Visit Jamestown, NY—where Lucille Ball’s legacy still struts in polka dots and punchlines, turning this quiet town into a laugh-out-loud road trip gem that’s anything but ordinary.
Tucked in the rolling hills of Chautauqua County, Jamestown, New York, is a town that knows how to charm your socks off. It is the birthplace of Lucille Ball. True, but it’s also a place where history, humour, and lake country beauty come together in the best way possible. Whether you’re chasing laughter at the National Comedy Centre, strolling past colourful murals, or just soaking in the cozy downtown vibes, Jamestown wraps its arms around you and says, “Stay a little longer.” If you’re craving a trip that blends culture, nostalgia, and nature without the crowds, this under-the-radar gem might be precisely what you’ve been looking for.
Getting There
Jamestown is perfectly positioned for a weekend escape. It’s about 90 minutes from Buffalo, 2 hours from Cleveland, and just under 3 hours from Pittsburgh—making it an easy detour or destination for anyone cruising through western New York or northeastern Ohio. Whether you’re coming from the Great Lakes or the Rust Belt, Jamestown is a scenic drive that rewards you with small-town magic and big laughs.
Get ready to explore the hometown of America’s comedy queen, Lucille Ball. Jamestown, New York has surprises around every corner. This travel guide lays out all the best reasons to make Jamestown your next unforgettable stop. From lakeside views and Lucy landmarks to quirky museums and colourful murals.
When you visit Jamestown, NY, it offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a great short-stay destination. Here are some of the best things to do:
The Best things to do when you visit Jamestown, NY.
I Love Lucy
If you are a fan of Lucille Ball and planning a trip to visit Jamestown, NY, with a soft spot for classic comedy, you’re in for a treat. This lakeside town doesn’t just remember Lucille Ball—it celebrates her in style. As her birthplace and hometown, Jamestown offers a series of stops that pay tribute to her life, her legacy, and the laughter she brought to millions. From interactive museums and photo-worthy murals to walking tours and local landmarks, it’s a destination that brings Lucy fans closer to the legend in personal, memorable ways.
Lucille Ball Fandom Tour
Here’s a list of places and experiences that let you connect with Lucille Ball right where it all began, when you visit Jamestown, NY:
Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum
If you’re a fan of laughter, classic television, or timeless Hollywood romance, the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum in Jamestown offers all three in one unforgettable visit. Located in Lucy’s hometown, this museum doesn’t just preserve her legacy — it immerses you in it. Nostalgia leaps off the walls as you explore meticulously recreated I Love Lucy sets — from the cozy Ricardo’s flat to Ricky’s Tropicana nightclub stage. Vintage costumes, iconic props, and real Emmy Awards surround the exhibits, while rare behind-the-scenes stories deepen your understanding of the creative powerhouse that was Desilu Studios. But it’s far from a look-but-don’t-touch experience. You can pose on Lucy’s New York flat, perform your own version of the famous Vitameatavegamin scene, and engage with interactive displays celebrating both stars’ influence on television and comedy.
Lucy’s gold-plated Mercedes? It’s inside. Vivian Vance tributes? Confirmed. And the gift shop is a treasure trove of retro collectables for genuine fans.
Bonus: While at the Museum, the staff will provide you with a map to locate many Lucille Ball locations you can visit around Jamestown – you may have to ask.
Travel Tip: Purchase admission tickets to the Lucy-Desi Museum and the nearby National Comedy Centre, offering even more laughs and legacy in a single visit. For anyone who loves Lucy—or simply enjoys a good laugh—the museum isn’t a detour. It’s a destination.
Lucille Ball’s childhood house
Nestled on a peaceful street in Celoron—now aptly renamed Lucy Lane—you’ll find the charming house where Lucille Ball spent her early years. It’s not a museum, but it doesn’t need to be; the nostalgia almost spills off the porch. The house itself is modest yet full of character, and the true highlight is the garage at the rear, decorated in a playful blue polka dot pattern inspired by Lucy’s iconic dress from *I Love Lucy*. It’s a whimsical tribute to her legacy, both personal and joyful. Standing there, you can almost picture young Lucille running through the garden, long before the cameras and fame. For visitors, it’s not just a quick drive-by—it’s a quiet, heartfelt connection to the origins of a legend.
Travel Tip: The house is privately owned by a dedicated Lucy fan, I might add, so please be very respectful. You can find an excellent video tour of the home’s interior on YouTube, provided by the owner.
Lucille Ball Memorial Park
On the shores of Chautauqua Lake in Celoron, lies Lucille Ball Memorial Park, and if you’re even a little bit of a Lucy fan, this spot is worth your time. It’s quiet, scenic, and full of charm—with picnic tables, a small playground, a lighthouse, and a lake view that’s hard to resist. But what truly makes this place memorable are the two bronze statues of Lucy. That’s right – there are two statues of Lucille Ball in this park.
The first, famously known as Scary Lucy, was unveiled in 2009 and was to capture her “vitameatavegamin” pose. However, it may have captured the spirit of the scene, but let’s just say it didn’t quite capture her beauty. It caused quite a local stir (and a fair share of memes), eventually leading to the creation of a second sculpture. Rather than remove and replace the original statue, the decision was made to keep the controversial statue and add a second one. Enter Lovely Lucy, unveiled in 2016—a beautiful, joyful portrayal of Lucy in her signature polka-dot dress, finally doing her justice.
Visit Jamestown NY’s “I Love Lucy” Murals
Jamestown wears its love for Lucille Ball on its walls—literally. Scattered throughout downtown, you’ll find a series of vibrant, larger-than-life I Love Lucy murals that turn the city into a walkable tribute to America’s favourite redhead. Painted by local father-son artists Gary Peters Sr. and Jr., each mural captures a different iconic moment from the show, and together they form a colourful trail of nostalgia that’s perfect for fans and photo ops alike. Here’s where to find them:
1. California, Here We Come!
33 Forest Ave.
This is the largest I Love Lucy mural in the world, covering 1,800 square feet. It features Lucy, Ricky, Fred, and Ethel singing their way across the George Washington Bridge in a classic road trip episode. Look closely—there are hidden details such as the episode number and initials concealed within the artwork.
2. Job Switching
18 E. 3rd St.
Lucy and Ethel are amid chaos in the famous chocolate factory scene, frantically wrapping bonbons. It’s one of the most beloved episodes, and this mural captures the hilarity with perfect detail.
3. Vitameatavegamin & Lucy & Desi
115 E. 3rd St.
Two murals share this wall: one features Lucy’s unforgettable TV commercial moment, spoon in hand and eyes crossed. The other shows Lucy and Desi together, with Lucy looking glamorous and Desi holding his signature straw hat.
4. Lucy & Desi Stamp Mural
300 E. 3rd St.
This mural recreates the 33-cent postage stamp issued in 1999 as part of the “Celebrate the Century” series. It’s a sweet, classic portrait of the couple that once graced mail across the country.
Each mural is within walking distance of the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, making it easy to turn your visit into a self-guided Lucy tour. Whether you’re snapping selfies or just soaking in the artistry, these murals are a joyful reminder of the laughter Lucy brought—and still brings—to the world.
Lucille Ball’s Gravesite Lakeview Cemetery
Lucille Ball may be gone, but her spirit remains close in Jamestown—and at Lake View Cemetery, it feels as though she’s come full circle. Originally laid to rest in California, Lucy’s ashes were returned to her hometown in 2003, where she now rests with her family beneath a simple, yet meaningful stone that reads: “You’ve Come Home.”
Getting there is part of the magic. Painted red hearts dot the cemetery road, forming what’s known as the Trail of Hearts. It is a quiet guide for visitors making their way to Lucy’s final resting place. The gravesite itself is tucked away in a peaceful corner shaded by trees. It has a gentle stillness that invites you to pause, reflect, and perhaps smile through a few tears. Fans often leave notes, flowers, even coins or small mementoes. Tiny tributes to a woman who made millions laugh, and who—after all the fame and glitter—returned to where it all began.
It’s more than just a visit—it’s a special moment.
For more famous & infamous final resting places, check out our article on Cemetery Travel: Interesting Graveyards Worth Visiting
Lucille Ball Little Theatre
Located in the centre of downtown Jamestown at 18 E. 2nd Street, the Lucille Ball Little Theatre is a treasured local landmark with strong ties to Lucy’s early history. This is where she first performed on a stage outside of school, and the building itself—once a magnificent opera house—still radiates that vintage charm. Today, it functions as a lively community theatre hosting excellent productions in a cozy, historic setting. Whether you attend a show or visit to soak up the atmosphere, it remains a key stop on any Lucille Ball tour—and a reminder that even icons start in humble beginnings.
A complete list of Lucy-themed sites to see when you visit Jamestown, NY, can be found on the LUCY TOWN TOUR.
National Comedy Center
Dive into the world of comedy with interactive exhibits celebrating humour in all its forms.
If you’re planning to visit Jamestown, NY, the National Comedy Center is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining places you’ll see. Situated in a beautifully restored 1930s train station, this 37,000-square-foot museum is a vibrant celebration of comedy. A who’s who from vaudeville, the Borscht Belt, vintage sitcoms, to stand-up legends and internet memes are featured.
What makes it truly special? It’s interactive right from the moment you walk in. You’ll receive a wristband that creates a personalized humour profile, tailoring the exhibits to your own comedy preferences. Fancy trying your hand at joke writing, cartooning, or stand-up comedy? You can. Want to see George Carlin’s handwritten notes or Lucille Ball’s personal memorabilia? They’re here too. The exhibits are clever, funny, and unexpectedly moving, demonstrating how humour has shaped culture, challenged norms, and brought people together.
Whether you’re a comedy enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a good laugh, this place is unforgettable. It’s not just a museum—it’s a playground for your funny bone.
Travel Tip: We’ve been twice to the National Comedy Center- and you will want to plan several hours to visit to make the most of this fantastic experience.
Jamestown RiverWalk
Stretching along the Chadakoin River, the Jamestown Riverwalk is a scenic, tree-lined path that turns a casual stroll into a peaceful escape. Filled with local charm, waterfront views, and public art surprises around every bend, the riverwalk is a must.
Fenton History Centre
This stately 1863 mansion of Governor Reuben Fenton tells Jamestown’s story from the ground up. The Fenton History Centre combines elegant architecture with immersive exhibits. Ranging from Civil War artefacts and Underground Railroad history to quirky local treasures, such as vintage toys and Lucy memorabilia. It’s not just a museum; it’s Jamestown’s memory book, and every room shares a chapter.
Jamestown, New York, isn’t just a dot on the map. It’s a place where stories live on through laughter, lakeside strolls, and charming corners that feel both timeless and inviting. Whether you came to connect with Lucille Ball’s legacy, explore quirky museums, or soak up small-town magic in Chautauqua County. A visit to Jamestown, NY has a way of turning moments into memories. Chances are, as you head home with a smile and perhaps a souvenir or two, you’ll already be thinking about when you’ll return.
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