Living That Lake Life in Texas: Enjoying Lake Whitney
Travel south down I-35 out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and you’ll find yourself heading toward the famed Texas Hill Country, home to small towns, vineyards, hiking trails and more. Picturesque, the Texas Hill Country is a region of 14,000 square mills thought to separate the southeastern US from the southwestern US.
Situated at the north end of Hill Country is Lake Whitney, a serene lake that is a short drive from DFW. Lake Whitney offers its visitors plenty of fresh air, outdoor adventures and endless fun. It even offers an interesting tale about the ghost town lurking below its surface…
Lake Whitney: a brief history
Lake Whitney is a flood control reservoir on the main stem of the Brazos River. In the early 1900s, this area of Texas suffered a series of devastating floods, and the federal government decided it was time to step in and help out. In the 1930s, plans were drawn up to place periodic dams along Texas Rivers and in the 1940s, these plans were placed into action. In 1951, the lake was impounded and has now been enjoyed by visitors for more than half a century.
Underneath Lake Whitney’s 37 square miles of lake water, though, is the long-forgotten city of Towash, Texas. Once a thriving community, Towash was named for Chief Towash of the Hainai Native American Tribe. Three tribes settled near the Brazos River around 1835 in what became Towash.
In 1854, two brothers settled in the area and built one of the first mills west of the Mississippi River. Shortly thereafter, settlers petitioned the government to be allowed to build what would become the first dam on the Brazos River. The town steadily grew in size, with the mill drawing settlers from all around. In the 1860s, Towash was a bustling town. In the 1880s, though, the town began to decline in population when the railroad bypassed Towash. Eventually, the town was abandoned and, in the 1950s it was buried underneath Lake Whitney.
Lake Whitney: modern family-friendly destination
Today Lake Whitney is a popular destination for visitors to both Dallas/Fort Worth and Waco because it is a quick drive from either spot. Guests of all ages enjoy fishing in Lake Whitney, as well as boating, swimming, kayaking and more. You can hike the trails that surround the lake at the state park as well as go geocaching. Kids can become an honorary park ranger with the Lake Whitney Junior Ranger program. Print and complete this form and then turn it in to receive a merit award.
Lake Whitney has several marinas where you can rent a boat for the day or stock up on supplies for fishing. The lake area has no shortage of delicious restaurants that serve up everything from seafood to pizza.
If you are looking for a relaxing lake getaway, Lake Whitney might just be the spot for you!
Lake Whitney lodging: where to stay
If you are looking for a place to stay that is centrally located with a lot of amenities, consider Texas Ranch RV Resort. Located in Alvarado, TX, Texas Ranch RV is only 45 minutes from Lake Whitney and less than 45 minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, giving you the best of both worlds. The resort spans 100 acres of Texas grasslands and has 50 RV sites available to rent. Featuring a pool, a pond, walking paths, a clubhouse and more, Texas Ranch RV Resort will be your favorite new home away from home with easy access to some of the Lone Star State’s best attractions!
