Burke Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Burke Lake |
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View of Burke Lake
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 Burke Lake
Location in Virginia
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| Location | Fairfax Station, Fairfax County, Virginia, United States |
| Coordinates | 38°45′18″N 77°17′46″W / 38.755114°N 77.296096°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 218 acres (88 ha) |
Burke Lake is a large, freshwater lake located in Fairfax Station, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the United States. It covers about 218 acres (which is like 165 football fields!). This lake is actually a reservoir, which means it's a special lake created by building a dam. Burke Lake was formed by a dam on a stream called South Run, which eventually flows into the big Potomac River. The lake is a main part of Burke Lake Park, a popular public park run by the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA).
Fun Activities at Burke Lake
Burke Lake is a great place for outdoor fun! You can enjoy many activities here, like fishing and boating.
Boating
You are allowed to use boats with electric motors, or paddle boats like canoes and kayaks. There are special ramps where you can launch your boat into the water. There is also a marina where you can get your boat ready. Swimming is not allowed in the lake for safety reasons.
Fishing
If you love to fish, Burke Lake is perfect! It has about 4.5 miles of shoreline where you can cast your line. There are also special fishing areas called bulkheads and a fishing pier. These spots are even set up so that people with disabilities can easily enjoy fishing.
Exploring the Park
Burke Lake Park offers more than just water activities.
- A walking trail goes all the way around the lake. It's about 4.68 miles (7.5 kilometers) long.
- You can start your walk from the marina parking lot.
- In 2017, a new golf driving range opened at Burke Lake. It has 64 stations, and 24 of them are covered and heated. This means you can practice your golf swing all year long!
- The park also has a space you can rent for parties or events.
Who Owns Burke Lake?
Burke Lake is owned by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF). They help manage the lake and make sure it's a great place for fishing and other activities.
