The History of Lake Buchanan/Inks Lake
Chamber of Commerce
With the vision to promote tourism and business in the Upper Highland Lakes region, the Chamber was formed in June 1958
with the name 'Lake Buchanan / Inks Lake Chamber of Commerce.'
The Chamber felt that more people would visit and enjoy the beautiful Hill Country if they only knew about it and came for a visit.
Early in 1963, with the idea to get surrounding communities involved, participated in the first Highland Lakes Festival
became a reality which was in conjunction with the first AQUA FEST.
During this time, the Chamber worked with local artists to share their talents. Today there are several galleries
that show to all who come paintings of the Hill Country. On that first day of the festival in 1963,
the chamber members, along with the local Lions Club, inaugurated the event with canoe races
from Lake Buchanan to the City of Austin over five dams with portages of canoes from lake to lake.
The BOY SCOUTS were recruited for this race and the Lions Club served breakfast to all.
As with all organizations, time would see the Chamber experience ups and downs,
some of this depending on lake levels, the economy, and strength of leadership.
In 1985 the greatest boost for the Chamber came in the form of a new location.
The Observation Point Building located at Buchanan Dam became the Chambers new home.
This was a focal point for visitors, activities and a magnificent view of the lake. The LCRA would be assisting
the Chamber in creating a museum to display the rich historical background of the Upper Highland Lakes.
In time, the Chamber would once again be relocated. The LCRA proposed a smaller building still close to Buchanan Dam.
The Chamber flourished here. For many years the Chamber welcomed over 20,000 visitors annually at this location.
Many young people enjoyed and helped the catfish and carp grow large with "fish food" available from the Visitor Center.
In 2007 security concerns following 9/11 would lead to the closing of our location at the dam.
With the loss of the prime Visitor Center location the Chamber experienced difficult times.
The location the Chamber could afford was less visible and lacked a view of the dam and lakes.
In June 2011 a wonderful new location was found. The Chamber settled in on a hill just West of the Inks Bridge
on Hwy 29 with easy On/Off access, wonderful views, and is our current location.
We have a wide variety of both maps & tourist information available in our Visitor Center, and an
observation deck with picnic tables and one of the best views of Buchanan Dam accessible to the public.
During the winter months, Bald Eagles are often spotted from this location.
Information for lodging, area real estate, fishing and boating, restaurants, maps, area attractions
and the many great services our local businesses have to offer is an important
aspect of what the Chamber provides to visitors in order to support our members and community.
We welcome everyone to come and visit this unique and beautiful region of Texas.
with the name 'Lake Buchanan / Inks Lake Chamber of Commerce.'
The Chamber felt that more people would visit and enjoy the beautiful Hill Country if they only knew about it and came for a visit.
Early in 1963, with the idea to get surrounding communities involved, participated in the first Highland Lakes Festival
became a reality which was in conjunction with the first AQUA FEST.
During this time, the Chamber worked with local artists to share their talents. Today there are several galleries
that show to all who come paintings of the Hill Country. On that first day of the festival in 1963,
the chamber members, along with the local Lions Club, inaugurated the event with canoe races
from Lake Buchanan to the City of Austin over five dams with portages of canoes from lake to lake.
The BOY SCOUTS were recruited for this race and the Lions Club served breakfast to all.
As with all organizations, time would see the Chamber experience ups and downs,
some of this depending on lake levels, the economy, and strength of leadership.
In 1985 the greatest boost for the Chamber came in the form of a new location.
The Observation Point Building located at Buchanan Dam became the Chambers new home.
This was a focal point for visitors, activities and a magnificent view of the lake. The LCRA would be assisting
the Chamber in creating a museum to display the rich historical background of the Upper Highland Lakes.
In time, the Chamber would once again be relocated. The LCRA proposed a smaller building still close to Buchanan Dam.
The Chamber flourished here. For many years the Chamber welcomed over 20,000 visitors annually at this location.
Many young people enjoyed and helped the catfish and carp grow large with "fish food" available from the Visitor Center.
In 2007 security concerns following 9/11 would lead to the closing of our location at the dam.
With the loss of the prime Visitor Center location the Chamber experienced difficult times.
The location the Chamber could afford was less visible and lacked a view of the dam and lakes.
In June 2011 a wonderful new location was found. The Chamber settled in on a hill just West of the Inks Bridge
on Hwy 29 with easy On/Off access, wonderful views, and is our current location.
We have a wide variety of both maps & tourist information available in our Visitor Center, and an
observation deck with picnic tables and one of the best views of Buchanan Dam accessible to the public.
During the winter months, Bald Eagles are often spotted from this location.
Information for lodging, area real estate, fishing and boating, restaurants, maps, area attractions
and the many great services our local businesses have to offer is an important
aspect of what the Chamber provides to visitors in order to support our members and community.
We welcome everyone to come and visit this unique and beautiful region of Texas.
Chamber office, 1984
Top Photo: Chamber office in 1984, current home of Langley's BBQ
2nd Photo: Arial view of (from top:) Lake Buchanan, Buchanan Dam, and Inks Lake (Photo Credit: Jim Wrayford)
Middle Photo: Visitor Center Observation Deck (Photo Credit: Joe Woolsey)
Bottom Photo: Fall Creek falls from Lake Buchanan (Photo: Anon)
2nd Photo: Arial view of (from top:) Lake Buchanan, Buchanan Dam, and Inks Lake (Photo Credit: Jim Wrayford)
Middle Photo: Visitor Center Observation Deck (Photo Credit: Joe Woolsey)
Bottom Photo: Fall Creek falls from Lake Buchanan (Photo: Anon)