Houston Lake, body of water
Houston Lake is a small reservoir in Houston County, Georgia, covering about 150 acres. The lake features a boat dock and a launch area for kayaks, with a golf course nearby on the north shore and tree-lined shores on the south side.
The lake formed in the 1800s when a dam was built to power mills along Mossy Creek. In summer 1994, Tropical Storm Alberto destroyed the dam and flooded downstream areas, after which government agencies rebuilt it with disaster relief funds and reopened it for public use.
The lake takes its name from Houston County and reflects the area's connection between water and community life. Today, locals and visitors use it as a gathering place for relaxing activities like fishing and paddling, where people share a laid-back approach to spending time outdoors.
To reach the lake, take the Perry Parkway exit from Interstate 75 and head west until it meets Houston Lake Road, where you will find a parking lot and dock shortly after on your left. Motorboats must travel at slow speeds only, and swimming and jet skis are not permitted on the water.
After Tropical Storm Alberto destroyed the dam in 1994, the lake completely drained, leaving behind only muddy emptiness where water had been. The decision to rebuild sparked debate about whether public funds should benefit private clubs and wealthy landowners rather than the broader community.
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