The charming town of Ellicottville, surrounded by rolling hills of Western New York and striking forests, is known for its peaceful atmosphere and all-year-round outdoor adventures. In the winter, it is a wonderland attracting snow enthusiasts; come summer, the place comes alive with greenery and wild blossoms; and in fall, the forests look spectacular in bright orange, yellow, and red. Here are the 14 best things to do in Ellicottville, NY, in 2024.
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Best Things to Do in Ellicottville, NY
1. Holiday Valley Resort
Are you looking for an action-packed holiday? If so, you should visit Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville, NY, a destination packed with adventure sports. Skiing is popular in winter here, with 5 snow parks and 58 miles of terrain suitable for newbies as well as experts. It is a go-to destination for outdoor snow sports in the winter. The ski season is from November to March. When the snow melts and summer sets in, it becomes a perfect destination for hiking and biking with an extensive network of trails.
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2. Sky High Adventure Park
Things to do in Ellicottville, NY, include exploring the largest park in New York and the third largest in the US. It is a part of the Holiday Valley Resort. The highlights of the park are the Aerial Park, Climbing Forest, Chairlift Ride, sky flyer, Gem Mining, etc. In the aerial park, platforms are built in trees and are connected by bridges. You have to go from one platform to another, balancing yourself on hanging bridges. Sky flyer roller coaster takes you down the mountain in a zig-zag spiraling route through the trees.
3. Nannen Arboretum
Located a few blocks away from downtown Ellicottville, Nannen Arboretum is a non-profit botanical garden home to numerous rare trees. The garden aims to raise awareness about the beauty, diversity, and importance of trees. It is a peaceful place to take a walk and visit the lake, the Japanese Garden, the herb garden, and Nature Halls or to just sit under the trees and appreciate nature.
4. Ellicottville Salt Cave
The salt cave is popular for its salt therapy. The therapy improves the symptoms of health problems, including respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis, mental issues like stress, anxiety, and depression, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The 45-minute salt inhalation therapy session soothes your body and mind. This is also a wonderful place for meditation, mindfulness, and yoga. It is one of the best things to do in Ellicottville, NY.
5. Griffis Sculpture Park
Spread across more than 450 acres, this sprawling park is the largest sculpture park in North America. The park features about 250 sculptures. Walk through the hiking trails that run through forests, meadows, and ponds to see the unique sculptures created by the best artisans. The park is a feast for your eyes all around the year. The beautiful nature with colorful blossoms, dense greenery, and white snowy landscape helps you to destress.
6. Holimont Ski Club
This private ski club nestled in the Allegheny Mountains is a perfect location for outdoor activities and winter sports. The history of the club dates back to 1961 when the first trail was built. Today, it is the largest in North America, with eight lifts and fifty trails. Although it is a private club, it is open to the public on weekdays. Your winter comes to life here at Holimont Ski Club famous for its vibrant and warm atmosphere.
7. Ellicottville Brewing Company
Popular for finest crafted beers, the brewing company provides you with the experience of sampling a variety of beers, including ales, stouts, and others. Moreover, it offers the best American dining menus and several special events throughout the year. You will learn a lot about the beer-making process if you take a tour with their friendly and knowledgeable staff. If you are planning a private party for your friends and family, keep this place at the top of your list.
8. Ratchet Hatchet
Throwing an axe is not only fun but also a great exercise and a top cardio workout. It is an excellent choice for building abs and muscles. It boosts your mood and gets rid of your anxiety. At Ratchet Hatchet, you can have fun throwing axes. If you are new to this, you can learn how to throw axes safely from the instructors here. If you are already familiar with it, you can join a league and participate in competitive games. Axe throwing at Ratchet Hatchet is an unforgettable experience.
9. Allegany State Park
Things to do in Ellicottville NY include exploring Allegany State Park, which offers over 35 miles of hiking trails and biking trails, many designated swimming areas, numerous campgrounds, snow sports opportunities, and calm waters for boating and kayaking, Allegany State Park is rightly called the Natural Playground. Hike and bike through the scenic surroundings. Cool off in a swimming area on a hot summer day. Enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and other winter sports. Explore the waterways by boat, kayak, or canoe. This park is a haven for families, adventure seekers, nature lovers, and people of all ages and interests.
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10. Watson’s Chocolates
This family-owned shop with a history of more than 75 years, is known for its handmade chocolates. They still follow their traditional family recipes to make handcrafted chocolates. Their award-winning sponge candy is their biggest hit, and they make more than 40 tons of sponge candy every year. There is a wide variety of high-quality chocolates to choose from. Try different flavors before finding your favorite one. Your visit to Ellicottville will not be complete without tasting something from Watson’s.
11. McCarty Hill State Forest
The forest’s network of trails runs along meadows, woods, and streams. Walk leisurely observing the wildlife in their natural habitat. Hunting is permitted during some months of the year. If you love hunting, you can pursue a wide array of species, including deer, turkey, and many small mammals. In the winter months, you can enjoy skiing and snowshoeing on the forest trails. It is a serene place where you can just sit quietly, relax, and simply enjoy nature.
12. Oasis Spa
Oasis Spa is the perfect place to pamper yourself with a wide range of services, including massage therapy, manicures, pedicures, organic facials, and full-body treatments. You can also go for a couples massage with your loved one. The outdoor tub adventure is a luxury and the utmost relaxation on a cold winter day. To avoid waiting and disappointment, book in advance.
13. American Hawkeye
It is a popular outdoor adventure park offering multiple thrilling activities, including mountain biking, ziplining, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, golfing, and many more. Enjoy breathtaking views while ziplining. It will surely be an unforgettable experience forever. Hit the mountain biking trails that range from beginner to expert. Challenge yourself in rugged hiking terrains.
14. Elmers Dog Park
This dog-friendly park is a paradise for the owners and their pet dogs. The sprawling park offers numerous amenities to dogs of all breeds and sizes. The park has an off-leash area where dogs can run, play, jump, fetch, and catch. The area is fenced, and there is a separate area for smaller dogs. Your pets can make new friends and have fun. They can cool off in streams of clean water. It is an ideal place to spend some quality time with your four-legged friend.
Conclusion
Looking for things to do in Ellicottville, NY? Look no further! Ellicottville, with its stunning views and fresh air, is an ideal destination to relax and have fun. What are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to this beautiful town. Pack your bags and get ready.
