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Pickwick
The History of Pickwick Dam
Named after the Charles Dickens novel, The Pickwick Papers, Pickwick was a popular riverboat stop dating back to the 1840s. During the Great Depression, the community was chosen as the site for a new dam as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal to provide recreational opportunities, employment, and inexpensive electricity for the region. After construction, Pickwick became one of the first all-electric cities in the nation. In 1969, the land that previously housed the construction workers and their families was transferred from the Tennessee Valley Authority to the state of Tennessee to create Pickwick Landing State Park. Today, the park contains over 1,400 acres of land while Pickwick Lake features a water surface area of over 43,000 acres.
Fun For The Whole Family
If you’re looking for a getaway on the water, look no further! Pickwick is home to Pickwick Landing State Park and the impressive Pickwick Dam, offering endless opportunities for outdoor fun with friends, family, and the community. Lovers of the outdoors will find unlimited opportunities for fun and adventure in Pickwick, with three public swimming beaches, two campgrounds with over 80 campsites combined, an 18-hole Tennessee Golf Trail golf course, disc golf course, aviary, and walking trails perfect for hikers of all skill levels. Spend the night in the park’s Lodge and enjoy lakefront views from your private balcony, access to the Lodge’s swimming pools and tennis courts, and a delicious meal at the in-house restaurant, The Restaurant at Pickwick Landing. Free shuttle rides from the inn make commuting to the Pickwick Marina a breeze, letting you get out on the water in no time.
In addition to the multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities, Pickwick is host to a number of exciting events throughout the year including the annual July 4th firework show, the Tennessee River Run’s Boat Poker Run, and Christmas in the Park.
