Daylife in Dunkirk

If you’re looking for somewhere to get in touch with your spiritual side and enjoy some beautiful scenery, go check out Lily Dale, “Western New York’s home for mediumship and spiritual healing since 1879.” Located less than 20 minutes from Fredonia’s campus, this historical hamlet sits on the east side of Cassadaga Lake.

It is home to more than 50 professional, registered mediums and the world’s largest Spiritualist community. Over the summer, they have a program that is designed to share and teach a variety of spiritual and wellness topics. They also host events you can enjoy year-round, including Zoom workshops that you can RSVP for on their website.

If you would like to schedule a reading, there is also a list of all the mediums along with their contact information and links to their personal websites on the Lily Dale site. You may call or email them to learn about their style and approach. Once you find somebody who feels like a good fit, you can book an appointment. Each medium handles their own scheduling and pricing.

One of Lily Dale’s more popular attractions is the Healing Temple. They say that, “there is a sacredness to the energy of the Temple that many people feel just walking through the doors.” The Temple was opened in 1955 and is a place of peace where people may come to renew their energies through healing or quiet meditation and prayer. Each day during their summer season, they host a meditation service and two spiritual healing services here.

Additionally, it is home to the Lily Dale Museum and the Marion H. Skidmore Library. Marion Skidmore was one of the founders of the community. She was close friends with Susan B. Anthony and was a huge women’s rights activist and proponent of free thought. This library features her own personal collection and is now home to the world’s largest accumulation of spiritual and psychic books.

Some of Lily Dale’s natural attractions include:

The Leolyn Woods

Inspiration Stump

Pet Cemetery

The Boulevard Path

The Fairy Trail Village

Various gardens throughout the grounds

When I was 15 my mom took my sister and I here for the first time. She told us that she used to come with her mom and her aunts as a kid and wanted us to be able to experience the same magic. As soon as we arrived, I felt this sense of mystical wonder that I couldn’t explain. It was pure luck and coincidence that I ended up going to school so close to it.

I hold only fond memories of this place. There are so many cool attractions to see and events to take advantage of. And even if you go during the off season, it is a wonderful spot to do your own spiritual exploration and feel at peace with yourself and the world.

Memorial Park

Inspiration Stump

Forest Temple (& the local cat)