Introduction to the Chautauqua Institute

A small town in western New York near the lake the town is named for lies Chautauqua.

This small town offers big experiences in the Chautauqua Institute learning center that gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A rich history, prominent present and a promising future makes the Chautauqua Institute a vital part of America and the world.

The Chautauqua Institution is a gated community open for a nine week season and offers a full agenda of lectures and religion as well as a wide variety of activities.

Known to be an enriching summertime center for study, relaxation and inspiration the season is made sacred almost as the small winding streets and gardens as well as the Victorian style homes charm with a unique village setting that permits no motor vehicles on the grounds save for deliveries.

This sets the disposition for the Chautauqua Institution during the season to provide the old style slow paced setting for the important educational and spiritual retreat.

In the off season the Chautauqua community remains small; however, the Smith Memorial library and the Athenaeum Hotel as well as several small shops remain open.

Even in the off season people are drawn to Chautauqua as behind the scenes planning for the next season runs in full gear. Sitting atop a tree shaded hill the grand Athenaeum Hotel overlooks picturesque Chautauqua Lake on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institute.

Even in the off season of the Institute you experience the quiet lifestyle of a bygone era as you meander quietly down brick walks that wind under the shade of huge maple trees that beckon to ease your stress.

The county of Chautauqua encompasses 1065 square miles with six lakes and about 50 miles of the Lake Erie shoreline.

Nearby are the two major cities, Jamestown and Dunkirk as well as an additional 27 towns and 15 villages that nestle into the woodlands and along the lakes. While touring all of Chautauqua County you can visit and enjoy the Roger Tory Peterson Nature Center, Lucy-Desi Museum and the Chautauqua Gorge.

That is if you manage to pull your self away from the serene heartbeat of the Chautauqua Institution’s nurturing embrace.