Findley Lake, New York facts for kids
Findley Lake is a small community, also called a hamlet, located in the town of Mina. It's in the southwestern part of Chautauqua County, New York, in the United States. This pretty place sits on the north shore of a lake also called Findley Lake. It's about 1,440 feet (439 meters) above sea level.
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History of Findley Lake
How Findley Lake Was Made
The area around Findley Lake was first settled by a man named Alexander Findley. He was from Northern Ireland and had fought in the War of 1812. In 1811, he bought land near where Findley Lake is today. In 1815, he built a dam to power his mill. This dam connected two smaller ponds, creating the larger Findley Lake we know today. A community quickly grew and thrived around these mills.
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Lakeside Assembly and Summer Fun
From 1895 to 1915, a special place called the Lakeside Assembly brought many visitors to Findley Lake. It was on the southwest shore and offered programs similar to the famous Chautauqua Institution. A minister named Rev. C. G. Langdon started the Assembly in 1895. Its first president was Dr. F. E. Lilley, and later, American Civil War hero Ebenezer Skellie took over.
Visitors could reach the Assembly by two steamboats named the Silver Spray and the Daisy. For many years, a summer camp called Camp Findley also operated in the hamlet.
Things to Do at Findley Lake
Findley Lake is a great place to visit all year round! It's known as a "four-season getaway" because there are fun activities for every time of year.
Outdoor Adventures
- Camping: You can go camping right on the lake at Paradise Bay Park Family Campground.
- Hiking and Biking: There are many trails for exploring the outdoors on foot or by bike.
- Golf: Enjoy a round of golf at nearby courses.
- Fishing and Boating: The lake is perfect for fishing and boating.
- Winter Sports: In winter, you can go skiing and snowmobiling. Peek'n Peak Four Season Resort, a popular ski resort, is less than five miles away. All the roads in the hamlet and town are approved for snowmobiles.
Shopping and Dining
The community also has charming antique and specialty shops where you can find unique treasures. After a day of fun, you can enjoy delicious meals at local restaurants. There are also cozy bed and breakfasts and country inns if you want to stay overnight.
Location and Travel
Findley Lake is located entirely within the town of Mina. It's about 19 miles east of Erie, Pennsylvania, and 27 miles west of Jamestown, New York.
Getting There
The main roads that lead to Findley Lake are State Route 426 and State Route 430. You can also easily reach Findley Lake from Interstate 86 by taking exit 4. Other smaller roads, like county routes 1 and 78, also provide access.
See also
In Spanish: Findley Lake (Nueva York) para niños
