Point Gratiot is a popular Dunkirk city park. It consists of mostly open mowed areas, a beach area that merges into rocky bluffs, and trails through wooded, brushy areas. The top of the bluff is fenced off for the safety of visitors.

Natural History Interest

Point Gratiot is a good place to see black, oil-bearing shale that was laid down during the upper Devonian Period, some 360 million years ago. The shale cliffs along the lake shore may be approached from the beach. Find a loose chunk of the dark, brittle rock and break it. Smell the freshly exposed rock, and notice the kerosene-like odor it gives off. Some of the shoreline sedimentary rocks in the Dunkirk-Point Gratiot area bear interesting fossils. They include “logs” from giant clubmosses (Lycopodia) that are believed to have washed out into the ancient sea from the eroding highlands to the east. These are preserved as ribbons of coal sandwiched between layers of shale.

Point Gratiot is an outstanding “trap” for migratory song birds, particularly during spring migration. Birds usually migrate at night and rest and forage during the day. Under certain weather conditions hundreds of tropical birds on their way to northern breeding grounds, such as warblers, tanagers, and vireos, may stop here and fill the brushy woodlot bordering the park with their amazing colors and songs. Significant sightings have included Orchard Oriole, Whip-poor-will, Summer Tanager, Worm-eating and Prothonotary Warbler, and Ash-throated Flycatcher. In late April and early May all six swallow species—Barn, Northern Rough-winged, Tree, Cliff, Bank, and Purple Martin—can sometimes be seen on the utility wires along Point Drive North. Trees in the park may harbor a migrating Merlin. You may also witness the Blue Jay migration, with up to 100 streaming onto the point as they move along the Lake Erie shore. Nesting species include Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpecker.

Other Notes

The park has ample parking areas, a playground, picnic shelter, and restroom facilities.

How To Get There

Point Gratiot is located in Dunkirk, NY, just north of NY 5.

From exit 59 (Dunkirk/Fredonia) off I-90, turn right onto NY 60 (Bennett Rd). Go approximately 2.0 miles to NY 5. Turn left onto NY 5 and proceed approximately 1.2 miles to Point Dr W. Turn right onto Point Dr W and follow it to W Park Dr. Continue onto W Park Dr. This street will take you through Point Gratiot Park, but note that this is a one way street. You cannot drive onto W Park Dr from the northern end of Point Dr N.