14 Best Things to Do in Jamestown, New York (2024)

Article Highlights

National Comedy Center
Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, Jamestown, New York
Audubon Community Nature Center, Jamestown, New York
Fenton History Center, Jamestown, New York
Complete List & Map

National Comedy Center

Formally designed in 2019 by the United States Congress, the National Comedy Center in Jamestown is the official museum and cultural institution of America dedicated to the presentation of comedy’s vital story, as well as the preservation of its heritage for both present and future generations. The National Comedy Center provides a unique guest experience through personalization, interactivity, and state-of-the-art technology to create a true 21st-century museum environment. The museum features exclusive collections and over fifty interactive exhibits delving into every genre and style of comedy, ranging from slapstick and vaudeville acts live stand-up to cartoons and internet memes.

203 W 2nd St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-484-2222

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, Jamestown, New York

The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum is a must-see attraction during a trip to Jamestown, New York for any fan of the show, however, the museum offers a number of engaging exhibits and content for younger visitors or newbies to the iconic show as well. The masterful physical comedy of Lucille Ball provided an accessible charm that nearly anyone is able to get behind and inside the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, visitors will find a recreated Tropicana night club, behind-the-scenes looks at how the show was made, a booth allowing guests to create their own Vitametavegamin commercial, numerous costumes, and sets.

2 W 3rd St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-484-0800

Audubon Community Nature Center, Jamestown, New York

The Audubon Community Nature Center was established to build and nurture connections between nature and people by offering knowledge for people to act everyday in environmentally responsible ways, opportunities for learning about and understanding the natural world, and positive outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore nearly six hundred acres of wetlands and around five miles of nature trails through educational gardens and the native tree arboretum. The Audubon Community Nature Center also provides an area for picnics and numerous exhibits about many of the animals in the local area. Guests can also see several live animals, like an American bald eagle.

1600 Riverside Rd, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-569-2345

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Fenton History Center, Jamestown, New York

Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History

Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History was established to both honor and continue Roger Tory Peterson’s work of fostering understanding, protection, and appreciation for the natural world. The institute today provides educational nature programs and events for all ages, interprets natural history materials, and is home to numerous museum exhibits. The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History is also a leader in the region’s plant and wildlife management and conservation. More things to do in NY

311 Curtis St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-665-2473

Robert H. Jackson Center, Jamestown, New York

The Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown, New York was founded to honor the legacy of Robert H. Jackson, a former Chautauqua County lawyer who later had a significant impact on national and world affairs as the Solicitor General, the United States Attorney General, a United State Supreme Court Justice, and particularly as the Chief United States Prosecutor during the Nuremberg War Trials. His legacy has become an important beacon for his ideals of human decency, fairness, and justice and the Robert H. Jackson Center aims to continue this legacy. The center is open Monday to Friday, and Saturdays during the summer.

305 E 4th St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-483-6646

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Northwest Arena, Jamestown, New York

Jamestown’s Northwest Arena is a place that is particularly popular during the summer months, offering a destination for cooling off and having fun. The arena is home to an ice skating rink open year-round, with a special Public Skate discount offered throughout the summer season. Locals and tourists alike can also catch one of the hockey games when the Jamestown Rebels are in town, as well as several other special events throughout the year. The multi-purpose Northwest Arena contains two NHL-regulation ice pads, offering an ideal venue for figure skating, hockey, ice show, and tournaments, as well as ice bumper cars.

Lucille Ball Little Theatre, Jamestown, New York

The Lucille Ball Little Theatre is a community theater in Jamestown, New York that puts on five major theater productions every year between the months of September and May, as well as their annual Junior Guilders Show. Each of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre’s plays is presented to the public for two weekends, while the musicals are performed for three weekends. Lucille Ball is considered to be the most famous local personality of Jamestown, having been born and educated in the city. Lucille Ball’s first experience in acting was with the little theatre in Jamestown, which is now named in her honor.

18 E 2nd St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-483-1095

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Shawbucks, Jamestown, New York

Shawbucks is well-known in the Jamestown community as a live entertainment venue, as well as a casual, unique dining establishment housed within an old printing factory. Lunch and dinner are offered in the venue’s family-friendly Press Room, while a late-night menu, appetizers, small plates, and bar bites are served in the Bar area. Shawbucks also offers Wing Night on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For sports fans, the restaurant shows games at the bar, including the NFL Sunday ticket, with food served from 1:00pm until 10:00pm. As for the live entertainment, Shawbucks has hosted a variety of comedians, musical acts, and bands.

212 West 2nd St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-487-2201

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Pearl City Hops, Jamestown, New York

Pearl City Hops is a “gastro-inspired eatery” situated within the heart of the downtown area of Jamestown, New York, serving as a hub for the area’s local beer scene. Acting as a home base for visitors exploring the area or locals catching a hockey game at the nearby Northwest Arena, Pearl City Hops offers a laid-back atmosphere that’s combined with a slightly upscale feel that’s great for gathering with friends. The gastropub-style restaurant serves a variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, paired with a thirst-quenching drink menu featuring a mix of classic beers and local brewery creations.

150 W 4th St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-488-7227

Peterson’s Candies

Peterson’s Candies is an old-fashioned confectioner which has been producing much-loved candies for more than 90 years. Most of the candies produced in the Candy Kitchen are still made the old-fashioned way, using recipes handed down from one generation to the next. Peterson’s endeavor to keep things local by sourcing as many of their ingredients and packaging as possible from local producers. Although you will often spot a new and exciting candy or confection, you can relax in the knowledge that your old favorites will always have a place at Peterson’s Candies. They also specialize in personalized candies for weddings and functions. You can order online but to see the whole range of deliciousness you need to visit their Jamestown store.

Peterson’s Candies, 743 Busti-Sugar Grove Road, Jamestown, NY 14701, 716 487 1595

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Things to Do in Jamestown, New York: Busti Grist Mill

The historic Busti Grist Mill dates back to 1839 and is today preserved and showcased by the Busti Historical Society, who also maintains the Miller’s House, the Busti Museum and a demonstration building. The well-preserved old mill, which closed in 1959, has been restored and is fully functional. During its long working life the mill produced cornmeal, wheat flour and buckwheat flour and was a great asset to the Jamestown community. If you would like to visit the old mile you can arrange a private tour, as the mill is generally only open to the public during the annual Apple Festival, held on the last Sunday of September.

Busti Grist Mill, 3443 Lawson Rd, Jamestown, NY 14701, 716 763 7738

Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame

The Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame is a must-see attraction for all sports enthusiasts. Here you can learn all about the dedicated athletes who thrilled countless sport fans during their heyday. The Hall of Fame displays the personal stories of more than 220 inductees through photos, audio recordings, articles and sports memorabilia. Just about all sporting categories are covered including soft ball, ice hockey, bowling, shooting, baseball, football, wrestling, boxing, racing and more. In addition, the Hall of Fame honors many of the coaches and administrators who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to coax the best out of their athletes.

Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, 15 West 3rd Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, 716 484 2272

14 Best Things to Do in Jamestown, New York:

1. National Comedy Center
2. Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, Jamestown, New York
3. Audubon Community Nature Center, Jamestown, New York
4. Fenton History Center, Jamestown, New York
5. Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History
6. Robert H. Jackson Center, Jamestown, New York
7. Northwest Arena, Jamestown, New York
8. Lucille Ball Little Theatre, Jamestown, New York
9. Shawbucks, Jamestown, New York
10. Pearl City Hops, Jamestown, New York
11. Peterson’s Candies
12. Things to Do in Jamestown, New York: Busti Grist Mill
13. Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame

Conclusion

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Jamestown, New York is home to the National Comedy Center, Comedy Park, and the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. In addition to all the laughs this interesting town inspires, Jamestown also provides many ways to get out in nature, learn about history, and enjoy a variety of recreational activities for people of all ages. For locals and tourists who are over the age of twenty-one, the town also offers an array of spirits and craft brews to sample.