A Century of Memories: Celebrating 100 Years of Lake Winnepesaukah
LAKEVIEW, Ga. (WDEF) — For 100 years, Lake Winnepesaukah has been more than just a theme park. It’s a place where families come together, generations connect, and lifelong memories are made.
What started in 1925 as a lakeside attraction created by Carl and Minette Dixon has grown into a beloved Southern landmark. On opening day, more than 5,000 guests passed through the gates, eager to experience what would soon become a tradition for countless families. But the story of Lake Winnie, as it’s affectionately called, began a year earlier when the Dixons purchased the property, then known as Green Springs Lake.
“My grandparents bought the property in 1924 and renamed it Lake Winnepesaukah in homage to the Native American people who once lived and settled in this area,” said Tennyson Dickinson, current director of Lake Winnepesaukah and a third-generation steward of the park. “It’s always been about honoring the past while building something that brings people joy.”
That spirit of honoring the past is at the heart of the park’s 100th-anniversary celebration. To commemorate the milestone, Lake Winnie is rolling out a variety of tributes designed to celebrate its century-long journey. One highlight is a digital photo mosaic that invites visitors to see the park’s evolution through decades of shared memories.
“We’re excited about our new playlist that features songs from each decade—starting in the 1920s and going all the way to today,” Dickinson said. “We’ve also created new signage with historical photos that show how the park has changed over the years. And we’ve just published a book called Lake Winnepesaukah: The First One Hundred Years, which should be arriving in about ten days.”
As the summer season approaches, visitors will not only enjoy the rides and attractions that have defined Lake Winnie for generations—they’ll also be part of a living history. The carousel may spin, and the roller coasters may thrill, but the heart of Lake Winnepesaukah lies in its people and the stories they’ve created over the years.
