Lake Lanier sits on the foothills of the Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Sidney Lanier is only 25 miles or 45 minutes northeast of downtown Atlanta.

When was it officially opened?

Lake Lanier opened officially in 1974 having grown exponentially since that time.

Is Lake Lanier a popular destination?

According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Sidney Lanier receive over 7.5 million people annually, considered one of America’s favorite lakes and the most visited project of the Corps of Engineers.

What is the color of the lake's water?

Contrary to the deep blue of Lake Tahoe waters, Lake Sidney Lanier features aqua-blue colored water, similar to that of the Caribbean sea.

When was lake was constructed?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed Lake Lanier in the 1950s as a multi-purpose lake providing flood protection, water supply, power production, and navigation, in addition to recreation areas, fish and wildlife management. More information on its construction is found in the Lake Lanier's History section.

Are there other lakes similar to Lake Lanier?  

There are numerous man-made lakes nationwide. However, those constructed and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers sum 464 from coast to coast in 43 states.

Has Lake Lanier received any acknowledgment?

For this lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has won three times the best operated lake of the year award in the years 1990, 1997 and 2002.

Which former towns are under Lake Lanier?

Lake Sidney Lanier was originally farmland that the government purchased in the early 1950s. Over 56,000 acres were property of 700 families that after selling their properties relocated elsewhere. Most of the properties were farmhouses, barns and other outbuildings that were removed or demolished.

Why was Buford Dam built within Lake Lanier?

Buford Dam was built as a facility for the benefit of the public supplying the water for the lake and all the purposes already explained above.

How much did it cost for the construction of this project?

The project to build Lake Sidney Lanier and Buford Dam cost approximately 45 million dollars just for the foundations. The cost of constructing the lake's recreation areas is not included.

How high is Buford Dam?

The main dam was built 192 feet high and 2,360 feet long at elevation 911 feet above mean sea level. It was built of raw earth instead of concrete to keep construction costs low.

What is the deepest part of Lake Lanier?

The lake's deepest part is located just north of Buford Dam at 160 feet in depth when the lake is at its full level. This part of Lake Sidney Lanier was the original river channel.

What is the record high lake level? 

Lake Lanier's water full level is 1071msl, the highest level occurred in April of 1964, when the lake reached an elevation of 1077.2 msl. This amount is the equivalent of approximately 6 feet above its full level.

What is the record low lake level?

Lake Lanier recorded the lower level when December of 1981 the water fell to an elevation of 1052.7 msl, approximately the equivalent of 18 feet below its full level.

Are there any ports nearby?

There are several, which distance is calculated from the city of Gainesville Georgia, border of Lake Sidney Lanier:

Brunswick , Georgia, 257 miles

Charleston , South Carolina, 245 miles

Jacksonville , Florida, 300 miles

Savannah , Georgia, 250 miles

How do I get to Lake Sidney Lanier?

From Interstate 85 to Buford take Georgia Highway 20 West, then from Georgia 400 to Cumming, take Georgia Highway 20 East, to North on Suwanee Dam Road. From this point there are 3 miles to go then left on Buford Dam Road.

Where is the visitors center located?

Lake Sidney Lanier Visitor Center is just one mile down on the right after reaching Buford Dam Road.

What transportation facilities are available?

Apart from the Interstate routes and Highways, Lake Lanier is a short driving distance from the airports of Hartsfield Atlanta and Lee Gilmer Airport , besides rail Norfolk Southern, CSX and Amtrak, providing beautiful scenic views.

Where can I get further information?

You can call at phone (770) 945-9531 or request brochures, maps and information by mail at this address:

Buford Dam - Lake Sidney Lanier

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

P.O. Box 567

1050 Buford Dam Road

Buford, GA 30515-0567

Is there any online information facility?

You can find further information on any of the US Army Corps of Engineers national projects at this website: http://www.corpslakes.us

Where can I get maps of the region?

Lake Sidney Lanier Visitors center provide maps, as well as the US Army Corps of Engineers, otherwise you can download some right here:

Lake Lanier Map: http://lanier.sam.usace.army.mil/maps/LakeRecMap.pdf

Coordinates and Waypoints map: http://lanier.sam.usace.army.mil/maps/LanierBoatRampCoords.pdf

Sawnee Park: http://lanier.sam.usace.army.mil/ parks/Sawnee.pdf

Toto Park: http://lanier.sam.usace.army.mil/ parks/Toto.pdf

Laurel Ridge Trail Map: http://lanier.sam.usace.army.mil/ brochures/LaurelRidgel_Brochure.pdf

Little Ridge Trail Map: http://lanier.sam.usace.army.mil/ LittleRidge_Brochure.pdf