directly.

Find Hotels in Bemus Point by Trip Purpose

When comparing specific hotel offers, check the amenities actually listed, and for events, plan your trip around the relevant dates.

Explore more destinations: Dunkirk, Panama, Mayville, Jamestown, Frewsburg, Fredonia, Mina, Falconer

See the broader travel overview: Chautauqua.