Things to do in Jamestown

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Jamestown

Things to Do in Jamestown

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Top Attractions in Jamestown

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Theatres
The Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown, Inc. got its start in 1920 as “The Players Club”; a regional community theater group. In 1929, a young woman named Lucille Ball was cast in a play called “Within the Law”; this was Lucy’s first acting experience outside of school. In 1936, George and Harriet Warren came to Jamestown with experience from the Cleveland Playhouse and were hired as permanent, paid directors. The Warrens spearheaded the evolution of “The Players Club” into a new organization called “The Little Theatre of Jamestown”. The Little Theatre presented a full season of productions with revenue from annual memberships. From 1936 to 1945, membership grew from 1,100 to 5,400 Season Tickets; making Little Theater the largest membership theatre in the United States at the time. After continued growth and hugely successful seasons a permanent location was sought to house the organization. Jamestown's longest running entertainment facility, known as Shea's Theater, located at 18 East Second Street had recently become available. It was decided to proceed with the purchase of the historic building and to create a smaller theatre inside the old one. The ornate, Italian renaissance 2,000 seat auditorium was covered and scaled down to a 400-seat auditorium with a large front lobby area. A minimalist design approach was taken for the creation of the new home of the organization. The new theatre held its grand opening on April 19, 1969. In 1990, Jamestown’s most famous person, Lucille Ball, passed away. A formal dedication was held on May 24, 1991 to rename the theatre in her honor, with her daughter Lucie Arnaz and family in attendance. In December 2015, the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown will enter its 79th Season of celebrating the performing arts through live theatre, entertainment, education and community involvement. The organization remains New York State’s longest-running community theater.
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What travellers are saying

  • BoardingPass397677
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really enjoyed our visit . Great staff, very helpful and friendly. My husband and I spent 4 hours there and are hoping for a return visit!
    Written October 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • steve o
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are many exhibits, props, pictures of both the show and the personal lives of Lucy and Desi. I learned a lot of things. I highly recommend this museum.

    Written October 21, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Shirley A
    Elkton, MD142 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was my second visit to her grave and paying respects to a favorite comedian was bittersweet. So glad her family sent her to be buried with her family and me me wonder if either of her children would be inclined to be with her or with Desi.

    I may be in the minority with my opinion, but I feel it’s disrespectful that prior visitors wrote messages to her on the walkway and a heart was drawn at the bottom of her headstone in red lipstick.
    Written October 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Etta Miller
    Grove City, PA13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Out of the way chocolate shop. You need to stop buy and check the place out.

    I love the salted caramels! And the turtles were delicious.

    Love to visit small businesses on our trips and this is a good place to check out.
    Written October 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lori G
    North Port, FL79 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I love seeing how ones lived in this time period. The furnishings are beautiful. The home of a former governor of NY state is well maintained. The most unique displays were in the basement. See how they plowed the streets in the late 1800's early 1900's. There is a beautiful collection of antique buttons from men's and women's garments which I have never seen anything like it in all the mansions I have toured. My husband enjoyed the display of early automobiles and how car racing got its start in the area. (I think that was a travelling display, not sure if it is there all the time.)
    I have also used the historic library to research other old photos of building in Jamestown. It is a nice size without being too long for those that are older and can not stand for long periods of time. The special event days throughout the year are worth attending too.
    Written October 8, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stiegjl
    Cheektowaga, NY383 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were in that area for a few days and was suggested by hotel. We were not disappointed. Our tour guide (Burt) was great. We really had no idea about Jackson, but by the time we left, we were amazed. Our stay was about 1 1/2hr and well worth it. If you are in the area I recommend you coming here.
    Written March 7, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • pshurd
    Everywhere USA906 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Friends took us to see Liberty, the captive wounded eagle and we took the short trail to the Wildlife viewing area. It is well maintained with viewing platforms & benches. Definitely worth the stop & seems to be expanding too.
    Written July 18, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • parrots2
    Long Island, NY266 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Saw Jersey Boys. Very good production. Cast did a great job. Tickets are quite reasonable. We bought them in advance online.
    Written May 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BJB5
    Jamestown, New York, United States34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are looking for a place to get some great local hockey and be super comfortable, head to the rink. The ice skaters are top notch as well and this is a family friendly building.
    Written August 27, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • William K
    Erie, PA49 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing collection of stuffed birds. Wonderful photography especially of ospreys. Comprehensive book store.
    Written July 5, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Henry
    United States6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went sledding when my wife and I visited in February. We went to the Comedy Center and went sledding.. 30 yr old bodies do not recover as fast as 20 yr old bodies!
    Written August 26, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MrClean392
    Charles Town, WV3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spending a weekend in the Jamestown area, and happened upon a real gem! Met Mic, the proprietor, and the rest of the staff, and they treated us like family. We so thoroughly enjoyed our short time spent with them. From the screening of "Thankskilling", to a tour of the facility, to taking over as the DJ, and just getting to know some really great folks, it was an experience that we'll not soon forget. I would not hesitate to visit again, to recommend a visit, or to recommend the spirits to anyone.

    Thanks so much Mic and the rest of the crew! Dex and I look forward to our next visit to the area!
    Written November 15, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jamestown


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