Planning a trip to Chautauqua Lake

Getting There -- You'll need to drive here. Chautauqua is 70 miles from Buffalo. From the New York State Thruway (I-90), take exit 60, then Route 394 west. From the Southern Tier Expressway (I-86/Rte. 17) if eastbound, take exit 7, then Route 33 north, and Route 394 east. If westbound, take exit 8, then Route 394 west.

Visitor Information -- The Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau is located at the gates of Chautauqua Institution, Route 394 (tel. 800/242-4569). For information on the institution, call tel. 800/836-ARTS or visit www.ciweb.org.

Admission to the Institution -- Entering the gates of the institution will cost you $17 for a daytime (7am-8pm) pass, $9 for an afternoon (noon-8pm) pass, $53 to be on the grounds from 7am to midnight, plus another $6 if you're spending the night -- on top of hotel charges. Make it easy and order ahead on-line. Your gate fee gets you into all the lectures and entertainment (with the exception of opera and theater) that you can fit in. You can also take a dip in the lake. Sporting options (there are many) all cost extra.