Tempe Town Lake

Tempe Town Lake is in the heart of downtown Tempe. A man-made reservoir, constructed in 1999 where the Salt River and the Indian Bend Wash come together, the lake gets most of its water from the Colorado River. The lake is separated from the two (frequently dry) rivers by inflatable, flexible, rubber dams. Not just a tourist attraction or recreational facility, the lake also provides flood protection for the city and has helped boost the economy of the area.

Fun in the Sun at Tempe Town Lake

Since the lake’s construction, Tempe has built several parks and entertainment facilities along the shores. The Tempe Center for the Arts, the Tempe Lake Marina, the Veteran’s Memorial, and amphitheater are a few of the city constructed amenities. Splash Playground, a one-acre playground, is a great way for kids to have fun at the lake – water is kept flowing across the playground (just a few inches deep), then filtered, cleaned and recycled. There is a baseball field, and the amphitheater can seat 5,000 people.

The Tempe Town Lake Marina is home to sailing clubs – including the Arizona State University Sailing Club and the Arizona Yacht Club – as well as private boat owners. And several rowing clubs use the lake for practice. And it’s always great fun to watch the outrigger clubs practice.

Paddleboard, kayak, pontoon boat – all ways to spend your time out on the lake. You can bring your own board or boat or rent what you need at Tempe Town Lake Boat Rentals or Riverbound Sports. This Tempe lake is stocked regularly with rainbow trout during the winter months for your fishing enjoyment. And catfish, largemouth bass, yellow bass, tilapia, and bluegill abound in the lake naturally. Just remember to get that fishing license first – do it the easy way – online.

Wide paths have also been added, encircling the lake, and you will see people jogging, walking, biking, and roller-skating at any and all times of the day. If you didn’t bring your bike with you, not to worry, there are several bike rental centers in the city. Benches and seating areas abound, so you can sit for a spell, and just watch.

Things are happening all year round at Tempe Town Lake, from festivals to marathons. Some of the annual events include the Fiesta Bowl New Year’s Eve Block Party, the Tempe Festival of the Arts, the Rock’n’Roll Marathon Arizona, IRONMAN Arizona, Oktoberfest, the city’s Fourth of July fireworks and the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade.

But if you are still looking for things to do around the lake, it will be easy. The lake is in the heart of Tempe, so you are minutes away from everything. Stroll through the downtown Tempe area, with all its attractions, shops, bars and restaurants. And the Tempe Center for the Arts is right on the lake and offers a free Gallery along with their year-round theater and musical programs.

Once all the fun is done, return to a fantastic villa from Parsons Villas. Contact us to book today!