Panama Rocks, Midway State Park, Bemus Point and more

CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. — Activities inside the gates of Chautauqua Institution could keep you busy all summer.

But there's plenty more to enjoy in the surrounding communities, from museums and hikes to a historic ferry ride on picturesque Chautauqua Lake.

Here is a list of additional attractions to visit in Western New York:

Panama Rocks Scenic Park

Panama Rocks, located approximately 10 miles south of the institution, is a private park that features a spectacular rock formation approximately 800 meters long and 60 feet high. A kilometer-long path encircles the rocks.

Visitors are encouraged to stray from the path to explore the rock features, which include caves, narrow passages, lookouts and more, with names such as Fat Man's Misery, Tower of Babel and Devil's Den.

The trail also offers a scavenger hunt and nature information along the way. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for ages 6 to 12. Information: panamarocks.com

Midway State Park

Originally established as a trolley park in 1898, Midway State Park is one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the United States. The park, located across Chautauqua Lake from Chautauqua Settlement, offers approximately two dozen family and children's rides, including a historic carousel, Ferris wheel, Tilt-a-Whirl, go-karts, golf putt -putt and much more.

For schedules and prices: parks.ny.gov/parks/midway

Bemus Point Storage Ferry

The quaint town of Bemus Point, population 308, makes a fun afternoon destination across Chautauqua Lake from the institution.

Of course, you can drive across the lake on I-86. But a much more fun way is to hitch a ride on the cable-guided Bemus Point Stow Ferry, which has been in continuous service since 1811.

The ferry crosses a section of the lake called the Narrows, about 1,000 feet wide, in a 10-minute ride.

The ferry can accommodate approximately nine cars and 50 passengers and runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer. There is no charge to ride, although donations are encouraged. Information: thebemuspointstowferry.com

National Comedy Center and more in Jamestown

Jamestown, on the south end of Chautauqua Lake, is home to one of the region's best museums: the National Comedy Center, with more than 50 immersive exhibits covering the history of comedy and its many forms, from stand-up to cinema through cinema. late night and more. There are exhibits on George Carlin, Johnny Carson, Carl Reiner and dozens of others. You can even take the mic and tell a few jokes yourself. Information: comediecenter.org

Also in Jamestown:

• The Lucy Desi Museum explores the lives and legacies of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, born in Jamestown in 1911. The museum features sets, costumes and other artifacts and experiences from “I Love Lucy” and other projects of the popular comedy couple. Information: lucydesi.com
• The Roger Tory Peterson Institute celebrates the 90th anniversary of the first Peterson Field Guide and the 40th anniversary of the founding of the institute, which honors the life and legacy of the Jamestown-born illustrator and ornithologist. The institute offers art exhibits, guided bird walks, workshops and other programs. Information: rtpi.org
• The Robert H. Jackson Center honors the life and legacy of Jackson, former United States Attorney General and Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, who served as Chief United States Attorney to the Court international military of Nuremberg. Exhibits here focus on Jackson's work during his tenure on the Supreme Court, from 1941 to 1954, and his work in the pursuit of the Nazis at Nuremberg. For information: roberthjackson.org.

To find out more about the region: tourchautauqua.com

Learn more:

Chautauqua Institution in Western New York celebrates 150 years as an 'adult summer camp'

The National Comedy Center near Jamestown, New York, brings the first (and last) laugh