Lake Lanier Olympic Park

Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville, GA—site of the 1996 Olympic rowing and canoe/kayak competitions—continues its mission today with world-class venues and year-round activities. Anchored by its iconic eight-lane rowing and ten-lane canoe/kayak courses, historic timing tower, stadium seating, ADA-accessible boat ramps, swim beach, docks, picnic areas, and pavilion, the park is both an athletic powerhouse and community centerpiece.

A recent highlight is The Boathouse at Lake Lanier Olympic Park, a striking 50,000–60,000 sq ft lakeside facility officially opened in March 2024. This architecturally inspired waterfront venue offers a grand ballroom (8,400–9,000 sq ft), flexible meeting rooms, spacious lakeside veranda and terrace, bridal suite, catering kitchens, fireplaces, and expansive boat-storage and training space for Olympic-legacy clubs . Ideal for weddings, corporate retreats, conferences, community galas, and regattas, it combines scenic Lake Lanier views with sleek, adaptable event infrastructure.

Set against the backdrop of Lake Sidney Lanier and the Blue Ridge foothills, the park remains open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset—with free access to paddle, swim, picnic, celebrate, and witness Olympic-level competition. Seasonal events range from regattas and triathlons to Food Truck Fridays, dragon-boat races, concerts, and the annual Gainesville Chicken Festival.