Our History
Donner Lake, formerly known as Truckee Lake, is a freshwater lake in Northeast California on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, about 20 miles northwest of Lake Tahoe. A moraine serves as a natural dam for the lake. The lake is located in Truckee, between Interstate 80 to the north and Schallenberger Ridge to the south. The tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad run along Schallenberger Ridge and closely follow the route of the original transcontinental railroad. The historic route of the Lincoln Highway, the first automobile road across America and US 40 follows the northern shoreline, then climbs to Donner Pass, from where the entire lake may be viewed. Donner Lake Village, formerly Donner Lake Lodge In the 50s and 60s was the hot spot in the Sierra Nevada mountain region. Interstate 80 had yet to be built, so locating the lodge on U.S. 40 at the foot of Donner Summit and the lake was a dream location. A true “All-Season Resort,” Donner Lake Lodge was open year-round. In the Spring, there was great fishing; in the summer, boating and water skiing; in the fall, hunting; and in the winter, snow skiing. Donner Lake Lodge had it all, complete with marine facilities. Donner Lake Lodge was the resort for the entire family to enjoy—beautiful sandy beaches for the children and adults made for a perfect vacation.
