Lake Lanier Islands facts for kids
 Lake Lanier Islands
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Lanier |
| Coordinates | 34°10′39″N 84°01′48″W / 34.1776°N 84.0301°W |
| Archipelago | Lake Lanier Islands |
| Coastline | 1 mi (2 km) |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| State | Georgia |
| Additional information | |
| Official website | http://www.lakelanierislands.com |
Lake Lanier Islands is a fun resort built on a group of small islands. It's located on Lake Lanier, which is the biggest lake in Georgia. This popular spot is about 60 miles north of Atlanta, Georgia. It's a favorite place for people in northern Georgia to visit for recreation and relaxation.
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How the Islands Were Formed
The land where Lake Lanier Islands now sits used to be tall hills near Gainesville. When the Buford Dam was built, it flooded part of the Chattahoochee River valley. This flooding created Lake Lanier. The original hills then became the largest chain of islands in the new lake.
Early Development of the Resort
In 1957, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leased the Lake Lanier islands. They gave control to the Georgia Department of State Parks. In 1962, this department teamed up with a new group called the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority (LLIDA). Their goal was to create a fun place for all Georgians to enjoy.
They built many exciting things, including:
- Boat docks at Harbor Landing
- Campgrounds for overnight stays
- Stables for horses
- Sandy beaches
- A golf course
- The Pine Isle Hotel
In 1987, a water park was added, making the resort even more exciting.
Fun Events and Activities
Lake Lanier Islands is known for its special events throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include:
- Annual Independence Day fireworks over the lake
- Fun full moon parties
- The "Magical Nights of Lights" during the holiday season
These events make Lake Lanier Islands a popular destination for families and friends.
Changes in Management
Over the years, different companies have helped manage Lake Lanier Islands. The State of Georgia first hired the KSL Corporation to handle the daily operations.
In 2005, a company led by Virgil Williams, called Lake Lanier Islands Management Company, bought the resort. They paid 14.5 million dollars. Since then, they have worked hard to improve the islands. For example, the old Pine Isle Resort was taken down after almost 30 years of use.
Modern Upgrades and Renovations
Under the new ownership, Lake Lanier Islands has received many updates. In 2008, the Emerald Point Hotel & Conference Center was completely rebuilt. It became the Legacy Lodge & Conference Center.
In 2014, Legacy Lodge added a new saltwater lounging pool. Then, in 2016, the hotel had a big renovation. Its 214 rooms got new hardwood floors, artwork, and decor with an outdoors theme. They also added new bedding, mini-refrigerators, and coffee makers.
New Partnerships
In 2018, the Lake Lanier Islands Management Company made a deal with Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Development and SafeHarbor. This partnership brought millions of dollars in new investments to the island. They also took over the management of the theme park, LanierWorld. These changes continue to make Lake Lanier Islands a great place to visit.
