Midway State Park

Midway State Park is a historic amusement park on the shores of Chautauqua Lake offering kiddie rides, mini-golf, go-karts, and traditional carnival games. The different areas provide entertainment options spread across the lakeside grounds for various ages.

Founded in 1898 as a trolley park destination, the site grew from simple playing fields into one of the oldest continuously operating amusement parks in North America. This transformation reflects the early growth of leisure entertainment in the region.

The carousel and vintage games show how families have made this place their destination for generations. These rides and attractions reflect the way early amusement parks brought communities together for leisure and celebration.

The park operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day with rides available during afternoon and early evening hours. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the different sections throughout the grounds.

The Hippodrome building houses a maternal colony of little brown bats in its upper sections, supporting local wildlife conservation. This surprising resident shows how the park contributes to protecting the natural world in the region.

Location: Chautauqua County

Operator: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Phone: +17163863165

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/midway/details.aspx

GPS coordinates: 42.20389,-79.42056

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42