Lake Sidney Lanier, owned and operated by the United States Core of Engineers, was constructed in 1951 due to a need for power production and flood control. Thus the building of Buford Dam to control the rivers that led into the lake.
Lake Lanier has 692 miles of shoreline. This lake has become a major recreational lake with 68 parks, overnight camping, fishing, marinas, boat ramps and hiking trails. Lake Lanier has an annual draw of more than seven million visitors. Lake Lanier Islands host a resort hotel, water park, golfing and cabin rentals.