Silver Lake NY — Things to Do in Wyoming County's Best Kept Secret

Beautiful sunset view of Silver Lake NY with dock and Adirondack chairs

Tucked away in Wyoming County in Western New York, Silver Lake is one of the region's most beloved destinations — and one of its best kept secrets. Whether you're a local or planning your first visit, there's something for everyone on and around this beautiful lake. And yes, watch out for the sea serpent. 🐉

 

Get Out on the Water

Silver Lake is made for getting out on the water. Silver Lake Marine has been serving the lake for nearly fifty years and is recognized as one of the Top 100 Boating Dealerships in the U.S.A. They offer luxury pontoon boat rentals, stand-up paddleboard rentals, and picnic facilities right on the water. Whether you're kayaking, paddleboarding, floating with friends, or just soaking up the sun — Silver Lake is your happy place.

 

Silver Lake is also a popular fishing destination, known for bass, perch, and pike. Silver Lake State Park offers a public boat launch with docks available April through mid-October. In the winter, the docks come out — but ice fishing is a local favorite, just walk out and drop a line! The park also features picnic pavilions and year-round access, open daily 6am–11pm.

Tee It Up

Silver Lake Golf Course offers 18 holes of championship golf nestled right on the shores of Silver Lake in Perry, NY. The course winds through mature hardwoods with stunning lake views — a challenge for every skill level and one of the most scenic rounds you'll play in Western New York.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

No visit to Silver Lake is complete without a stop at the Charcoal Corral — a Western New York institution. Char-grilled burgers, a pizzeria, a drive-in movie theater, mini golf, a gem mining sluice, and Perry's Ice Cream all under one roof. It's the perfect stop after a day at Letchworth State Park, and kids absolutely love it.

For the craft beer lovers, Silver Lake Brewing Project in Perry is a must. This community-built microbrewery on Borden Ave pours creative craft beers in a warm, welcoming taproom. Open Wednesday through Sunday — just three miles from Letchworth's Perry entrance.

Explore Letchworth State Park

Just minutes from Silver Lake, Letchworth State Park is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East" — and for good reason. Dramatic gorges, three major waterfalls, and miles of trails make it one of New York's most spectacular parks. For the ultimate experience, Balloons Over Letchworth offers breathtaking hot air balloon rides right over the falls. 🎈

History, Community & Culture

Silverlaken Estate — Wyoming County's 2024 Tourism Attraction of the Year — is a beautifully restored historic property on the lake's shore, with roots dating back to the 1800s. Silverlaken offers charming individual tiny house campsites, perfect for a cozy lakeside getaway unlike anything else in the region. And the Silver Lake Institute, founded in 1857, continues to offer summer concerts, lectures, and workshops in a setting that celebrates community, the arts, and the natural beauty of the lake.

Take a Piece of Silver Lake Home

I Love Silver Lake NY is an online-only store — no need to visit us in person, we deliver right to your door! Whether you're a lifelong local, have roots at the lake and miss it, or you're a first-time visitor who fell in love with Silver Lake, you can order from anywhere. Shop our collection of apparel, drinkware, tote bags, and gifts, all inspired by the lake and its most famous resident — the Silver Lake Sea Serpent. 🐉