JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Lake Winnepesaukah, located in the greater Chattanooga area, is celebrating its 100th anniversary of bringing festive fun to visitors from near and far.
The park first opened its gates on June 1, 1925, attracting up to 5,000 guests on its grand opening day. Carl O. Dixon and his wife, Minette, purchased the property with the intent to convert it into a swimming and picnic space. The body of water at the center of the park was named Lake Winnepesaukah, taken from a Native American word meaning “bountiful waters” or “beautiful lake of the highlands.”
Since opening, the park quickly gained popularity among local residents and tourists, expanding its attractions and rides over the decades. Lake Winnie has been featured in various travel guides and magazines, including Southern Living, Chattanooga Magazine, and Fun World, praised for its beloved attractions still operating today.
Among the most iconic rides is the Cannon Ball Roller Coaster, introduced in 1967. It remains a guest favorite, with a track stretching three-quarters of a mile and reaching speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Another cherished ride is The Boat Chute, constructed by Carl Dixon between 1926 and 1927. It was the park’s first major ride and still operates today, recognized as the oldest mill chute water ride in the country.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary, guests are invited to submit both old and recent photos from their visits. These submissions will be compiled into a digital mosaic showcasing decades of memories created by the families who have enjoyed the park over the years—a tribute to a century of fun made possible by the Dixon family’s vision.
