Jamestown (New York)

The first major museum in the U.S. dedicated to comedy, the National Comedy Center opened in August 2018 as the culmination of years of effort from major figures in American comedy. The advisory board has included Carl Reiner, Laraine Newman, Lewis Black, Jim Gaffigan, Paula Poundstone, and many others. The museum offers more than 50 exhibits, from start-of-the-art interactive experiences to artifacts and memorabilia. Coded wristbands allow exhibits to customize themselves to visitors' individual preferences. Highlights include a hologram theater, a stand-up lounge, and the adults-only "Blue Room". Personal archives housed at the museum include those of Charlie Chaplin, the Marx Brothers, Phyllis Diller, George Carlin, Joan Rivers, and Jerry Seinfeld. A gift shop offers souvenirs and light café selections; drinks (including alcohol) and snacks are available at the comedy karaoke bar.

Operated by the National Comedy Center, this museum celebrates the lives and entertainment careers of Jamestown native Lucille Ball and her co-star husband Desi Arnaz through interactive displays, personal belongings and video screenings. One part of the museum is dedicated entirely to I Love Lucy with artifacts and set recreations. The two parts of the museum each has a gift shop.

This quaint waterfront park is notable primarily for its statue of Lucille Ball, who grew up in Celoron just a few blocks to the south. The original Lucy statue, unveiled in 2009 and depicting the famous "Vitametavegamin" scene, was quickly dubbed "Scary Lucy" for its lack of resemblance to the famously pretty actress. It's since been replaced with the new "Lovely Lucy" statue, a more faithful representation, but Scary Lucy is still at the park in case you want to see it. The park also features a small but picturesque lighthouse.

Before the railroads and highways, and into the middle of the 20th century, Chautauqua Lake was filled with steamships carrying both passengers and cargo to the surrounding communities. The Chautauqua Belle, launched in 1976, is one of only five authentic steam sternwheelers left in North America. Although its primary home is at Mayville, from which it cruises Chautauqua Lake, the Chautauqua Belle also offers 2-hour river cruises from Jamestown up the Chadakoin River to the lake outlet; these occur mostly in late summer and early fall.

features open ice skating, hockey, concerts and indoor soccer leagues.

Is a national center for nature education named for the award-winning naturalist and author of a popular series of natural history field guides. Featured are nature exhibits as well as wildlife art and photography. Trails and a butterfly garden are on the 27 wooded acres. Call (716) 665-2473 for more information.