WHATSON LAKE PRESCOTT AZ FREE

The reservation area campsites are very close together. Unfortunately from there it went downhill. Both were extremely helpful and friendly. The only thing good about this Campground was Pattie at reservations and ? Margie ? at the check in. With such a breathtaking natural terrain and plenty of space for fishing, scenic viewing and stargazing, this lake is especially great for campers hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Visitors can expect the Sharlot Hall Museum, Smoki Museum, Lynx Lake and several other excellent sightseeing locations. Visitors can expect almost endless acres of land for hiking, mountain biking, and ATV tours, and there are great attractions in the downtown Prescott area. For nature enthusiasts, there are a plethora of animals that call the area home, including brave bald eagles, bobcats, snakes, rabbits and blue heron. Onsite, travelers can look forward to a courtesy dock, boat launches, large turf area, picnic tables, barbecue grills, playground equipment, showers, restrooms and even a gazebo for group fun. The Watson Lake Park is located in the beautiful town of Prescott, Arizona and is ideal for your next southwestern getaway. Prescott Journal Miner, April 7th-17th, 1915.3101 N State Route E 89, Prescott, AZ, 86301 The company that built the dam went out of business.įor more information on Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, visit Ultimately, the irrigation scheme proved unsuccessful as the unlined canals consumed too much of the water. Dozens would drive by daily to note the growing sheet of water. Wagon trails became submerged and buildings required removal.

WHATSON LAKE PRESCOTT AZ FREE

Ashurst was the keynote speaker, with several other notable people orating as well.Īfter the speeches, “The tenderest of barbecued Yavapai range steak was furnished free to all visitors.”Īlthough the April 8 day of celebration was to include the closing of the 4-ton steel gates of the dam, that actually did not happen until April 14.Īs the lake filled, weekly progress was reported. It towered at a height of nearly 100 feet from the bed of the creek. “It was a faultless Yavapai spring day and the picturesque rocks surrounding the dam were dotted with nearly all the most prominent citizens of the mile-high county, their figures relieved by stunningly costumed ladies and romping progeny, all bespeaking a lively, dignified interest in the proceedings,” the paper reported.Ī platform was built on the top of the immense dam for the band and the speakers. A special train was scheduled to run the 4 miles and back at a cost of 45 cents (about $18 today). There were parking facilities for 100 automobiles within easy walking distance of the ceremonies. The hope was to build a canal system in Lonesome and Chino valleys and use Watson Lake as the source to irrigate thousands of acres of grain crops.Ī relatively large crowd of 1,200 people came to the celebration.

Watson Lake was named for the president of the Hassayampa Alfalfa Company of Indiana.

Acting Mayor AJ Head issued a proclamation declaring a general holiday from 1 to 5 p.m. There were notable speakers, free barbecue, Prescott’s local band and a special train to get to the celebration. The anticipation of a new lake close to the city brought the biggest celebration Prescott saw in many years. Watson is a man-made lake created in April 1915 with the completion of the Granite Creek dam. Nestled along the Granite Dells, Watson Lake makes for one of the most picturesque scenes in Prescott. By Drew Desmond for the Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, Inc.

Whatson lake prescott az