CITY of DUNKIRK, NY
Dunkirk, New York Statistics
Population: 13,131
Average Income: 35,058
Average Age: 37.3
Average Family Size: 3.02
Community Info: The City of Dunkirk is surrounded by the Town of Dunkirk. Dunkirk is on shore of Lake Erie and shares a border with the Village of Fredonia.
Welcome to the Dunkirk Harbor, a freshwater Port-of-Call, 45 miles southwest of Buffalo, NY along the scenic Seaway Trail. Located just off the Interstate 90, this marine community provides access to Lake Erie for boaters, bikers, birders, romantics, historians, and fishermen. Two peninsulas encircle the Harbor, Point Gratiot from the west and Wright Point from the east. They provide shelter from westerly winds and high waves, and a three-mile stretch of shoreline featuring sandy beaches and spacious parks. A bike path, central pier and boat launch add to the Harbor's amenities.
From the days of its earliest settlers, Dunkirk has been a community of the water. The U.S. Coast Guard labeled it a Harbor of Refuge for boats caught in sudden storms, and fisherman and sailors were its original guests. As the community grew, travelers and cargo regularly came and went via schooners, steamboats, and stoops. Dunkirk is considered one of the finest harbors on Lake Erie.
Today, around 15,000 people reside in the City of Dunkirk and the Harbor remains a major focal point. Residents and visitors enjoy easy access to beaches, parks, and marinas while birds and fish abound in and around the Harbor. Fishermen find world class smallmouth bass, walleye, salmon, trout, and perch in the area's waters with ice-free fishing during the winter months. Flocks of rare and unusual rare birds populate the Harbor from fall through spring, and each year Point Gratiot provides a welcoming respite along the flyway for thousands of land birds migrating across Lake Erie. Red-headed woodpeckers have even found the Point a homey place to build their nests.
While the Harbor draws many visitors, the City of Dunkirk is also central to many land-based activities such as the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt and Chautauqua - Lake Erie Wine Trail. The Dunkirk Historic Lighthouse features maritime and military displays. View artwork by regional artists at the Adams Art Gallery. During the summer months and through the fall harvest, the region abounds with locally grown produce at farmer's markets and fruit stands. Within a short drive, visitors can attend an opera, shop for unique gifts and antiques, see the world-renowned Chautauqua Institution or the world famous Niagara Falls, or even experience Lily Dale, the world's largest spiritual community in nearby Cassadaga.
Each year, Dunkirk hosts several festivals and tourism events. During the July 4th Harborfest Celebration, magnificent fireworks dazzle viewers as they explode over the bay. Sportsmen and women test their luck and skill in annual Walleye tournaments and the Chautauqua County Fair draws thousands of visitors. Winter brings fresh sporting outlets to Dunkirk's residents and guests. Along with cold water fishing and winter bird watching, cross country enthusiasts will find plenty of accessible terrain, while those who prefer the rush of wind will enjoy the nearby downhill ski areas.
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