A living piece of history! Started in 1811 as a log raft to haul farm animals across the narrows of Chautauqua Lake, the ferry continues to operate over 200 years later. Although it now takes the form of a ferry that runs with a Cummins motor along cables that run under the surface of the water, it still carries cars, bikers, and pedestrians along the same route. And after a few years on dry land receiving much needed repairs, the ferry has been upgraded thanks to the donations and efforts of those who wish to see it run for decades to come!
My family has been visiting Chautauqua before my cousins and I were even born, and I can remember riding it as a kid. An an era when so much has become modernized, impersonal, and done online, it's reassuring to know such things are preserved for future generations. You can experience what travel was like before highways and bridges. This quick ride between Bemus Point and Stow provides a great view of busy Bemus Bay, and all the boat traffic surrounding it. It's conveniently located near plenty of shops and restaurants, making it a must while sightseeing nearby. Please visit and make a donation so thousands can continue to appreciate Chautauqua, New York's, and America's unique past.
Today's visit was a part of pirate-themed Lake Days weekend, so the ferry and many attractions in Bemus Point were decorated to celebrate the festivities. read more