Residents of neighboring states adore Dallas for its natural resources, especially for the beauty of water bodies. Most of them are located in the city or at a few hours’ distance from it. This area is home to some of the most beautiful lakes and reservoirs in the United States, such as White Rock Lake, Benbrook, Ray Hubbard and many others. All of them have an ideal location, which is taken into account when planning a day trip. Read more on dallas-name.
White Rock Lake
In the 1900s, Dallas residents consumed water from the city’s numerous wells, as well as the Trinity and Turtle Creek rivers. On the hottest summer days, these supplies were barely enough. Thus, water had to be brought to the city by wagons. White Rock Lake, which was formed as a result of the construction of the dam, was used as a source. Due to the active growth of the population, it eventually turned into an ordinary reservoir. Specialists hired to plan the city took up the development of other reservoirs. White Rock was left as it was.
Although the lake is no longer a vital object for the townspeople and swimming in it is prohibited, this did not make it abandoned. The beauty of nature surrounding the lake makes everyone want to return here again and again. Guests of Dallas are ready to drive for hours to the reservoir to have a picnic or celebrate a birthday. Clean water, fresh air, flowers and greenery have made White Rock a favorite place for many people.
Many visitors are attracted to the reservoir by the mystical legends that have been created about it for many years.
Benbrook Lake
Benbrook Lake is less than an hour’s drive from downtown Dallas. It attracts tourists with its unusual landscape and location. Although it is not far from a big city, noise and commotion do not reach here. Therefore, if you feel that everyday life has begun to press on you, it is time to hide on the banks of Benbrook.
The picturesque scenery of the countryside makes a stunning impression thanks to the numerous hills and meadows. For those who are looking for a peaceful rest, there is a separate area where you can be alone. However, if you are interested in active leisure, you can join the entertainment program. It includes camping, boating and themed excursions. Usually, the most active vacationers who like fishing and hunting remain delighted. The latter requires preparing the necessary documents in advance, which will allow legal movement in special zones with weapons.
Lake Ray Hubbard
Lake Ray Hubbard was also called Eastern Dallas Lake or Forney Lake. Like White Rock, it appeared as a result of the construction of a dam and for some time was used as one of the ways to supply the city with water. The reservoir got its name in honor of Ray Hubbard. In 1943-1972, he chaired the board of the Dallas Parks and Recreation System. After his directorship, Ray Hubbard came under the control of Dallas Water Utilities.
Among the townspeople, this lake is most liked by those who like fishing. Its waters are home to large populations of perch (hybrid, striped, white and largemouth), catfish (channel and blue) and crappie (white and black). The lake is also great for boating. There is a huge area where recreation parks are located around the lake. Having booked your place in advance, you can choose any type of desired leisure that suits your taste. There are beaches where you can sunbathe and bicycle paths with routes for beginners and experienced athletes.
Rockwall Harbor is considered one of the most popular locations in Ray Hubbard. It has become a kind of shopping and entertainment center with numerous restaurants, shops and its own cinema.
Joe Pool Lake
Quality recreation at Joe Pool Lake is the result of 25 years of work by the city authorities to create an environment where everyone could relax. Its planning involved the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, the Trinity River Authority and the Watershed Planning Board. After opening in 1989, it immediately became a Dallas favorite.
On the shores of Joe Pool Lake, you can fish, watch birds, go water skiing and have a barbecue. If you wish, you can rent a boat or even a camper for a few hours. In addition, there are four wonderful parks near the lake, namely Cedar Hill, Loyd Park, Lynn Creek and Britton Park. Each of them was created with a separate purpose and has individual programs for visitors. For example, Cedar Hill has a marina, a fishing barge and a mountain bike trail. At Loyd Park, guests have access to an equestrian trail, softball and beach volleyball fields, as well as equipped picnic areas.
Cedar Creek Reservoir
The townspeople compare the beauty of Cedar Creek Reservoir with the scenery of Italy. It is difficult to explain why they associate this country with a reservoir. Still, its picturesqueness is difficult to deny. Although it’s over an hour’s drive from Dallas to Cedar Creek, the signs of civilization disappear very quickly. You can see only a few rusty shops halfway to it. When the world was scared by the Coronavirus pandemic, this area had its star time.
Construction on Cedar Creek ended in 1965. Since then, dozens of visitors come every weekend to enjoy nature and life in luxurious private homes. It attracts guests with the opportunity to actively spend several days accompanied by excellent guides. They not only tell interesting stories and facts about the reservoir but also give fishing workshops. Only guides can show the best places where you can count on a good catch. The list of entertainment is complemented by the family amusement park Whatz-Up where you can spend time even with the smallest members of the family. On the territory of the park, there is a ground for minigolf and paintball, an arcade, a water park, as well as many other interactive activities.
Eagle Mountain Lake
Eagle Mountain Lake is now used exclusively for fishing, boating and some water sports. Usually, active people gather here. They are quite hardy physically and love active recreation. It is forbidden to drink alcohol on the territory of Eagle Mountain Lake. Perhaps this is also because during World War II, the Eagle Mountain Lake Marine Corps Air Base was located on the eastern shore of the lake. The object was specially built for the accommodation of military personnel. Sometimes, it seems that Eagle Mountain still manages to live up to its serious reputation.
There is a park not far from Eagle Mountain Lake. Its 400 acres of space were created specifically for long walks. More than 5 miles of the park are paved with hiking trails that have six separate routes. One of them is called Overlook and leads directly to the lake. Most of it is flat but there are places with steep climbs that offer panoramic views of Eagle Mountain Lake. It is also worth knowing that these paths are not designed for cyclists. Those who have already managed to walk through the park more than once, talk about a bunch of snakes that without any fear rush right under their feet, as well as other parasites.
