Mina: Findley Lake and Local History

Findley Lake combines a varied shoreline landscape in Mina with a past shaped by water power. The lake is artificial: in 1815, Alexander Findley built a dam to power his mill; two ponds became the lake as a result. Alongside activities on the water, this history gives the area a historical dimension.

The Lake, French Creek, and Activities on the Water

Findley Lake has two islands in the Town of Mina; the water and shoreline change in appearance with the light, temperature, and seasons. The lake is part of French Creek, one of the most biodiverse streams east of the Mississippi; its outflow passes through the stream, which once powered numerous mills. Findley Lake is considered the second-largest body of water in Chautauqua County.

Boating, paddling, and fishing are popular activities on Findley Lake. Ice fishing is permitted in winter when the ice cover is sufficient. Pontoon boats, paddleboards, and kayaks are available for seasonal rental at 2745 Shadyside Road in Findley Lake. Check in advance whether rentals are available during your travel dates. There is a launch site for non-motorized boats on the lake operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC); the site has parking for ten cars. An accessible fishing platform is also available. The Town of Mina also has a boat launch and a separate kayak launch platform on Findley Lake. Both are accessible from the parking lot via a paved concrete path with railings. Check current conditions at the launch sites before your visit.

Mills, Archives, and Local Culture

On the southwest shore of Findley Lake, the Lakeside Assembly welcomed visitors from the region during the summers of 1895 to 1915. It was one of the smaller Chautauqua assemblies; its programs were every bit as good as those of the Chautauqua Assembly at the Chautauqua Institution. The Lakeside Assembly later closed due to declining demand and financial difficulties. Its history adds a distinct cultural thread to the area’s milling past.

The Findley Lake & Mina Historical Society is located in the Community Center on North Road in Findley Lake. It offers programs and tours about the history of the Town of Mina and Findley Lake, and documents community events as well as interviews with older residents. The Heritage Room in the Community Building preserves documents, photographs, maps, family records, and old newspapers; three-dimensional archival items are on display. These include artifacts relating to the history of an original Lakeside Assembly log cabin.

Swartz Mill also represents the area’s history: it is one of the last surviving water-powered grist mills in Chautauqua County. The intact 19th-century structure is no longer in operation and recalls the area’s agricultural and industrial past. A mural at the Findley Lake Fire Hall, created by local artists, depicts defining scenes from Findley Lake and celebrates local heritage, nature, and community pride.

The Alexander Findley Community Library in Findley Lake offers books, Wi-Fi, computers and printing services, genealogical research, free monthly programs, and special events. It also provides access to a regional network of 37 libraries.

When looking for a vacation rental in Mina, the mix you want is a useful place to start: should the lake, with boating, paddling, and fishing, shape your stay, or are you more interested in mill history, archives, and local culture?

Discover more destinations: Jamestown, Mayville, Frewsburg, Bemus Point, Panama, Falconer, Clymer, Dunkirk

For the broader travel overview: Chautauqua.