Did You Know?

Meaning of the Name: The word "Wallenpaupack" comes from the Lenape Native American word Wahlinkpapeck, which translates to "The Stream of Swift and Slow Water".

Workforce: Roughly 2,700 men used mules and steam engines to complete the project between 1924 and 1926.

The Wooden Pipeline: Long-time residents recall the original "flow line"—a massive 3.5-mile pipeline made of Douglas fir that carried water to the powerhouse. It was one of the largest wooden pipelines in the world before being replaced by steel in the 1950s.

Colonial Ownership: The land was originally owned by William Penn, who deeded it to his son, Thomas Penn. In 1793, over 12,000 acres were sold to James Wilson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

Fast Filling: It took only seven months for the dam to block the Wallenpaupack Creek and fill the valley.

Man-Made Wonder: The lake was created in 1926 by the Pennsylvania Power & Light Company (PPL) to generate hydroelectric power.

Historical Facts

Relocation: Before flooding, most structures were razed or moved. The Purdytown Cemetery was relocated, and 17 miles of roads and utility poles were rerouted.

Submerged Remains: While most buildings were destroyed, some stone foundations and walls remain on the lake floor and can occasionally be seen through clear water or via sonar.

Ancient Discovery: In 1955, following Hurricane Diane, an 18-foot Native American dugout canoe carved from chestnut in the 1600s was discovered in a lake tributary

Underwater Ghost Town: The town of Wilsonville was flooded to create the lake in 1926. To this day, submerged house foundations and old road paths can still be seen using modern sonar technology.

The Town Beneath Lake Wallenpaupack

Discover the mysterious history of Wilsonville, the town that lies beneath Lake Wallenpaupack.

Some lake visitors and longtime locals report hearing strange sounds or seeing shadows near the lake in areas where Wilsonville once stood, adding a layer of mystery to the lake’s history.

Massive Scale: It is the third-largest man-made lake contained entirely within Pennsylvania, covering 5,700 acres with 52 miles of uninterrupted shoreline.

Two-County Border: The lake acts as a, boundary between Pike and Wayne Counties.

Protected Shoreline: Unlike many lakes, you won't see many houses right on the water's edge because a protected "project line" maintains a natural-looking shoreline.

Eagle Spotting: Kipp Island, one of the lake's four islands, is often closed to the public until August to protect nesting bald eagles.

Lake Wallenpaupack Highlights

Annual Event: The area hosts Wally Lakefest, the end of August. A major, annual summer festival featuring live music, boaters, and vendors

"The Office" Connection: The lake was famously featured in the 2006 episode "Booze Cruise" of

While the characters supposedly visit the lake in January, the episode was actually filmed in Long Beach Harbor, California, because the real lake would have been frozen solid.

Hydroelectric Facts About Lake Wallenpaupack

Seasonal Water Level Changes
Water levels are lowered in winter and raised in spring to prepare for hydroelectric power generation and summer recreation—making the lake look different every season.

The Lake Acts Like a Natural Battery
When electricity demand spikes, more water is released through the turbines, producing extra energy. In this way, the lake stores and releases energy on demand.

Visible Lake Bottom During Drawdowns
When the lake is drawn down for hydroelectric management, you can sometimes see rocks, old foundations, and hidden shoreline features, a rare glimpse into the lake’s pre-flood history.

Hydroelectric Power Is Renewable

Hydroelectric power from the lake is considered renewable energy, because it generates electricity using the natural movement of water instead of fossil fuels.

Water Flow Supports Downstream Rivers

When water is released through the dam, it flows into the Lackawaxen River, helping regulate downstream water flow.

Explore More About the Lake

Learn about the lake’s history, watershed, boating and fishing rules, and essential visitor info.

Know a fun or interesting fact about Lake Wallenpaupack? Share it with us! We’re always adding new local history and lake facts to help visitors and locals learn more about the lake.