Wright Park

DUNKIRK WEATHER

One of the park’s main attractions is its expansive beach, where visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking with a picturesque view of the lake and Dunkirk harbor. The beach area extends about 1,000 feet from Lake Front Blvd northeast, where the clean sands turn into explorable driftwood amongst a mix of flat slippery rocks and old concrete retaining wall ruins. The northern reaches of the shoreline are below the city’s wastewater treatment plant. While it does discharge far offshore and past the waters carried by the lake currents out of the way of the beach, when we visited in late summer, there was a runoff water discharge at the southern end of the beach, by the road, that led to a very unpleasant aroma in that vicinity. Once past that, it was quite pleasant.

In addition to the beach, Wright Park features well-maintained picnic areas, playgrounds for children, and ample green space for sports and outdoor games. These facilities make it an ideal location for family picnics, gatherings, and community events. A few recent additions, the skate park, pickleball courts, and a small kids splash park have proven to bring in the summer crowds. The park’s walking and biking paths offer beautiful lakefront views and opportunities for exercise and exploration in a tranquil setting. The Beach House Bar & Grille serves American fare and ice cold beverages.  The park serves as the perfect starting point for walking Dunkirk’s waterfront, via Lakefront Blvd, which is a wonderful way to fill a few hours.

Wright Park also hosts a variety of seasonal activities and events, including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings, which add to the vibrant atmosphere of the area.  Its location near downtown Dunkirk, just a 15 min walk west, makes it easily accessible and a popular spot for both spontaneous visits and planned outings.

Overall, Wright Park and Beach stands out as a welcoming, family-friendly destination that combines the natural beauty of Lake Erie with the comforts and conveniences of a well-equipped public park. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, enjoy a picnic with friends, or participate in recreational activities, Wright Park offers a memorable experience against the backdrop of one of New York’s Great Lakes.

The park is likely named after Judson S. Wright, an Assemblyman and President of the NYS Teachers Association, who was a Dunkirk, NY native.

The city purchased the land to the north, known as Battery Point, to turn into a park, but as of 2023, no movement toward that goal has been made. Some unofficial trails leading from Wright Park Dr and the Water Treatment Plant cut through the woods, leading to 100-ft cliffs over Lake Erie. Battery Point got its name from a series of cannon batteries that were positioned there during the War of 1812 to protect the city from British attacks.

Difficulty: Easy (along the paved park pathway) to moderate (if you walk along the sand/stone beach).

Distance: It really depends on the direction you set off in. If you walk up and down the beach, the furthest you can go is about a thousand feet. A walk around the park is going to be about 2/3rds of a mile. For a longer walk, head west along Lake Front Blvd to the City Pier, which is about 1.5 miles one way.

Markings: Paved pathways and the beach.

Description: From the intersection of Lake Front Blvd, Wright Park Dr, and N Serval St, find the sand ramp leading north to the beach on the lake. Follow the beach north. At some point the sand will end and the beach will become rock. You won’t be able to go any further after about 1,000 ft or so. See the yellow trail on the map below.

Green trail through the park:
Back at the intersection, you can walk around the park by heading south on N Serval St. Pass the Little League field and turn left on E Pine St.
Make another left onto N Warsaw St. Pass the basketball courts, then the skate park.  At the intersection of N Warsaw and Wright Park Dr use the footpath on the left to cut through the wooded picnic area. On the other side, turn left onto Wright Park Drive and follow that back to where you started.

Blue trail along the city waterfront:
From the intersection of Lake Front Blvd, Wright Park Dr, and N Serval St, walk west on the sidewalk along the shoreline. Near N Roberts Rd, Lake Front Blvd will end and you will pass another small sandy beach. Here is a small path leading up the breakwall of the marina. If you continue westward on the walkway you will pass the marina and then arrive at the City Pier. To the west of the pier is another small park (Memorial Park).

Map: Check out the interactive map.

Fishing is allowed in the park. Fish Lake Erie from the beach north of the swimming area or west of the beach, on the walkway down Lake Front Blvd.

Lakeshore Grillworks

• Located on the corner of NY-5 and Ounce St, this family-run roadside grill just blew our minds with flavor. Amazing poutine and chicken sandwiches! Link.

Dunkirk Lighthouse

• Also known as Point Gratiot Lighthouse, this historic beacon is located north of the park at the apex of Point Gratiot. This venerable structure has been guiding mariners since the first tower was built in 1826, with the current tower constructed in 1875-1876. The lighthouse stands approximately 61 feet tall and is constructed of hand-carved ashlar limestone, making it a striking architectural feature against the backdrop of the lake. The Victorian-style keeper’s house, which was built in 1875, has been meticulously preserved and now serves as a museum.

City of Dunkirk Parks
716-366-3262
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