Nestled within Louisa, Orange, and Spotsylvania Counties, Lake Anna offers 13,000 acres of inviting water and a close-knit community. Ideal for water enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, the lake provides a serene environment. Conveniently located near historic towns and just an hour's drive from Fredericksburg, Richmond, Culpepper and Charlottesville, Lake Anna combines natural beauty with easy access to urban amenities. It's a perfect blend for those seeking a picturesque and well-connected place to call home.
HP CTA
The educational landscape around Lake Anna is shaped by the three surrounding counties (Louisa, Spoysylvania, and Orange) with school enrollment determined by the location of each community. Lake Anna itself does not have a dedicated school system; instead, students residing in the lake area are served by the schools within their respective counties. See our other communities pages for more information and list of schools by county.
Interstates: I-95, I-64
West of the lake: 522 / Zachary Taylor Hwy
Mid lake: 208 / New Bridge Rd
Mid lake to south: 652 / Kentucky Springs
Mid lake to northeast: 601 / Lawyers Rd
Mid lake to east: 601 / Lewiston Rd
Mid lake to north: 719 / Belmont Rd
North of the lake: 719 / Days Bridge
Buckingham Branch Railroad (Freight)
Amtrak Passenger Station:
*Distance calculated from Lake Anna State Park
- Fredericksburg (approx. 29 miles)
- Culpeper (approx. 34 miles)
- Charlottesville (approx. 53 miles)
- Richmond (approx. 64 miles)
- Manassas (approx. 68 miles)
*Distance calculated from Lake Anna State Park
Louisa County Airport, LKU (approx. 19 miles)
Louisa County Airport, LKU (approx. 19 miles)
Lake Anna Airport, 7W4 (approx. 23 miles)
Gordonsville Municipal Airport, KGVE (approx. 30 miles)
Orange County Airport, OMH (approx. 20 miles)
Charlottesville - Albemarle Airport, CHO (approx. 46 miles)
Richmond International Airport, RIC (approx. 73 miles)
Manassas Regional Airport, MNZ (approx. 67 miles)
Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, SHD (approx. 80 miles)
Dulles International Airport, IAD (approx. 87 miles)
Ronald Reagan International Airport, DCA (approx. 81 miles)
Our tale begins in 1972 with the creation of Lake Anna, a reservoir nestled in the heart of Virginia. Embark on an educational journey by making an appointment to visit the North Anna Power Station, the catalyst behind the creation of Lake Anna. Immerse yourself in the fascinating story of how this man-made gem came into existence and the reasons that led to its formation.
Traveling back to 1829, we stumble upon the discovery of gold at Goodwin Gold Mine. This momentous event marked the beginning of a golden era, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Lake Anna. The echoes of the first gold discovery still resonate through the surrounding hills of Lake Anna State Park.
In the serene surroundings of Lake Anna, a region steeped in history, one can embark on a journey through time and uncover the pivotal events that unfolded during the Civil War. Visitors to this tranquil area are not only greeted by the beauty of Lake Anna but also have the opportunity to explore the nearby Civil War battlegrounds, where echoes of the past resonate through time, offering a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during this tumultuous period.
Lake Anna shopping takes on a delightful charm with Lake Anna Outfitters offering quality gear and a friendly atmosphere for outdoor enthusiasts.
Home Point and its curated selection of furnishings and decor add warmth to your living space, providing unique treasures and souvenirs, ensuring every purchase is a meaningful experience.
Meanwhile, various marinas around the lake go beyond supplying boating essentials, contributing to the vibrant lakeside community spirit.
Seasonal farmers markets are a prime attraction for locals and tourists alike. There, you will find everything from local grass finished - grass fed beef to fresh vegetables, homemade pies or tamales, and handmade crafts and jewelry. Local vendors also participate in sponsored events around the lake, typically places like breweries, wineries, or marines where a wide range of vendors participate in the events offering their goods and products.
From soulful melodies to energetic beats, there's a variety of live music performances that cater to diverse tastes. Check out the local venues for an evening filled with tunes that resonate with the picturesque surroundings.
Enjoy hilarious comedy shows that will leave you in splits. The local comedy scene brings together talented comedians, guaranteeing a night of joy and good humor. If you like trivia, Lake Anna's weekly trivia scene at local venues is a vibrant and engaging experience, bringing together the community for a fun-filled night of challenging questions and friendly competition.
Explore the local art galleries and studios around Lake Anna. Admire the creativity of local artists as they showcase their talents through paintings, sculptures, and other captivating forms of expression. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with the vibrant arts community. For a more curated art experience, visit the Louisa Arts Center for a variety of performances, exhibitions, and events.
Embark on a fun-filled miniature golf adventure at Boardwalk Mini Golf at Tim’s on the north end of the public side. With its whimsical course, it's the perfect spot to challenge your friends and family to a friendly game.
Visit Lake Anna State Park and take a leisurely stroll or jog along scenic trails or engage in water activities like fishing and swimming. The park offers a serene escape for those looking to unwind amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Explore nearby wineries, breweries, and cideries, where you can savor exquisite beverages while soaking in the picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards and landscapes.
For water enthusiasts, Lake Anna provides an exciting array of watercraft rentals. Whether you prefer the tranquility of kayaking or the thrill of speeding across the water on a ski jet, you'll find the perfect vessel to make your lake experience unforgettable. For a more intimate experience, the Lake Anna Water Trail, hosted by Lake Anna Outfitters provides an intimate adventure as you paddle your way through scenic waterways, discovering hidden coves and enjoying the serenity of the lake.
While Lake Anna offers a delightful array of attractions including its own restaurants, sites, and outdoor activities, it's essential for visitors to recognize the rich tapestry of experiences awaiting them beyond the lake’s limits. The surrounding counties are steeped in history and offer diverse dining options and outdoor activities.
When you first hear about Lake Anna, chances are you heard something about “two sides” or “the hot and cold side” or you may hear “the private and public side.” Let’s quickly dive into the meaning of this.
The lake is divided into two separate sides and there are 3 dikes that make this separation – the public side (cold water) and the private side (hot water).
The public side is over twice as large as the private side totaling about 9,600 acres. The public side is open to the public and features cooler water temperatures than the private side. You can access marinas with gas and waterfront restaurants by boat because commercial activity is permitted on this side.
The private side spans about 4,000 acres and is not open to the public but can be accessed by property owners. Warmer water temperatures than the public side can be expected with extended use of the water from early spring and into late fall. Commercial activity is prohibited on the private side so don’t expect waterfront restaurants or marinas.
Waterfront and access residential homes are available on both sides of the lake and in terms of values, one side tends to not be more valuable than the other. It is more a personal preference each person has.
Lake Anna State Park is one of the most loved places to experience Lake Anna. Here you can have access to a wide range of amenities and enjoyable activities.Travelers from all over have visited this beautiful state park and experienced Lake Anna first hand. Amenities include but are not limited to a beach area, swim area, hiking trails, cabins for rent, and many fun events such as triathlons are hosted here. In addition to this, there are public bathrooms and parking.
Lake Anna is home to many events year round. Typically you can expect the local breweries or wineries to host small to massive events.
Coyote Hole Ciderworks is home to events that bring in local vendors with local handmade goods.
And places like the Lake Anna Winery are known for their epic and large event they host - The Virginia Renaissance Faire. This event attracts people in the masses and is hosted over a period of time. People from all over come just to attend this unique event.
In addition to this, the Lake Anna State Park and other locations like Pleasants Landing may be host to the annual triathlon where contestants swim, bike and run in and around Lake Anna!
Let’s not forget about all the water competitions and attractions. The speed boat gathering and fishing competitions attract the masses to the water.
But above all, Lake Anna’s most beloved event is the annual 4th of July Firework show on the water! Yes, you heard that right, on the water! Well technically they are launching the fireworks off of Dike II but both sides of the lake get front row seats on the water to the big special firework show. This is by far the most favorite of all for viewers. It is a must experience!
Lake Anna is known for its robust Airbnb and Short Term Rental market. When you come to visit the lake, the top stay for most guests is a short term rental. On sites like airbnb and Vrbo, you can have the opportunity to book a premier waterfront home full of luxurious amenities and things to do. You can also opt in for the more affordable prices by booking a water access home which has access to the lake through its private community area.
The best part about this option, is that you can also book a home to rent on the private side of Lake Anna. This side is only available to homeowners and their lucky guests. You can not access it through public means. However, if you book a short term rental on the private side then you can surely enjoy and experience this area!
In addition to this, real estate investors from all over have come to Lake Anna to take advantage of the short term rental market, and also use it as a vacation get-a-way for themselves when they want that much needed escape.
- High Point Marina https://www.yelp.com/biz/high-point-marina-and-lighthouse-inn-mineral
- Anna Point Marina https://www.yelp.com/biz/anna-point-marina-mineral?osq=marinas
- Sturgeon Creek Marina https://www.yelp.com/biz/sturgeon-creek-marina-spotsylvania?osq=marinas
- Hoffmaster’s Marina https://www.yelp.com/biz/hoffmasters-marina-woodbridge?osq=marinas
- Dukes Creek Marina https://www.yelp.com/biz/dukes-creek-marina-bumpass
- Pleasants Landing at Lake https://www.google.com.ng/travel/entity/key/
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- Shipwreck Pontoon Rental https://www.yelp.com/biz/ship-wreck-pontoon-rental-mineral?osq=boat+rentals
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- Mobile Watercraft Rentals https://www.yelp.com/biz/mobile-watercraft-rentals-spotsylvania-courthouse?osq=boat+rentals
- Mid Atlantic Watersports https://www.yelp.com/biz/mid-atlantic-watersports-mineral?osq=boat+rentals
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- Wake Edgers Gear and Gifts https://www.yelp.com/biz/wake-edgers-gear-and-gifts-mineral?osq=boat+rentals
- Christopher Run Campground https://www.yelp.com/biz/christopher-run-campground-mineral
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- Lighthouse Inn https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=hotel&find_loc=Lake+Anna%2C+VA
- Hotel Lake Anna https://www.yelp.com/biz/hotel-lake-anna-spotsylvania
- Short Term Rentals (waterfront and water access rentals) https://www.airbnb.com/lake-anna-va/stays
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