Lakeside Chautauqua

Visiting Lakeside

Plan Your Visit

Lakeside Chautauqua is a nonprofit organization and year-round destination open to all for rest, renewal, growth, and reconnection.

Nestled along the south shore of Lake Erie, our beautiful waterfront community is ideal for a relaxing daytrip, week-long summer getaway, or extended family vacation.

Our Chautauqua summer season, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, invites you to nurture mind, body, and spirit through purposeful programs in four Chautauqua pillars – religion, education, cultural arts, and recreation.

Lakeside requires guests and residents (between the ages of 5-89) to purchase a Chautauqua Pass and Auto Pass to enter the grounds during the summer. For more information, visit our Admission & Parking Fee page.

Don't forget to buy passes for your stay

Daily, weekly or, season Chautauqua Pass and Auto Pass are required for guests.

Value of a Chautauqua Pass

Lakeside’s programming is possible only through the philanthropic support of its patrons. Chautauqua Pass revenue covers only a fraction of the cost of presenting the Lakeside experience each year. A Chautauqua Pass provides admission to the grounds and the Lakeside experience and activities listed below.

Cultural Arts

Recreation & Wellness

Education

Religious Life

Available for a Nominal Fee

I’m a native of Lakeside, since as a child in the late 1940s I was a year-round resident. Although I’ve long since moved away, I have returned periodically to enjoy Lakeside’s unparalleled beauty, serenity, relaxation, inspiration, and fun. As an historian, I’ve written about the importance of the Chautauqua movement as a key to revitalizing American democracy in the late 19th century. Nothing is more important in the early 21st century than revitalizing our democracy. As a grandfather, I’d rank family fun pretty high on the list, too. Lakeside is, simply put, unique.
Dr. Robert Putnam

Maps & Directions

Lakeside Chautauqua is located in Ohio on the Marblehead Peninsula, halfway between Toledo and Cleveland on Lake Erie’s south shore. It’s easily accessible from the east or west via Interstate 90, Route 2 and Route 163. There are many attractions and historical sites within a short driving distance.

Prior to your arrival, purchase admission and parking, download the Lakeside Chautauqua Map, view parking options and review information where to pick up your Chautauqua Passes and Auto Passes.

From Cleveland: Follow Interstate 90 W to Route 2 W (Interstate 90 becomes Route 2 just past Elyria). Follow Route 2 W to the Route 269 N, Exit 125A Lakeside/Marblehead (the first exit after the Sandusky Bay Bridge). On the exit ramp, veer to the left (Exit 125A) and follow Route 269 N to Route 163 E; at the light turn right onto East Harbor Road (Route 163). Once on East Harbor Road (Route 163) travel for approximately 4.5 miles until you reach the South Gate entrance to Lakeside Chautauqua and turn left into the parking lot. Proceed to the Welcome Center or the South Gate to purchase Chautauqua Passes and an Auto Pass or to collect your ‘will call’ passes.

From Toledo: Follow Route 2 E to Route 269 N, Exit 125 Lakeside/Marblehead. On the exit ramp, veer to the left (Exit 125A) and follow Route 269 N to Route 163 E; at the light turn right onto East Harbor Road (Route 163). Once on East Harbor Road (Route 163) travel for approximately 4.5 miles until you reach the South Gate entrance to Lakeside Chautauqua and turn left into the parking lot. Proceed to the Welcome Center or the South Gate to purchase Chautauqua Passes and an Auto Pass or to collect your ‘will call’ passes.

From Columbus: Follow Route 23 N to Route 98 N to Route 4 N to Route 2 W. Take Route 2 W to the Route 269 N, Exit 125A Lakeside/Marblehead (the first exit after the Sandusky Bay Bridge). On the exit ramp, veer to the left (Exit 125A) and follow Route 269 N to Route 163 E; at the light turn right onto East Harbor Road (Route 163). Once on East Harbor Road (Route 163) travel for approximately 4.5 miles until you reach the South Gate entrance to Lakeside Chautauqua and turn left into the parking lot. Proceed to the Welcome Center or the South Gate to purchase Chautauqua Passes and an Auto Pass or to collect your ‘will call’ passes.

From Dayton/Cincinnati: Follow Interstate 75 N to Route 12 N to Route 53 N to Route 2 E. Continue following Route 2 E until you reach the Route 269 N, Exit 125 Lakeside/Marblehead. On the exit ramp, veer to the left (Exit 125A) and follow Route 269 N to Route 163 E; at the light turn right onto East Harbor Road (Route 163). Once on East Harbor Road (Route 163) travel for approximately 4.5 miles until you reach the South Gate entrance to Lakeside Chautauqua and turn left into the parking lot. Proceed to the Welcome Center or the South Gate to purchase Chautauqua Passes and an Auto Pass or to collect your ‘will call’ passes.

From the South Gate entrance: Follow the road to Maple Avenue and turn left. Continue to follow Maple Avenue until you have reached Third Street and turn right. The Lakeside Chautauqua Administration Office entrance is on the corner of Walnut Avenue and Third Street on the left. During the summer, parking is limited on the grounds; therefore, to assure your vehicle has a parking space, guests are asked to park in the South Gate Parking Lot (off State Route 163), and use the shuttle service to visit the downtown business district. Ample space is available at the South Gate Parking Lot and requires an Auto Pass during the Chautauqua summer season.

From the South Gate entrance: Follow the road to Maple Avenue and turn left. Continue to follow Maple Avenue until you have reached the Fountain Inn (225 Maple Ave.) on your right. During the summer, parking is limited on the grounds; therefore, to assure your vehicle has a parking space, guests are asked to park in the South Gate Parking Lot (off State Route 163), and use the shuttle service to visit the downtown business district. Ample space is available at the South Gate Parking Lot and requires an Auto Pass during the Chautauqua summer season. When you arrive, we suggest you temporarily park along the curb near the Fountain Inn to unload and check in. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the Fountain Inn and requires an Auto Pass during the Chautauqua summer season. If there is an available spot in this lot, you are welcome to park there.

From the South Gate entrance: Follow the road to Maple Avenue and turn left. Continue to follow Maple Avenue until you have reached Hotel Lakeside (150 Maple Ave.) on your left. During the summer, parking is limited on the grounds; therefore, to assure your vehicle has a parking space, guests are asked to park in the South Gate Parking Lot (off State Route 163), and use the shuttle service to visit the downtown business district. Ample space is available at the South Gate Parking Lot and requires an Auto Pass during the Chautauqua summer season. When you arrive, we suggest you temporarily park along the curb near the Hotel Lakeside to unload and check in. There is a small parking lot behind Hotel Lakeside and requires an Auto Pass during the Chautauqua summer season. If there is an available spot in this lot, you are welcome to park there.