Timberlake: Lake, History and Places to Stay

Timberlake brings together the history of a man-made lake and a local past that can also be read in a single building. For travelers looking to combine an overnight stay with local context, two specific themes take center stage: Timber Lake, its creation and the dam, and Timberlake Tavern. The Tavern offers places to stay; however, the lake and the building tell different parts of the story. You can use these distinctions to shape your visit around whether you are more interested in the landscape, building history, or social history.

Timber Lake: Landscape, Inflows, and Dam

Timber Lake was created by an earth dam in a low-lying bedrock depression surrounded by gentle hills and covers about 60 acres. Underground springs, along with Brown’s Creek, Waterlick Creek, and Buffalo Creek, feed the lake. Its description therefore brings together three elements: the dam as its origin, the depression and surrounding hills as its landscape setting, and springs and streams as its inflows. For visitors interested in bodies of water, this combination offers a concrete look at how the lake was formed and supplied.

All water quality tests for Timber Lake to date have produced results within safe standards for recreational activities and aquatic life. The Timberlake Dam serves as a recreational amenity for local residents.

A Turning Point in 1995

A turning point in the lake’s history came on June 22, 1995: on that day, the Timber Lake earth dam failed, leaving the lake almost completely drained. The current Timberlake Dam is inspected annually by qualified civil engineers.

Timberlake Tavern: History and a Place to Stay

Timberlake Tavern represents both the architectural and social history of the area. Its brick-and-wood building was constructed in 1928–1929 and has changed little over time. Timber Lake had already been envisioned in 1926 as a summer retreat for wealthier circles in Lynchburg, Virginia. During a brief season as a resort, the Tavern became the social center of Timber Lake, with food, music, and celebrations among its offerings. The chronology is clear: 1926 marks the conception of the summer retreat, 1928–1929 the construction of the building, and the brief season the Tavern’s later social role.

The Tavern offers travelers places to stay; it also has indoor and outdoor spaces for celebrations. If you are looking for an overnight stay, this is a specific part of its current offering; if you are planning an event, the celebration spaces are also relevant. The former resort season and the current lodging offer belong to different periods.

A Date to Keep in Mind When Planning Your Trip

The Timber Lake community holds a fireworks display every year on July 4. If this holiday is important to your travel plans, check the date for the year in question.

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