White Rock Lake Park

Approx. Time: 2 hours
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

White Rock Lake was created in 1911 to help supply the city of Dallas with water. After a flood in 1908 and a drought in 1909, water was desperately needed. It was named a city park in 1929 and had approximately 100 fishing cabins lining its shores. During the 1940's, an army barracks on the lake was used to hold German prisoners of war who served in Rommel's Afrika Corps.

It was later turned back into a recreational facility after the war. The famous Bonnie Barge was a large excursion boat which many social events on the lake took place. Bathing was banned on the shores of White Rock Lake in 1952, and boats with 10.5 horsepower or higher were also banned from the lake.

In 1971, the Run the Rock Marathon began and since has been run annually. There have been many improvements on the paths and trails surrounding the lake. Currently it is a clean social area in which renovations are still being made. An organization called For Love of the Lake is working with the Dallas Parks and Recreation Association to continue maintaining the facilities and landscape surrounding the lake.