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Lodi Lake
"The Jewel" of Our City |
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photograph
by Steve Silva |
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| Lodi Lake
is a beautiful, unique and tranquil place well used by
visitors and residents of Lodi. The lake was developed in 1934,
fed by the nearby Mokelumne River, originally took form as a
shallow, seasonal lake created by makeshift dams made of brush and
wood in the late 19th century. The Woodbridge Dam was built in
1910, thus making the “back water” lake even bigger. The
formation of the Woodbridge Irrigation District in 1924 called for
more water storage. |
| The lake became larger still. Finally, in 1934 ownership
of the lake became official to the city of Lodi by a generous
donation of landowner Louis T. Mason. The natural scenic body
of water is surrounded by a nature area of mature oak, elm and
walnut trees and other plants and animals original to this
area. Taking a stroll through the lush east end of the
property will take you back to the days when the Mokolumne
Indians made this their home. |
| Much of the same wild
life still inhabits this area including deer, squirrel, possum,
turtles and a variety of geese, ducks and other birds. The lake maintains a low 70s
temperature even in the heat of summer. Swimming at Lodi Lake is
made easy at the newly remodeled beach area, which has a swim
area with life guards and clearly marked with buoys and surrounded
by a sandy shoreline. The kiddies wading pool is nearby along with
clean and comfortable shower and restroom facilities. Over the
past few years many improvements have been made to the lake and
it's facilities including a recently added new boat house.
Each
spot is ample with barbecue grills, picnic tables and grass. Other
amenities include horse shoe pits and the amphitheater. The
lake is a beautiful setting for a Spring, Summer or Fall
wedding or special event along with other seasonal events such as
the Lodi Zinfest and 4th of July celebration and fire works.
For more information
about Lodi Lake, call (209) 333-6742. |
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| Here’s more ideas
for a day at Lodi Lake: |
| • Relax on a
blanket during a sunny after noon and just enjoy the beauty. |
| • Mokelumne River
boat tours: Group tours along the scenic Mokelumne are offered May
through October. The one-hour tours are available through
appointment only at (209) 333-6890. |
| • Canoe and kayak
excursions: Take a guided trip on the Mokelumne |
| • Nature walks and
Discovery Center: Docents lead nature buffs through the Mokelumne
River riparian habitat on an educational and visually pleasing
tour. Hikers are likely to run across a variety of birds, mammals,
reptiles and fish on the nature trail. The Discovery Center offers
educational programs for children and families on the lake area
and in the surrounding habitat. Both the center and the nature
walk are by appointment only |
| • Launch a boat:
Available daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. Gas-powered water craft, tailored
or not.. Non-trailored canoes, rafts, radio controlled boats and
electric powered crafts are only charged the entrance fee.
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