Lake Anna, VA

When was Lake Anna Built: Lake Anna was constructed by Dominion Power by building a dam on the North Anna River in 1968. They cleared all of the trees and buildings from the area that the lake would occupy, and by 1972 the dam was completed and all of the clearing activities were finished. Although it had been projected to take 3 years to completely fill the lake, the arrival of Hurricane Agnes and increased rainfall allowed the lake filling to finish in 18 months.

The lake is separated into two components; the public side (also known as the "cold" side) and the private side, working as a cooling pond (also known as the "hot" side). The public side is roughly 9,000 acres (36 km2), while the private side is roughly 4,000 acres (16 km2). The two areas are separated by earthwork dams, so it is not possible to traverse via boat from one side to the other.

• What is the total area of Lake Anna: 20.31 square miles, 13,000 acres.
• What is the depth of Lake Anna: 80 feet.
• What are the Lake Anna dimensions: 16.78 miles in length, with 200 miles of shoreline. The lake is divided into two sides by three stone dikes, neither side has any water interconnection.
• What is the Surface elevation above sea level for Lake Anna: 257 feet.
• What Counties does Lake Anna reside in: Louisa / Spotsylvania / Orange counties, Virginia.
• Is there a safe beach at Lake Anna: Yes, Lake Anna State Park.
• Water Quality Info: As you can imagine, due to Lake Anna being surrounded by agricultural activities, water quality is an ongoing topic of interest. Here are several organization pages discussing lake water quality issues;

   Lake Anna Civi Association Cyanobacteria/Algae Data & Reports.

   Virginia Data Explorer Water Quality page.

   Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Dirty Waters List.

• How far is Lake Anna from other Virginia Cities: 69 miles from Richmond via I-64 and route 522. 53 miles from Charlottesville via route 208 and I-64. 86 miles from Washington D.C. via route 208 and I-95.
• Are you able to access the Private side from the Public side: Not by boat, only by vehicle as the private side is primarily gated & private communities.
• Can you access restaurants,marinas & boat rentals on the Private side: No, there are no commercial entities on the private side accessible via boat. Yes there are commericial entities accessible via vehicle.
• Are there accessible boat ramps on the Private Side: No public boat ramps are on the private side, only private ramps exist.
• What are the names of the public side restaurants you can access by water: Tim's Restaurant, The Cove, Anna Cabana, Vitos, The Lounge, Lake Anna Taphouse, the Asian Cafe and the El Gran Patron at Pleasant Landing.
• What types of fish can be found in Lake Anna: Striped bass, Largemouth bass, Walleye, Bluegill, Yellow perch, White perch. The Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass populations are maintained by annual stocking by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
• What are the other large lakes in Virginia: Smith Mountain Lake (32 mi²), Kerr Lake (77.22 mi²), and Claytor Lake (7.031 mi²).
• What Wineries are located near Lake Anna: Central Virginia has more than 80 wineries (as of July 2024) so the list is rather long. A few of the closest to Lake Anna are; Lake Anna Winery, Coyote Hole Craft Beverages, Everleigh Vineyard, Fifty Third Winery. Here is a Google Search Results link for a list of wineries near Lake Anna.
• What Breweries are located near Lake Anna: As of July 2024, Google says 14 breweries are near Lake Anna, including; Cooling Pond Brewery, Coyote Hole Beverages, Log Home Brewing and Lake Anna Taphouse. Here is a Google Search Results link for a list of breweries near Lake Anna.

The launch ramp list below is for the "public side" of the lake, because the "warm side" (ie; the "private side") consists only of private houses and communities and since most communities are gated, those launch ramps remain private.

A few of the more popular launch ramps on the public side are below - note that there are others, but these are some of the ramps that we have used in the past. Note that each item in this list is linked to that location in case you want to visit that facility;

The following are the Lake Anna Marinas, Boat Rental Companies and Launch Ramps that we have familiarity with, there are several others, but we have not used them. Click here to view a Google Search results page for all Lake Anna Marinas.

You will be able to see every possible type of water recreation at Lake Anna, ie; water skiing, water ski slalom courses, wake boarding, knee boarding, wake skates, air chairs, tubing, etc. You name it and it can be found somewhere on the lake.

Where to eat at Lake Anna?

Despite the large size of Lake Anna in Virginia, stretching 16 miles from top to bottom, the number of restaurants around the lake is limited. Visitors can find some lakefront dining spots including The Cove, which features a restaurant and a general store, the Boardwalk at Lake Anna, home to Tim's on Lake Anna, Below Deck, a Moo Thru ice cream shop, an arcade, and mini golf. On the west side of the lake along Route 208, there are establishments such as Lake Anna Tap House, Vito’s Italian restaurant, among others. The southeast side of the lake is home to the Mexican restaurant El Gran Patron. A Food Lion shopping center on route 208 on the west side of the lake also houses a Subway and Chef Lee's Chinese Restaurant. The area also hosts several breweries and a cidery, including Cooling Pond Brewery, Lake Anna Taphouse, Coyote Hole Cidery, and Log Home Brewery. For a more upscale experience, visitors can check out Callie Opie Orchards, a charming barn-style restaurant. For those who don’t mind driving a little further, tiny Mineral hosts Sabor a Mexico, Jo-Jo’s serving sandwiches and pizza, and the Mad Hatter Bakery. Venturing into Louisa offers a few more local options, including Roma’s Italian Restaurant, which serves the best pizza in the area in our opinion, and Obrigado Restaurant, which offers both lunch and dinner with specialties such as paella on certain nights of the week.

NOTE: All of the information herein regarding Lake Anna businesses was derived from either their website, or from our visits as a customer, or other public sources. If you would like to have your Lake Anna business included on our page, or if you feel that our information is not up to date, feel free to contact us via the "Info" and "Contact Us" menu links at the top of this page.

• Tim's at Lake Anna Restaurant & Crabhouse

• 200 G Boardwalk Way
• Mineral, Virginia, 23117
•  (540) 894-5011

• El Gran Patron Mexican Restaurant

• 349 Pleasant Landing Road
• Bumpass, Virginia, 23024
•  (540) 205-3005

• The Cove Restaurant at Lake Anna

• 6320 Belmont Road
• Mineral, VA 23117
•  (540) 854-7000

Located adjacent to Dillard's Bridge. Besides the restaurant (takeout is available too), there is a small country store, boat ramps, gasoline pumps, boat rental, etc. At the intersection of route 522 and 719 (1/2 mile south of Christopher Run Campground) turn east onto route 719. Days Bridge road turns into Belmont Road. Distance from Christopher Run is approximately 3.7 miles.

As you can see in these images, they have a good amount of dock space for boaters arriving, as well as a pretty good sized parking lot. This is a popular watering hole during the season, so time your arrival or you will have to wait to be seated.

• MooThru Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

• 200 Boardwalk Way
• Mineral, Virginia 23117
•  (540) 661-6401

• Below Deck Pizza and Deli

• 200 Boardwalk Way
• Suite D
• Louisa, VA 23093
•  (540) 894-7806

This shop is directly beneath Tim's Restaurant and next door to Moo-Thru at the Boardwalk on Lake Anna. If you are looking for a great sandwich, or a good salad, or a good pizza, give these guys a try! They have a nice variety of hot & cold sandwiches, a good selection of cold drinks, chips, etc. The owner is a very nice gentleman, and they will bring your food out to your picnic table outside if you ask them to.

• Tavern on the Rail

• 81 Tavern Road
• Mineral, VA 23117
•  (540) 872-7245

The first thing that strikes you is the historic charm. The restored 1837 general store boasts a rustic elegance, transporting you back in time. You might be seated upstairs in the main dining room, with its exposed beams and warm lighting, or perhaps downstairs in the tavern area with its cozy pub-like feel.

As you peruse the menu, you'll find a focus on upscale comfort food with a weekly seafood specialty. Perhaps you'll opt for a juicy steak or melt-in-your-mouth salmon. Fresh, seasonal ingredients take center stage, with creative side dishes and homemade touches like pickled beets adding a delightful twist.

Yes that is indeed a real railroad track next to the restaurant, and trains will sometimes pass by - adds a bit of nostalgia to the entire restaurant experience.

• Callie Opie's Orchard Restaurant

• 4533 Zachary Taylor Highway
• Mineral, VA 23117
•  (540) 894-4343

Located just south of the route 208 intersection on the west side of route 522. Food here is excellent, and we've dined here numerous times since they opened in 2017.

Country chic restaurant specializing in American Regional Cuisine. Fine dining steaks, chops, seafood entrees. Beautiful decor. Craft beer, imported wines. Spectacular deserts. Catering. Full bar. Indoor and outdoor seating. A memorable food experience for family outings, graduations, weddings, meetings or other special events.

Their menu boasts fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. It might change depending on the season, but you can expect a focus on farm-to-table goodness. Perhaps you'll start with a salad bursting with crisp greens, locally-sourced tomatoes, and a homemade vinaigrette. For your main course, the menu might offer tempting options like a juicy steak drizzled with a herb butter made with fresh garden herbs, or a pan-seared trout served alongside roasted seasonal vegetables.

Their 3,000 sq. ft. barn is available for special events, weddings and entertainment. And their large dog-friendly patio with firepits provide a seasonal outdoor alternative.

• Lake Anna Winery

• 5621 Courthouse Road
• Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22551
•  (540) 895-5085

Located 3.75 miles east of the Route 208 Bridge on the south side of the highway, Lake Anna Winery is a beautiful and popular destination for wine lovers, offering a variety of award-winning wines and a scenic setting for tastings, events, and tours.

The tasting experience here allows you to explore the range of Lake Anna Winery's creations. You can choose from a selection of their estate-grown wines, crafted from European and hybrid grape varietals. Whether you prefer crisp whites, bold reds, or something sweeter, there's a wine to tempt your palate. Savor each sip, appreciating the unique characteristics of each varietal and the dedication that goes into creating them.

• Roma Italian Restaurant & Pizza by Vinnie

• 406 E Main Street
• Louisa, VA 23093
•  (540) 967-1697

Also known as "Vinnie's Pizza". Located on route 33 behind McDonalds. We've been coming here for over 20 years, and have had a number of really good pizzas here, as well as traditional Italian entrees. They have a good selection of beers, wines and parking is good. The service staff here are friendly and helpful !

Dining at the Roma Italian Restaurant offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, with guests praising its welcoming service and delicious food. The restaurant specializes in classic Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, and subs, with homemade sauces and generous portions. Regulars highlight the authenticity of the flavors, especially noting the pizza’s crisp crust and fresh ingredients. Many also appreciate the cozy ambiance that feels like a homey retreat, making it a popular choice for both casual dining and special occasions. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty pasta dish or a satisfying slice of pizza, Roma is known for its reliable quality and friendly service.

• Floozie's Pie Shop Cafe

• 109B West Main Street
• Louisa, VA 23093
•  (540) 967-1124

Located on the east side of main street of Louisa (across the street from the Court House), everything we've had here has been top notch, including awesome breakfasts and amazing pies! Floozie's is known for their delicious homemade pies, both sweet and savory.

They have a wide variety of pies to choose from, so you're sure to find one that you'll love. While the pies might be the star of the show, Floozie's also offers a variety of other breakfast and lunch options, including sandwiches, soups, quiches, and salads.

Floozie's Pie Shop in Louisa, VA, is renowned for its delicious pies, both sweet and savory, made from scratch. With a reputation for quality, the pies are described as a must-try in the area. Whether you’re indulging in a classic fruit pie or a hearty savory option, visitors rave about the shop's commitment to homemade goodness. The cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and the shop’s signature pies make it a popular stop for locals and travelers alike.

• Obrigado Restaurant

• 109 West Main Street
• Louisa, VA 23093
•  (540) 967-9447

Located on Main Street immediately next door to Floozies. If you're looking for something different than the usual American fare, Obrigado offers a taste of the Mediterranean. Their menu features dishes that combine fresh, seasonal ingredients with bold flavors. Obrigado prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, including American Angus beef, fresh seafood, and locally-sourced produce whenever possible. We've had lunch & dinner here and we can vouch for how good the food is!

The dining experience at Obrigado Restaurant offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and American favorites. Guests have praised the food for being made from fresh, often local ingredients. Popular dishes include Reuben sandwiches, cheeseburgers, chicken salad, and their standout calamari appetizer. The homemade desserts, especially the chocolate peanut butter pie, are a must-try.

• Los Tres Potrillos Restaurant

• 406 E Main Street
• Louisa, VA 23093
•  (540) 967-3626

Located on the west side of Main Street behind McDonalds. Los Tres Potrillos is known for its delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine. They use fresh ingredients to prepare traditional dishes, offering a taste of Mexico right in Louisa. Los Tres Potrillos boasts a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor, ranking #4 out of 18 restaurants in Louisa. This suggests that many diners have had a positive experience there.

Dining at Los Tres Potrillos offers an authentic and flavorful experience of Mexican cuisine in a casual, strip-mall setting. The restaurant is known for its consistent offerings of Mexican classics, including hearty burritos, tacos, and fajitas, served with fresh, homemade tortillas and vibrant salsas. A standout feature is the House Special, which includes a variety of traditional dishes like chalupas, chile rellenos, and enchiladas, often paired with savory rice and beans.

• Cooling Pond Brewery

• 4411 Zachary Taylor Highway
• Mineral, VA 23117
•  (540) 603-0239

English-inspired beers are at the heart of what they do, but they also offer rotating selections to satisfy any palate. Flights are available for those who want to try a variety, as well as pints, and even growlers to-go. Their tasting room features a large stone fireplace with plenty of seating, and right outside their doors is an expansive patio where one can enjoy the hilltop breezes and the view.

Cooling Pond Brewery offers a relaxed and inviting experience for beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Located near Lake Anna, the brewery provides a cozy ambiance with its rustic and charming interior, featuring wooden tables, warm lighting, and an outdoor patio that’s perfect for enjoying craft beers while soaking up the natural surroundings.

• Lake Anna Tap House

• 208 Lake Front Drive
• Mineral, VA 23117
•  (540) 634-7500

If you are a craft beer enthusiast, then this is the place for you! Large comfortable beer garden style area behind the building where you can find corn hole and other games - and - the outside area is dog friendly!

This laid-back hangout boasts a mind-blowing selection of craft brews, catering to every taste bud. Feeling adventurous? Their friendly staff will happily guide you through the options, ensuring you find your perfect pint. Want to get competitive? Challenge your crew to a game of cornhole or connect four on the lawn. Laughter and friendly taunts are guaranteed, especially as the good vibes flow!

This isn't your typical fancy restaurant. The Tap House embraces a casual, welcoming atmosphere that caters to everyone. Locals gather here to catch up, families enjoy a fun day trip, and boaters unwind after exploring the lake. Special events like wing nights and live music add to the lively atmosphere. So, check their website before you go - there might just be the perfect event to match your lakeside fun!

• Coyote Hole Craft Beverages

• 225 Oak Grove Drive
• Mineral, VA 23117
•  (540) 894-1053

Located just north of the Food Lion Shopping Center on route 208, they offer hand-crafted hard cider comprised of 100% Virginia fruit with apples sourced from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Coyote Hole offers a taste of paradise for cider and beer lovers. Sample their flagship Green Apple Sangria cider, filled with fruity sweetness, or a lightly dry-hopped option for a more balanced taste. Feeling adventurous? Opt for one of their seasonal ciders, like refreshing pear or a vibrant peach variety. Beer enthusiasts can explore their range of craft beers, coming soon in September 2024.

But Coyote Hole isn't just about the drinks. Bring your furry friend along – the outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a delicious meal and some quality time with your pet. Their menu features a variety of crowd-pleasing dishes, ensuring there's something for everyone. Live music, trivia nights, and even movie nights under the stars add to the fun. They also host special events throughout the year, like a haunted trail for the spooky season.

• Sabor a Mexico Restaurant

• 131 Mineral Avenue
• Mineral, VA 23117
•  (540) 894-5500

Given that this restaurant is at the intersection of Route 208 (AKA the road to Louisa) and Route 618 (AKA the road to our cabin), we pass by here frequently, and have eaten here multiple times including during the previous owners time frame. The food here is good, the prices are reasonable and there is good parking available.

• Joe-Joe's Super Heroes & Pizza

• 117 Mineral Avenue
• Mineral, VA 23117
•  (540) 894-5656

Directly next door to the "Sabor a Mexico" restaurant at the intersection of Route 208 & Route 618, these guys have a menu full of good sandwiches and other items. They also offer ice cream!

Dining at Joe-Joe's provides a fun and casual experience with a focus on delicious, hand-crafted pizza and hero sandwiches. The establishment is popular with locals and visitors alike for its friendly atmosphere, great service, and tasty menu offerings. The pizzeria offers a wide range of pizza options, including creative toppings and specialty pies, making it a great spot for a casual meal with family or friends.

TIP: Try their cheese steak !

The following are not the only stores, restaurants or boat facilities - they are just places that we have utilized over the years and are reliable. Would we recommend them to you? Yes !

• Highpoint Marina & Lighthouse Inn

• 4634 Courthouse Road
• Mineral, VA 23117
•  (540) 895-5249

They are located on Route 208 just prior to the 208 Bridge (eastern side of the bridge).

High Point Marina on Lake Anna is your one-stop shop for a fun-filled lake adventure. They offer a variety of services to make your time on the water enjoyable and hassle-free. Need a boat? Launch your own from their four ramps or rent a boat for a day of fishing or cruising. If you're new to the area, their friendly staff can guide you to the best fishing spots or recommend must-see locations on the lake. High Point Marina also boasts a fully-stocked convenience store with everything you might need for a day on the water, from bait and tackle to snacks and drinks. And if your boat needs some TLC, they offer dry dock storage and a repair service to keep your vessel shipshape.

Located on Route 522 the campground offers tenting & small trailer camping sites, bathroom facilities, boat docks, launch ramps, a small country store and boat equipment. The campground is less than two miles north of Dickinson's Store.

• Sturgeon Creek Marina
• 5107 Courthouse Road
• Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22551
•  (540) 895-5095

• Lake Anna State Park
• 6800 Lawyers Road
• Spotsylvania, VA 22551
•  (540) 854-5503

Located on the eastern side of Lake Anna north of route 208. Nice beach, good parking and some nice hiking trails. Turn north on Lawyers Road just after the Lake Anna Winery as you are headed east on route 208 and follow the signs.

For the thrill-seekers, there's a boat launch, so you can rent a kayak or jet ski and explore hidden coves or zip across the water. Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line and try their luck reeling in a trophy largemouth bass or feisty crappie.

Over 15 miles of trails weave through the park, perfect for a scenic hike or a peaceful bike ride. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – you might spot a deer, a blue heron, or even a bald eagle soaring overhead.

There is something for everyone at Lake Anna - there are boat dealers, boat rental shops, land for sale, homes for sale (on both sides of the lake), farms for sale, etc. Not looking to buy? There are a number of rental shops for all the above as well. A Google search can provide you with just about anything you would want to find, have fun!

Keep in mind that Lake Anna is in a rural location, and the nearest Medical Services are a few miles away - point being that you are going to have to drive to get medical attention. The following list is accurate as of April 2022;

• UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville
• Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association Hospital in the Short Pump area (Richmond northwest suburbs)
• Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville
• Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg
• Lake Anna Local Emergency Services
• Pharmacies in the Lake Anna area
• Chiropractors in the Lake Anna area
• Dentists in the Lake Anna area