Bemus Point, NY is a small, locally owned lakeside village at the midpoint of Lake Chautauqua in western New York, about seven hours from New York City, three hours from Pittsburgh and Cleveland, and just over an hour from Buffalo. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, a week-long summer rental, or passing through Chautauqua County, this guide covers what there is to do in and around Bemus Point.
- 14 Restaurants
- 17 Miles of Lake
- 1870s Ferry Est.
- 100% Locally Owned
- 7 hrs From NYC
What Makes Bemus Point Worth Visiting?
There are plenty of lake towns in New York State. What distinguishes Bemus Point is that it has remained independently owned and genuinely community-driven. Every restaurant is run by someone who lives here. Every shop is stocked by someone who cares about what’s on the shelves.
The Bemus Point-Stow Ferry has been crossing Lake Chautauqua since the 1870s, and the spirit of the community that keeps it running is the same one that shows up at the village’s festivals, shops, and restaurants every season.
The tagline says it best: Meet us in the middle. Bemus Point sits at the midpoint of the lake, and the village takes that invitation seriously.
→ Learn more about Bemus Point and the BPBA — About Us
Get Out on Lake Chautauqua
If you visit Bemus Point and never get on the water, you’ve missed the point entirely. Lake Chautauqua is 17 miles long, sits at 1,300 feet above sea level, and offers some of the most accessible, varied, and beautiful water recreation in the state. The village itself sits at the lake’s midpoint, giving you immediate access to both the northern and southern ends.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Bemus Bay Water Toys operates right on the Bemus Point waterfront, offering kayak and paddleboard rentals that put you on Lake Chautauqua within minutes of arriving. The calm protected bay around the village is suitable for beginners, while the open lake offers more room for experienced paddlers.
Private Boat Charters
One Fine Day Boat Charter offers private lake cruises departing from Long Point State Park, available for special occasions, group outings, and sunset cruises. Contact Captain Paul to book; slots fill quickly in peak season.
Boating, Fishing & Marine
Lake Chautauqua is renowned fishing territory — walleye, muskellunge, largemouth bass, and yellow perch are all well-represented. ROCK Marine on Route 430 (open May through October) handles boat sales, gear, and marine service for the Lake Chautauqua boating community.
- 🚣 Bemus Bay Water Toys — Kayak & paddleboard rentals on the Bemus Point waterfront
- ⛵ One Fine Day Boat Charter — Private lake cruises from Long Point State Park
- ⚓ ROCK Marine — Marine sales & service on Rt 430 — May through October
- 🎣 Fishing Lake Chautauqua — Walleye, muskie, bass & perch — multiple public launches
→ Full Recreation Guide — Rentals, Charters, Golf & More
Ride the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry
The Bemus Point-Stow Ferry has been crossing Lake Chautauqua since the 1870s, one of the oldest continuously operating ferries in North America, and one of the best-known things to do in Bemus Point.
The crossing takes just a few minutes, connecting the village of Bemus Point on the eastern shore with the community of Stow on the western shore. On a clear summer day the view from the middle of the crossing is worth the ride. Operates Memorial Day through mid-September.
The ferry operates Memorial Day through mid-September. Check the ferry’s website for current season hours before visiting.
→ Bemus Point-Stow Ferry — Hours, Location & Details
Eat & Drink in Bemus Point
Fourteen restaurants, all independently owned. Every place to eat in Bemus Point is run by someone with a genuine stake in the community.
Waterfront & Signature Dining
The Village Casino at 1 Lakeside Drive is the flagship waterfront dining destination, open May through September with food, drinks, and live entertainment. Bemus Point Inn Restaurant on Main Street is the year-round choice for sit-down dining.
Taverns, Cafés & Quick Bites
Guppy’s Restaurant & Tavern on Route 430 is the year-round neighborhood favorite. Lake Life Café on Main Street is the year-round morning stop for coffee and light bites. Coppola’s Pizzaria is the year-round go-to for pizza. And Sweet Aleda’s Delightful Treats & Dirty Sodas brings creative sodas and sweet treats.
- Guppy’s Restaurant & Tavern — Route 430
- Bemus Point Inn Restaurant — 4958 Main Street
- Lake Life Café — 22 Main Street
- Coppola’s Pizzaria — 20 Main Street
- VFW Post 557 — Dutch Hollow Road
- Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House — 72 Main Street
→ Full Dining Guide — All 14 Restaurants in Bemus Point
Shop the Village
Shopping in Bemus Point is a different experience from the mall or the big-box strip. The nine independent shops along and around Main Street carry hand-thrown pottery, alpaca fiber products, artisan furniture, lakeside gifts, clothing, and more.
Skillmans on Main Street is open March through January — apparel, gifts, and everyday finds. Bemus Point Pottery and Lakeside Arts & Furniture are the destinations for handcrafted goods with genuine character. Alpacaville out on Mahanna Road is a fiber farm and specialty shop open April 15 through January 15.
→ Full Shopping Guide — Boutiques, Pottery, Art & More
Play Golf & Visit the Tap House
Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House at 72 Main Street is a year-round destination with a lakeside golf course and a tap house and restaurant. Play a round, then stop in for food and a cold draft.
→ Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House — Listing & Details
Visit the Lawson Center Boat Museum
The Lawson Center at 73 Lakeside Drive is a nationally recognized small craft boat museum on the shores of Lake Chautauqua, with a collection of historic wooden boats and small watercraft. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
→ The Lawson Center — Hours, Location & What to Expect
Catch a Festival or Community Event
The Bemus Point Business Association runs a year-round events calendar that gives visitors reasons to visit beyond the obvious summer peak season.
Summer Fest is the annual flagship celebration — live entertainment, local vendors, food and drink, and lakeside energy that draws visitors from across the region. Bemus Point Fall Fest is held in autumn with seasonal food, local artisans, and foliage on Lake Chautauqua. The Summer Movie Series brings free outdoor screenings to the village park throughout the summer — bring a blanket, no ticket required.
→ Full Events Calendar — Summer Fest, Fall Fest & More
Where to Stay in Bemus Point
Bemus Point Lodge is the classic village inn option, centrally located. Splash Suites offers a more contemporary waterfront feel. Resort on Main sits right at the center of village life. Bridlepath Lake Resort is the resort-style choice for families and group retreats. And for weddings, Morning Glory Wedding Venue on Maple Springs Ellery Road is available for weddings and events with an outdoor lakeside setting.
Book early for summer weekends. July and August fill quickly — festival weekends are typically sold out months in advance.
→ Full Accommodations Guide — Lodges, Inns & Venues
Planning Tips for Visiting Bemus Point
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) is peak season — everything is open. Fall (September–October) is increasingly popular with foliage, Fall Fest, and the quieter lake. Spring is a good option for anglers and anyone who prefers a quieter visit.
Getting There
Bemus Point is in Chautauqua County, western New York, about seven hours from New York City, three hours from Pittsburgh and Cleveland, and just over an hour from Buffalo. Take I-90 west and exit toward Jamestown/Chautauqua. A car is essential.
Seasonal Hours
Many businesses are seasonal (May–September/October). Year-round: Guppy’s, Coppola’s, Lake Life Café, Bemus Point Inn, Golf Club & Tap House. Always check ahead in the off-season.
- Ride the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry at least once (Memorial Day–mid September)
- Eat at a waterfront restaurant on Lake Chautauqua
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Bemus Bay Water Toys
- Browse Main Street shops — especially Skillmans and Bemus Point Pottery
- Check the BPBA events calendar for current festivals and movie nights
- Visit The Lawson Center boat museum (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
- Order a dirty soda at Sweet Aleda’s
- Watch a sunset from the waterfront
