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 Tourism 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 their website.

Admission to the Institution

To get through the gates of the institution costs $15 for a daytime pass, $33 for day/evening, and $48 to be on the grounds from 7am to midnight, plus another $5 if you're spending the night. (That's in addition to any hotel charges.) Your gate fee gets you into all the lectures and entertainment (with the exception of opera and theater) that you can squeeze in. You can also take a dip in the lake. Additional sporting options, of which there are many, all cost extra.