A historic landmark and beloved park where generations connect with nature.

Person fishing on a wooden dock at sunset with a calm lake and distant tree-lined shore on White Rock Lake.
The Story of White Rock Lake & Park

historical timeline

Explore the rich history of White Rock Lake, as chronicled in Sally Rodriguez’s Images of America: White Rock Lake.

1910

2,292 acres purchased to create new lake 10 miles northeast of town for $176,420.

1911

Dam and spillway complete.

1914

Lake was completely filled.

1929

With a new lake in Lewisville, White Rock was retired as a water source and its surrounding land was transferred to the Park and Recreation Department.

1930

In the 1930s and ’40s, White Rock Lake became a recreational hub with the Bath House, BoatHouse, Fish Hatchery, and growing private clubs—hosting popular activities like swimming, water skiing, and speedboat races.

1931

Stone Tables Picnic Pavilion was built by the City of Dallas.

1935

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began work at White Rock Lake with the following improvements: planting of 1500 trees, a shelter house, two combination buildings, three latrines, a lily pond and the development of trails, picnic grounds and a campground. Winfrey Point was started but was not complete when the CCC closed and WWII began.

1937

First dredging of White Rock Lake took 5 years to complete due to lack of funding. The Dreyfuss Club was built at a cost of $6,000, as a private clubhouse for the employees of the late Sol Dreyfuss.

1939

The Corinthian Sailing Club was established at WRL.

1942

The Lakewood, Forest Hills and Little Forest Hills neighborhoods began to develop. The City ruled that the private clubhouses and camps be removed to provide more public access to the park.

1943

Sunset Inn served as a restaurant at White Rock Lake.

1946

Bonnie Barge was brought to White Rock Lake.

1953

City of Dallas was in a severe drought and the Dallas Water Utilities once again had to rely on the lake for a water source. A swimming ban was issued that is still in effect today.

1962

Dallas experienced a major flood and Dreyfus Club, one of the last private clubs at White Rock, was sold to the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department.

1965

Mockingbird Lane was extended to Buckner Boulevard providing easier access to the park.

1974

White Rock Lake was dredged again. The silt was not hauled off but was used to create Mockingbird Point where the dog park is now located.

1976

The Park and Recreation Department purchased the 43 acre DeGolyer Estate and in 1984 the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society began to manage and operate the estate.

2011

White Rock Lake celebrated its Centennial anniversary. Lake and user groups came together and hosted over 25 different events over 3 months raising awareness and funds for our park.

A woman in a two-piece swimsuit standing with legs apart between two wooden boats, holding ropes connected to each boat; another woman sits in the left boat while a man wearing a captain's hat steers the right boat named Letty Bell.
The Story of White Rock Lake & Park

Historical Timeline

Explore the rich history of White Rock Lake, as chronicled in Sally Rodriguez’s Images of America: White Rock Lake.

1910

2,292 acres purchased to create new lake 10 miles northeast of town for $176,420.

1911

Dam and spillway complete.

1914

Lake was completely filled.

1929

A new larger lake was completed in Lewisville and White Rock was no longer needed as a water source. The City of Dallas transferred ownership of the land surrounding the lake to the Park and Recreation Department.

1930

The city moved quickly and built the Bath House and Bathing Beach, the BoatHouse at T&P Hill and the Fish Hatchery. Private clubhouses and camps began to pop up around White Rock Lake. Activities like swimming, water skiing and speedboat races were popular in the 1930’s and 1940’s.

1931

Stone Tables Picnic Pavilion was built by the City of Dallas.

1935

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began work at White Rock Lake with the following improvements: planting of 1500 trees, a shelter house, two combination buildings, three latrines, a lily pond and the development of trails, picnic grounds and a campground. Winfrey Point was started but was not complete when the CCC closed and WWII began.

1937

First dredging of White Rock Lake took 5 years to complete due to lack of funding. The Dreyfuss Club was built at a cost of $6,000, as a private clubhouse for the employees of the late Sol Dreyfuss.

1939

The Corinthian Sailing Club was established at WRL.

1942

The Lakewood, Forest Hills and Little Forest Hills neighborhoods began to develop. The City ruled that the private clubhouses and camps be removed to provide more public access to the park.

1943

Sunset Inn served as a restaurant at White Rock Lake.

1946

Bonnie Barge was brought to White Rock Lake.

1953

City of Dallas was in a severe drought and the Dallas Water Utilities once again had to rely on the lake for a water source. A swimming ban was issued that is still in effect today.

1962

Dallas experienced a major flood and Dreyfus Club, one of the last private clubs at White Rock, was sold to the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department.

1965

Mockingbird Lane was extended to Buckner Boulevard providing easier access to the park.

1974

White Rock Lake was dredged again. The silt was not hauled off but was used to create Mockingbird Point where the dog park is now located.

1976

The Park and Recreation Department purchased the 43 acre DeGolyer Estate and in 1984 the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society began to manage and operate the estate.

2011

White Rock Lake celebrated its Centennial anniversary. Lake and user groups came together and hosted over 25 different events over 3 months raising awareness and funds for our park.

A woman in a two-piece swimsuit standing with legs apart between two wooden boats, holding ropes connected to each boat; another woman sits in the left boat while a man wearing a captain's hat steers the right boat named Letty Bell.
Explore & Discover

Adventure Starts Here

Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, the lake offers something for everyone.

Two ducks with wings outstretched landing on the water surface at White Rock Lake in Dallas.

nature & wildlife

White Rock Lake is home to hundreds of bird, plant, and animal species, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and wildlife watchers.

Cyclist wearing a helmet and sunglasses riding a red road bike past a lake and trees on a sunny day at White Rock Lake in Dallas.

Trails & Fitness

With over 9 miles of scenic, uninterrupted trails, the lake is a favorite spot for walkers, runners, and cyclists of all skill levels.

Points of Interest

Top Spots Around the Lake

make a difference

Support what makes White Rock Lake special and become a member today.