Bemus Point Stow Ferry

Reviews

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  Chris Nemeth
8 months ago
A living piece of history! Started in 1811 as a log raft to haul farm animals across the narrows of Chautauqua Lake, the ferry continues to operate over 200 years later. Although it now takes the form of a ferry that runs with a Cummins motor along cables that run under the surface of the water, it still carries cars, bikers, and pedestrians along the same route. And after a few years on dry land receiving much needed repairs, the ferry has been upgraded thanks to the donations and efforts of those who wish to see it run for decades to come!My family has been visiting Chautauqua before my cousins and I were even born, and I can remember riding it as a kid. An an era when so much has become modernized, impersonal, and done online, it's reassuring to know such things are preserved for future generations. You can experience what travel was like before highways and bridges. This quick ride between Bemus Point and Stow provides a great view of busy Bemus Bay, and all the boat traffic surrounding it. It's conveniently located near plenty of shops and restaurants, making it a must while sightseeing nearby. Please visit and make a donation so thousands can continue to appreciate Chautauqua, New York's, and America's unique past.Today's visit was a part of pirate-themed Lake Days weekend, so the ferry and many attractions in Bemus Point were decorated to celebrate the festivities.

  ClutchTastic
10 months ago
Love the history lesson and operate on tips to help keep the ferry operating. Some state or township help from what I understand. It's what I gathered from the conversation we had with the ferry man. Super fun pair.

  Elaine Harshbarger
10 months ago
Love the fact that not only is it still in operation (It's been over 40 years since I last visited) but it's free and run by volunteers.

  Bruce Peterson
6 years ago
The ride across lake Chautauqua is as much fun today as it was for me 47yrs ago. The operator was very nice and best of all the ride is free. I

  Bob Rogers
8 months ago
One of those "must" type experiences. No set fares, donations only. A nice slow, pleasant trip across the narrows.

  Shonda Hamm
2 years ago
I remember going on the ferry as a child, always a pleasure. My mom was able to take my grandkids and daughter on the stow ferry, the operator was so pleasant to the kids. It is genuine hearts of people that make experiences like this a memory my grandkids will not forget. Oh letting them ring the bell, I heard about it for days. Thank you!

  Vanessa Taylor
a year ago
Kids loved taking the car across the lake! Great volunteers, very knowledgeable and helpful with facts and entertaining the kids. Great place, donations only highly recommend!

  Eric Montgomery
a year ago
Awesome old school experience! No charge, just donations. A part of Bemus Point history. So glad it is back up and running!!!

  pamela depas
a year ago
Always a great ride across Chautauqua lake on the ferry! Took a private ride for an 85th birthday!

  Stanley Twaroski
7 months ago
Fantastic historic treasure!

  Robert Bart
a year ago
If you have never been on an old school car ferry go enjoy the ride. Supported by donations.

  Anna Sena
5 years ago
For over 200 years, this historic ferry is a great place to visit. The ride across the lake is fun and I would highly recommend

  John Cronin
a year ago
Anytime I go to bemis I take a walk along the lake especially in the fall it's beautiful

  an originalone
6 years ago
The ride was great and the operator was very friendly and helpful. Certainly one of the best free attractions on the lake.

  Nancy Johnson
2 years ago
yeah. It's back even if only for the weekend. Thanks to all who made it possible. If u are interested in helping info is on their web site.

  Carl Swanson
2 years ago
The ferry is back!!! Join in on the great ride every weekend through the summer!

  Joe Hrab
2 years ago
Makes for a good way to bicycle around half of the lake.

  Joseph Klukan
9 months ago
A step back into the past.

  Jackie Borowski
a year ago
Just beautiful!!

  Jeff Cunningham
2 years ago
Fantastic attraction!

  joelfeagin
2 years ago
Scenic/Historic place