Relaxing Lodi Lake: A place for everybody

Although it is hardly in Lodi’s geographical center, Lodi Lake is certainly one of the city’s main centers of activity.

If you want to swim somewhere besides a swimming pool, Lodi Lake is the place to be.

If you want to have a picnic — small or large — Lodi Lake is a very popular place.

And, if you want to walk along trails and enjoy the flowers, Lodi Lake is the place.

Fishing? Again, Lodi Lake.

The man-made lake in the city’s northwest corner draws some 200,000 people annually. It’s easy to find along the north side of Turner Road east of Lower Sacramento Road and across from the General Mills plant.

Dan White, recreation specialist at Lodi Lake, said the lake is considered the crown jewel of Lodi because of the nature area and recreation opportunities.

“I think it’s because it’s been allowed to remain natural,” said Kathy Grant, who organizes docent activities and other programs at the lake. “I think all people have a need to be in a place that’s wild.”

The lake draws many school tours from outside Lodi, such as Elk Grove, White said.

Annual events include the Ooh Aah Festival on the Fourth of July, Lodi Adopt-a-Child’s hot-rod car and Harley Davidson show, fishing derbies and the October Salmon Festival.

Lodi Lake, which is part of the Mokelumne River, was a low-lying puddle after wood dams were built in 1889 and 1891 in Woodbridge, but more water was stored behind the dam after the Woodbridge Irrigation District was formed in 1924. The lake, as a full recreational park, was dedicated 10 years later.

Open from 8 a.m. to dusk, the park offers swimming from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. A beach blocked from boats is open from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The beach area may also be reserved for private parties.

Boating is available for $5 in addition to the entrance fee. The speed limit is 5 mph, although open speed is allowed on the Mokelumne River between noon and 7 p.m. Fishing is allowed with a valid fishing license.

Park entrance fees are $2 on weekdays for Lodi residents, $4 on weekends and holidays for Lodi residents; $3 on weekdays for non-city residents on weekdays and $5 on weekends; $1 for seniors on weekdays, $2 for seniors who live in Lodi on weekends and holidays and $3 on weekends and holidays for seniors who do not live in the city.

For more information, call 333-6742.

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