Silver Lake is a small glacial-created lake in Wyoming County. The lake covers 836 acres and has approximately 7.4 miles of shoreline, with a maximum depth of 37 feet. This lake is a favorite for fishing, especially ice fishing.
History
Silver Lake has a fun history that stems from the so-called sighting of a mythical lake monster. 1855, 4 men out fishing swore that they encountered a 60-foot sea serpent with red glowing eyes. Subsequently, numerous sightings were reported after that and the Town of Perry experience a huge economic boom for its tourism industry due to the legend, bringing people from all over to look for the elusive Silver Lake Serpent.
Eventually, the legend was proven to be a farce, only created to bring in tourists to help build up the business around the lake.
What to do
Silver Lake is a fun family destination with lots of parks, nature, and entertaining activities. There is literally something for everyone.
Silver Lake Drive-In and Charcoal Corral
This is a great family destination and it has all sorts of fun entertainment for the entire family in addition to the twin drive-in theater such as miniature golf, 40 ft mining sluice, ice cream, free concerts, inflatables, and car shows.
Mount Morris Dam
Free Tour the Mount Morris Dam are given daily from April 15-October 25. This Dam was built (and is still maintained) by the Army Corp of Engineers in 1948. This Dam is the largest of its kind east of the Mississippi River. Tours are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Balloons Over Letchworth
This is a one in a lifetime way to experience the beauty and majesty of Letchworth State Park and the Waterfalls in the Genesee River. This company launches from inside Letchworth State Park and provides incredible views of all the marvels of the park.
Prehistoric World
See exotic reptiles, amphibians, and plants from around the world. Even on the coldest winter days in, Prehistoric World, it’s always summer. This is a fun place for kids because they encourage guests to hold and interact with all the animals.
Adventure Calls Outfitters
For those with a taste of adventure, this company will take visitors to whitewater rafting in the rapids of the Genesee River. These trips are family-friendly and are accompanied by a trained guide. Families have the opportunity to see some of the enjoy the views of Letchworth State Park from a perspective that many people have never experienced, the bottom of the gorge.
Wolcott Farms
This farm is a fun destination for animal lovers. Enjoy a 1.5 to a 3-hour trail ride on the farm’s friendly horses through the hills of Wyoming County. Each trail ride comes with a horseback riding lesson.
Parks, Hiking, and Nature Watching
Silver Lake State Park
Located on West Lake Rd in Castille, this is a small State Park with a boat launch. Silver Lake State Park picnic tables with campfire rings are positioned right along the water. It is an excellent place to fish and enjoy a quiet afternoon enjoying the lake.
Letchworth State Park
“The Grand Canyon of The East” Letchworth State Park is the most popular state park in New York State. It has the honor of being voted America’s best state park for several years. This park features a scenic drive that follows the Genesee River gorge as it winds through the park. There are several impressive and beautiful waterfalls in the park as well.
Boating
The Public Boat Launch for Silver Lake is at Silver Lake State Park. There is a charge of $6/vehicle. All Crafts including boats on trailers can be launched from here.
Boat Rentals
If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent a party barge or a stand-up paddleboard at the Silver Lake Marina.
Fishing
Silver Lake is a popular fishing destination. Local fish in the lake are Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, black crappie, and brown bullhead. There is very dense aquatic vegetation in both the north and south end of the lake providing an excellent environment for fishing.
Ice Fishing-
Silver Lake has excellent ice fishing and ice fisherman have special lake access at the Village of Perry Park and Public Beach.
Where to Eat
The Whole in the Wall
Traditional fare such as burgers and woodfire pizza as well as world-class entrees that tempt your taste buds with their culinary flare such as a prime rib, lobster savannah, or Sauteed beef liver in a marsala wine reduction.
Silver Lake Drive-in and Charcoal Corral
Enjoy some of the best food around, everything from Pizza and burgers to southwest BBQ and pasta. Follow it up with some delicious Ice Cream from their Ice Cream parlor.
The Lumberyard Restaurant
Stop in on Sundays and enjoy The Lumberyard’s soup and salad bar and Sunday Brunch. Lunch and Dinner are served Tuesday-Friday. The Lumberyard has a first-class menu and serves up everything from steak and seafood to pasta at reasonable prices.
Silver Lake Family Restaurant
This is a great restaurant with a full menu- serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This restaurant has daily specials. Stop in and enjoy their amazing fish fry or Greek gyro plate.
Where to Stay
Hotels and Inns
Country Inn & Suites
This hotel is located 5 minutes from Letchworth and comes with a free breakfast.
Glen Iris Inn
The Historic Glen Iris Inn was the home of William Pryor Letchworth. Today it is a restaurant and Inn. The Glen Iris offers several places for visitors to stay including the Pinewood Lodge, Caroline Cottage, The Stone House, and the Chalet.
Cottage Rentals
Want to stay right on Silver Lake? Rent a lakeside cottage on Airbnb. These rentals are always guaranteed and quite nice. These rentals sometimes even come with lake access and occasionally come with kayaks or canoes.
Camping
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth has 257 campsites as well as 81 rustic cabins. You can view pictures of the campsites on Campadk.com. Letchworth State Park is very popular for camping, so advanced reservations are usually required.
Make reservations on the Reserve America website (http://www.reserveamerica.com) is the reservation site for all the New York State campgrounds.
Silver Lake Campground
Open from May 1st-October 1st, this campground is located on Silver Lake and has boat access. If camping isn’t quite your thing, cabins are available for rent.
Woodstream Campsite
Enjoy a fun-filled staycation at this family-friendly camping resort. Special-themed weekends make this campground the best place to enjoy your summer. The campground has a stocked trout stream, a miniature golf course, a swimming pool, and a volleyball court. There are cabins available for rent on-site as well.
The Ridge Campground
Ridge Campground is a family-friendly campground with tent sites, cabins, and camper rentals. Campers can enjoy volleyball, basketball, swimming, horseshoes, an arcade, and 2 fully stocked catch-and-release ponds. Enjoy movies under the stars and dance to DJ’ed music.
Adventure Bound Camping Resort-Four Winds
This campground is completely kid-oriented. With a full-size pool, fun zone, and tons of activities. Adventure Bound Camping Resort-Four Winds has only cabins and RV rentals.
Dream Lake Campground
Dream Lake is a small campground on a 5-acre lake. All camping reservation comes with unlimited use of the campground’s canoes, paddle boats, peddle carts, and miniature golf. The lake is well-stocked and perfect for fishing, paddling, and swimming.
