Jamestown, NY is Lucille Ball's hometown and home to the National Comedy Center — the first state-of-the-art museum dedicated to comedy. At the south end of Chautauqua Lake, it offers downtown dining, the Northwest Arena, the Riverwalk, and free lake access at McCrea Point Park.
Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum & National Comedy Center
Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
Address: 2 W 3rd St, Jamestown, NY 14701Phone: (716) 484-0800
Website: Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
Admission: See Current Admission →
Museum in Lucille Ball's hometown with Lucy / Desi sets, costumes, and memorabilia. Wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, and restroom. Gift shop on site.
National Comedy Center
Address: 203 W 2nd St, Jamestown, NY 14701Phone: (716) 484-2222
Website: National Comedy Center
Admission: See Current Admission →
Cutting-edge museum exploring American stand-up, late-night, and comedy history with 50+ interactive exhibits. Cafe, gift shop, and theater on site.
Hours: Both museums are typically open Thu-Mon, 10 AM - 5 PM, closed Wednesdays, with extended Tuesday hours Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours and holiday closures change — check official sites before you go.
Downtown Jamestown: Restaurants, Arena & Riverwalk
Pearl City Hops
Address: 150 W 4th St, Jamestown, NY 14701Phone: (716) 488-7227
Website: Pearl City Hops
A gastro-inspired tavern featuring regional fare, gourmet burgers, and local craft beers.
Wicked Warren’s
Address: 119 W 3rd St, Jamestown, NY 14701Phone: (716) 484-4070
Website: Wicked Warren’s
A lively brewpub offering fresh handcrafted beer, beer cheese pizza, and regular live entertainment.
The Chop House on Main
Address: 2-6 E 2nd St, Jamestown, NY 14701Phone: (716) 708-6978
Website: The Chop House on Main
An upscale fine-dining steakhouse known for excellent prime rib, seafood, and premium cocktails.
Labyrinth Press Company
Address: 12 E 4th St, Jamestown, NY 14701Phone: (716) 708-2471
Website: Labyrinth Press Company
A cozy, eclectic hangout serving popular vegetarian fare, breakfast burritos, and specialty coffee.
Brazil Craft Beer and Wine Lounge
Address: 10 E 4th St, Jamestown, NY 14701Phone: (716) 708-2471
Website: Brazil Craft Beer and Wine Lounge
Jamestown's original craft beer & wine lounge since 2013. The best drink selection around.
Northwest Arena
Address: 319 W 3rd St, Jamestown, NY 14701Phone: (716) 484-2624
Website: Northwest Arena
Year-round home for ice skating, hockey, curling, community events, and shows.
- Facilities: Features two large, well-maintained ice rinks, a snack bar, and an on-site bar.
- Activities: Hosts public ice-skating sessions, hockey games, curling, ice bumper cars, and regional craft shows.
Greater Jamestown Riverwalk
The Jamestown River Walk is an illuminated urban trail system running right along the Chadakoin River. Trails: Includes the Riverwalk Bike Path and dedicated footpaths perfect for family walks, jogging, and biking. Amenities: Features pet-friendly hiking trails, open picnic areas, and accessible docks optimized for river fishing. Get Maps Directions
Chautauqua Lake in Jamestown: McCrea Point Park & Boat Launch
McCrea Point Park & Public Boat Launch is a highly-rated riverside park located at 14 Jones and Gifford Ave, Jamestown, NY 14701, offering direct water access for boaters, paddlers, and families.
Park Overview & Amenities:- Water Access: Features a public motorized boat launch and a dedicated kayak/canoe launch.
- Recreation: Includes fishing spots, walking paths, cycling lanes, and a playground with slides for children.
- Picnic Facilities: Equipped with picnic tables, barbecue grills, a scenic gazebo, and open green spaces.
- Conveniences: Offers on-site public restrooms, free street parking, and paid parking lots.
- Pet Policy: Dogs are allowed on the premises.
- Accessibility: Provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot.
- Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Peak Times: Typically busiest on Sunday afternoons, weekday afternoons (Monday–Friday), and Saturday evenings.
- Quiet Times: Least crowded on Wednesday mornings and Saturday mornings
For musky and walleye in the Chautauqua Lake south basin, focus on the extensive weed beds, weed edges, and structural drop-offs in 5 to 15 feet of water. The south basin is shallower (average 11 ft) and darker, making it prime habitat for these predators.
From Jamestown, drive 15 min to Bemus Point & Chautauqua Institution or visit Long Point State Park for lake swimming.
Lucy-Desi Festival & Comedy Events
Year-Round Programming & Special Events
- Summer themed weeks: Leading up to the August Lucy-Desi Festival, with workshops and activities. See current schedule on official sites.
- Riverside Saturdays: Outdoor community events hosted at Comedy Center Park along the Jamestown Riverwalk during the summer months.
- One Laugh at a Time (Memory Café): A recurring program running from late summer through late fall designed to give caregivers and their loved ones a supportive, relaxing environment to bond through laughter.
- Doors Open Jamestown: An annual winter event providing free or discounted access and tailored tours to regional residents, emphasizing personalized exhibit interaction. comedy content to their personal sense of humor.
Day Trip Itinerary: Jamestown + Bemus Point
Start in downtown Jamestown exploring interactive comedy and Lucy-Desi history. After a local lunch, drive 15 minutes to Bemus Point to ride the historic cable ferry and enjoy waterfront views at the iconic Hotel Lenhart.
Morning:- Jamestown Museums 10:00 AM — National Comedy Center.
- Start your morning at the cutting-edge National Comedy Center (203 W 2nd St) featuring over 50 immersive, interactive exhibits celebrating the history of American comedy.
- 11:45 AM — Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. Take a short 3-block walk to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum (2 W 3rd St) to view recreated TV sets, costumes, and rare memorabilia.
- Downtown Jamestown 1:00 PM — Downtown Dining, Grab lunch at a local downtown favorite. Try Wicked Warren's (119 W 3rd St) for a lunch menu, or Labyrinth Press Company (12 E 4th St) for craft coffee, vegetarian options, and specialty sandwiches.
- Bemus Point 2:30 PM — Scenic Drive, Take NY-394 N for approximately 9 miles (a 15-minute drive) to reach the lakeside village of Bemus Point.
- 3:30 PM — The Bemus Point-Stow FerryHead to the dock to ride the Bemus Point Stow Ferry, a historic, cable-guided ferry that crosses the narrowest point of Chautauqua Lake. Check current hours and fares before you go.
- 4:30 PM — The Hotel Lenhart, Conclude your afternoon by visiting The Hotel Lenhart (20-22 Lakeside Dr). Sit back and relax on their iconic, expansive veranda overlooking Chautauqua Lake.
Jamestown NY FAQs
Do I need tickets for the Lucy Museum and Comedy Center?
Yes, both museums require admission. Buy tickets online or at the door. See current admission and hours at lucy-desi.com and comedycenter.org — prices and hours change seasonally.
Are the Lucy Museum and Comedy Center close together?
Yes. The National Comedy Center is at 203 W 2nd St and the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum is at 2 W 3rd St — about a 3-block walk in downtown Jamestown. You can do both in one morning.
What are the museum hours?
Both museums are typically open Thursday through Monday, 10 AM to 5 PM, closed Wednesdays, with extended Tuesday hours Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check official sites before you go for holiday closures.
Where can I get on Chautauqua Lake from Jamestown?
McCrea Point Park at 14 Jones and Gifford Ave has a free public boat launch, kayak / canoe launch, fishing spots, picnic tables, playground, and restrooms. Open daily 6 AM to 9 PM.
Is Jamestown a good day trip with Bemus Point?
Yes. Do the museums and downtown lunch in Jamestown in the morning, then drive about 15 minutes north on NY-394 to Bemus Point for the Stow Ferry, Hotel Lenhart veranda, and lakefront dining.
Where should I eat in downtown Jamestown?
Pearl City Hops, Wicked Warren's, The Chop House on Main, Labyrinth Press Company, and Brazil Craft Beer and Wine Lounge are all within a few blocks of the museums on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Streets.