Discover ... the Best of Lodi, the Delta and the Mother Lode

Lodi Lake is the place to be

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, it's hard to come to Lodi without spending time at Lodi Lake Park, known as the town's crown jewel because of its numerous recreational outlets.

"There's a lot of opportunities available at the park and that's why it's so popular with all facets of the community," said Steve Dutra, parks superintendent with the Lodi Parks and Recreation Department. "We strongly feel it's the jewel of the parks system. It's a natural setting but yet it accommodates lots of people."

If you're in town for the Fourth of July, Lodi Lake is the place to be, as it will once again play host to fireworks festivities.

For wine lovers, the annual Lodi ZinFest in May is a can't-miss. From May 18-20, 40 wineries will set up shop at the park for tastings, amidst arts, crafts and specialty items and live music. Chef and wine experts from the ZinFest cooking school will be in attendance and visitors can place orders for wine by the bottle or the case. For more information on the event, contact events manager Courtney Storm at (209) 367-4727 or (209) 365-0621.

The park is also home to June's Lodi Fishing Derby and numerous 5- and 10-kilometer runs.

Lodi Lake, which is part of the Mokelumne River, was a low-lying puddle after wood dams were built in 1889 and 1891 in Woodbridge, but more water was stored behind the dam after the Woodbridge Irrigation District formed in 1924. The lake, as a full recreational park, was dedicated 10 years later.

The man-made lake in the city's northwest corner, which draws some 200,000 people annually, is located along the north side of Turner Road, east of Lower Sacramento Road and across from the General Mills plant.

The 53-acre nature area at the park is great for nature walks and is an enjoyable setting for bird enthusiasts, as it's a premiere habitat for various species of birds.

For those interested in learning about the wildlife along the nature trails, $1 walking tours are available at both the park and the nearby Discovery Center. Tours are by appointment only. For more information, contact docent coordinator Kathy Grant at (209) 339-8722.

For those who want to get out on the water, canoes, kayaks and paddle boats are available for rent from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, though take note that the park is closed on Mondays for maintenance.

As of May 1, pontoon boat tours on the Mokelumne River will be available by appointment only. The General Mils boat can carry up to 10 passengers, while the second boat can hold up to six people. The 11⁄2 hour-tour begins near the Discovery Center and the boats go upstream. The cost is $150 per tour and can be set up through Dan White at (209) 333-6890 or (209) 333-6742.

"We're really excited about the boat tours," Dutra said. "It took us three years to get that back on the water."

There are eight rental sites at the park for company picnics, family reunions and other events, which can be reserved through Marci Lavallis at (209) 333-6742.

From June 4 to July 27, the park hosts Safari Camp, which is run through Lodi's after-school program. The camp runs daily from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. at the cost of $100 per week, though half-days are also available for $55 per week. Children get the chance to swim, rent boats and go on field trips, including Waterworld, Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Monterey Bay and Raging Waters. Field trips are $40 each. To sign up, contact Rachel Sawyer at (209) 333-6742.