HOUSEBOAT RENTALS

LAKE LANIER ISLANDS BOAT RENTALS Lake Lanier Islands, Georgia United States www.lakelanierislands.com
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History

It all began in 1956 when the construction of Buford Dam was completed, and the rushing waters of the Chestatee and Chattahoochee Rivers filled the valley below. It took two years for the lake to fill to capacity (1071 feet above sea level). In 1962, just four years after the lake was officially deemed "full," the Georgia General Assembly created the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority (LLIDA) to manage and develop the area as a recreational venue for the citizens of Georgia.

In 1974 Lake Lanier Islands celebrated its first year of operation. The first phase of development included Harbor Landing, the campgrounds, stables, and a beach area at what is now the highly popular Beach & Waterpark.

As the population in the Atlanta area grew, so too did the need for additional recreational venues. In 1987 the Beach & Waterpark was enhanced with the addition of water slides and the wave pool, which remains Georgia's largest. The 18-hole, par-72 Emerald Pointe Golf Club was added in 1988, complete with Clubhouse, pro shop and grille. A resort hotel opened in 1989 named Lake Lanier Islands Resort, which was renamed the Hilton at Lake Lanier Islands in 1990.

In 1993 Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority and the State of Georgia partnered once again to create Magical Nights of Lights. With an initial investment of over one million dollars, Magical Nights of Lights was well on its way to becoming one of Georgia's most popular holiday light shows. Today, Magical Nights of Lights is considered the world's largest animated light extravaganza, which comprises more than one million twinkling lights on a six and one-half-mile driving tour.

In May 1996, KSL Recreation Corporation, based in LaQuinta, CA, contracted with the state to take over the day-to-day management and operations of Lake Lanier Islands as a result of a statewide privatization effort spearheaded by then Governor Zell Miller. Since KSL Recreation Corporation took over operations of Lake Lanier Islands it has invested nearly $30 million into the property for improvements.

In 1997 the Beach & Waterpark enjoyed the addition of South Beach, which is home to the greatest water attraction since the ocean itself, the incredible FunDunker, with more than 100 ways to get wet! South Beach also features the Surf Wave, a virtual surfing experience and retail space with food and beverage outlets.

Harbor Landing has been fitted with all new docks, and has replaced 75 percent of its 90-vessel fleet of rental boats. Emerald Pointe Golf Club was upgraded with new greens, refurbished bunkers, new drainage system, tee boxes, and all new golf carts.

The addition of the LakeHouses on Lanier in 1998, significantly enhanced Lake Lanier Islands' lodging options. Thirty New England-style lakeside villas are nestled below towering Georgia pines in a private cove. Each LakeHouse features two bedrooms and baths, a great room with a fieldstone fireplace, and a modern kitchen. Outside on the wooden deck is a gas grill and heated spa.

In 2001, KSL transformed the Hilton at Lake Lanier Islands into the Emerald Pointe Resort & Conference Center. In addition to a name change, the 216-room resort completed major renovations. Highlights include a grand new entrance, refinements to the rooms and suites, a completely renovated restaurant, and an elegant new lobby. The resort expanded its meeting space by 8,900 square feet to a total of 21,000 square feet.

The future of Lake Lanier Islands looks very bright indeed! Future plans for Lake Lanier Islands include the development of a luxury hotel, a stand-alone upscale restaurant, a full service day spa, replacement of the balance of Harbor Landing's rental fleet boats, and much more!

RELATED VACATIONS

Boating
adventure cruises, fishing charters, sailing vacations, and yacht charters.

Day/Weekend Getaways
bed & breakfast, fishing charters, horseback riding stables, hot air ballooning, jet boat tours, paintball & skirmish, soaring & glider rides, vacation rentals, and wine tours.