Valley residents need not travel far these next few months to find reprieve from the increased temperature of the summer sun. Lodi Lake Park offers the 209 a beautiful and relaxing setting just a few short miles off of Highway 99.

Situated on Turner Road, east of Lower Sacramento Road, the man-made lake on the northwest side of Lodi offers a variety of activities for the water enthusiast, as well as the naturist.
The 58-acre nature area includes the lake as well as a nature trail, which feeds into the exercise trail. The two trails form a loop treating the hiker to a variety of breathtaking sights, sounds and smells in the Mokelumne River riparian area. An easy hike along the trail will take the visitor a half mile out. If one should choose to continue their hike the child friendly loop covers a total distance of 2.5 miles.

It is not uncommon to spot geese, ducks and squirrels both around the lakeside, in the water as well as on the trail.

If keeping cool in the water better suits you or you feel the need to cool off after a hike through nature, Lodi Lake is the place to indulge. Offering a child friendly sandy beach area, visitors may safely wade in the shallow water or venture out for a swim.

For those that prefer to be above water Headwaters Boathouse also calls Lodi Lake home. Run by Headwaters Kayak, the Boathouse hosts a variety of rentals including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and pedal boats. Rentals range in price from $10 per hour for a basic kayak to $35 an hour for a six person paddleboard. Half day and daily rentals are also available.

A day at the lake is bound to bring out one’s appetite. The park area offers picnic tables in multiple shaded locations, as well as lakeside benches for the picnic enthusiast. The lakeside SnoWhite Drive-in, located directly across the street from the main entrance, is another option for anyone desiring a hamburger and choosing to forgo the work. The walk up diner offers soft drinks, onion rings, French fries and chicken strips, among other options.

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