Cattaraugus County - 18 Attractions You Must Visit

Allegany State Park in Cattaraugus County, New York is a stunning 65,000-acre wilderness that is popular with outdoor adventurers and nature lovers alike. It is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, offering guests ample opportunities to explore its forests, meadows, streams, and ponds. Visitors can also enjoy a multitude of activities, ranging from camping and fishing to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Allegany Reservoir is a man-made lake located in Cattaraugus County, New York. Spanning over 14,000 acres, it is the largest lake in the state. The reservoir was created in 1965 when the Allegheny River was dammed, resulting in a large body of water surrounded by lush green forests and picturesque mountain views. The lake was created to provide water for the region’s population, but today it also serves as a popular recreational area.

The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels is a historic Catholic church located in New York. The current structure was built in 1911 and is a replica of the original, which was built in 1845. The Basilica serves as the spiritual home of the Seneca Nation of Indians, who have been worshipping there since the 1940s. The Basilica contains several works of religious art, including a pair of statues of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and an elaborate stained-glass window depicting the life of Jesus.

The Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building in Cattaraugus, New York, is a museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the county’s rich history. Established in 1868, the museum features several exhibits highlighting local history, including military artifacts, agricultural equipment, and domestic tools. The museum also houses the Cattaraugus County Historical Society, which was founded in 1867, and provides a variety of educational programs and events.

The Glen Burn Trail is a 3.5-mile trail located in East Aurora, New York, near the Nannen Arboretum. The trail passes through a variety of terrain including woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. It is well-marked and includes a variety of vegetation and wildlife, such as birds, wildflowers, and deer. The trail also provides access to an observation platform, a picnic area, and several small bridges over streams. The trail is open year-round and is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

Griffis Sculpture Park is an outdoor museum featuring over 250 sculptures, ranging from whimsical animal shapes to abstract works of art. The park is located near Holiday Valley Resort, making it an ideal place to explore during a winter or summer getaway. Visitors can wander through the paths among the sculptures, exploring the creative works of art and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the park. The park also offers educational programs, special events, and art classes for visitors.

Holiday Valley Resort is an award-winning resort located in Ellicottville, New York. It is the largest ski and snowboard resort in the western New York region and features a full range of skiing, snowboarding, tubing and other winter activities. During the summer, Holiday Valley Resort offers golf, hiking, biking, zip lining and other outdoor activities. Visitors can also take advantage of the resort's waterpark, shopping, dining, lodging and family-friendly entertainment.

Mount Tuscarora is a 1,776-foot tall mountain located in the Genesee Valley region. It is a popular destination for hikers, featuring trails of various difficulty levels. The summit provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, foxes, and deer. The mountain is also home to the historic former Cattaraugus and Genesee Railway, which used to deliver coal and other resources to the region until its closing in 1921.

Nannen Arboretum is a 53-acre arboretum located in the village of East Aurora. Founded in 1922, it is home to some of the oldest trees in Western New York. The arboretum is home to over 1,000 species of trees, shrubs, and woody plants, with collections of oaks, maples, and conifers being particularly abundant. It also features a wide variety of plants native to the region, including wildflowers, ferns, and grasses. The park also boasts a butterfly garden, vegetable garden, and a pond.

The New York and Lake Erie Rail Road (NY&LERR) is a historic railway route linking the towns of East Aurora and Buffalo, New York. The railway opened in 1868 and was later extended from East Aurora to Rochester via the Rochester and State Line Railroad. During its heyday, the NY&LERR served as a vital transportation route for freight and passengers, providing an important link between East Aurora and the nearby city of Buffalo.

Quaker Lake is a lake located south of Coldspring, New York. Fish species present in the lake are rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and black bullhead. There is a state owned carry down launch located in Allegany State Park off NY-280.[2] The state park also offers a swimming area and facilities on the lake.

Red House Lake is an artificial lake located within Allegany State Park in Red House, New York. Fish species present in the lakes are brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. There is a state owned beach launch located 6 miles south of Salamanca. No motors are allowed on the lake.[3]

Rock City State Forest is a 4,000-acre nature reserve located in the Adirondack region of New York. Established in 1969, the forest is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, with a vast array of trees, plants, and wildflowers to explore. Visitors to the forest can find a variety of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, hiking, and biking. The forest also features a wide variety of rock formations and outcrops, including a number of caves and crevices to explore.

The Salamanca Rail Museum in Cattaraugus, New York, is a museum that celebrates the history of railroading in the region. Founded in 2000, the museum showcases a variety of railroad artifacts, including a historic locomotive and caboose, both of which date back to the early 20th century. Visitors can also explore a variety of interpretive exhibits that explain the railroad industry’s impact on the local economy and the region’s culture.

Tucked away in the heart of Cattaraugus County, is Science Lake – an oasis of natural beauty and serenity. This lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as fishing, kayaking, swimming and bird watching. Visitors to the area can also explore the picturesque surroundings and observe the abundance of wildlife that calls the lake home. The lake is also home to a number of historic sites such as the Nannen Arboretum and the Salamanca Rail Museum.

The Seneca Iroquois National Museum is a one-of-a-kind learning center located on the Allegany Territory of the Seneca Nation of Indians in Salamanca, New York. Founded in 1971, the museum is dedicated to educating the public on the history, culture, and art of the Seneca and Iroquois people. The museum is open all year and houses a variety of exhibits, programs, and resources which include artifacts, oral histories, audiovisual programs, and traditional arts and crafts.

Thunder Rocks, located in Cattaraugus, New York, is a unique geological formation that features an array of intriguing shapes and structures. Carved into a hillside, the rocks range in size from tiny pebbles to large boulders, and are composed of a variety of minerals including quartz, mica, feldspar, and garnet. The rocks were formed more than 300 million years ago during a period of intense tectonic activity, and are believed to have been created by thunderbolts from the gods.

Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area, located in western New York, is an outdoor paradise boasting breathtaking scenery and plenty of recreational opportunities. It spans over 4,000 acres, making it one of the most expansive natural regions in the state. Camping, canoeing, hiking, fishing, and hunting are all popular activities in the area. Visitors can explore the stunning scenery of the Zoar Valley Gorge, which offers some of the most beautiful views of the region.