We were so happy to be back in Redlands for a month long visit with my cousins. We had lots of activities planned together, but asked if there were new places to explore on our own. Lake Arrowhead California was the immediate response.
Welcome to Lake Arrowhead Village, California
Lake Arrowhead California
Heading to the San Bernardino Mountain and Lake Arrowhead Village
Part of the drive to Lake Arrowhead and Village was the route we took to visit Big Bear Lake last winter. And then we came to the proverbial fork in the road, and turned toward Lake Arrowhead.
There are many place to stop and enjoy the scenery as you drive up to Lake Arrowhead California
For some odd reason, this was one of the few times that we decided to take our little Yorkie Hershi with us. Hershi is an amazing traveler in the RV. He usually either sleeps under my seat or jumps on my lap for some lovin’. Traveling in the car is a different story though. He is much more restricted and gets quite antsy. He sleeps on my lap if we are on a highway, but slow driving is unsettling to him. He seemed nervous on the drive up the mountains. And he was thrilled to be out of the car and free to enjoy Lake Arrowhead Village while tethered to us.
You can’t always listen to your GPS
Our view driving up the mountain to Lake Arrowhead and Village
The beautiful, snow capped San Bernardino Mountains
It was an absolutely glorious day as we headed to our destination. The crisp air made it perfect. Each time we got out of the car to take photos we gasped with delight at the scenery. We were happily following the GPS in the Jeep, which gave us our turn by turn directions. That is until it told us to turn where we probably should not have turned. Suddenly we were on a excruciatingly narrow road with no guard rails and a shear drop off to the canyon below. Yikes. My stomach felt like it was in my mouth. To say that I was nervous, would be a gross understatement. Thankfully Steve remained composed and managed to get us back on the right route!
A slice of California paradise
Stunning Lake Arrowhead California
Once we reached Lake Arrowhead and Village we were able to exhale and enjoy the rest of our day there. It’s a piece of California paradise that is located in the infamous backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains. Its beauty is undeniable, and there are a lot of places to check out there.
A floating island full of seagulls
Lake Arrowhead is a cozy, quaint and stunningly beautiful mountain resort, featuring lots of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, backpacking, cycling, water and snow skiing, fishing, dining and shopping.
History of Lake Arrowhead
All sorts of birds enjoy the crystal clear water of Lake Arrowhead
Dating back to the 1920s, this historical locale has served as a communal hub for local residents and travelers alike. The Lake Arrowhead Village now offers a mix of over 50 waterfront shops, outlet stores, specialty shops, and restaurants. But its history began when The Arrowhead Lake Company, a Los Angeles syndicate, bought Little Bear Lake, which was the original name of the lake, and surrounding land, about 4,800 acres. They changed the name to Lake Arrowhead.
Man-made lake
Lake Arrowhead is a gathering place for birds of all colors!
The Arrowhead Lake Company’s plan was to develop the mile high man-made lake into an exceptional recreational and residential area. The original village was built between 1921 and 1923, in the Norman style. The village included a dance pavilion, an outdoor movie theatre, restaurant, beach and bath houses. Three hotels were also built there as well – Arlington Lodge, Village Inn, and North Shore Tavern. The Village held its official opening on June 24, 1922.
The Hollywood connection
Some of the lakeside land was subdivided and sold for private homes and secluded north shore estates. Many Hollywood stars stayed at the hotels during the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, and some purchased homes in the resort town. The studios frequently used the area for locations for major motion pictures.
Saving the Village
However, by the 1970’s, age had taken its toll and the 1920’s Village was in a state of disrepair and facing potential condemnation. Developers George Coult and Jerry Jackson bought the “Village” and “Lodge” properties in 1978, and made the decision to redevelop Lake Arrowhead Village into a multifaceted center that would serve the community for generations to come.
The “new” Lake Arrowhead California Village
On our way down the mountain from Lake Arrowhead California, we noticed that each mountain ridge takes on a different face.
The Grand Opening of the “new” Lake Arrowhead Village occurred over Memorial Weekend, 1981. The beautiful “new” Village was built in much the same architecture as the old Village, and the dance pavilion was restored as the Theme building. What is now called the Pavilion building houses Papagayos Mexican Restaurant and Big on Bears. The “new” Lake Arrowhead Village is ten times larger than the original.
If you like boat tours, The Arrowhead Queen tours the lake with a 50-minute narrated cruise highlighting the history of the area and is the only way the general public can get on the lake and see the spectacular views. The McKenzie Water Ski School, which is the oldest Water Ski School in the country, is where adults and children of all ages can learn to water ski on Lake Arrowhead.
Wow, Mom, that’s a good shot! Dad, thanks for taking a picture of me, while mom took her shot of the scenery. I really had a good time today!!!
With four distinct seasons, the clean mountain air, the beautiful lake, and its rich history, it is no wonder Lake Arrowhead Village is, once again, a premiere destination for Southern Californians. And Hershi enjoyed it too!
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