Broadway Lake Once the Biggest Lake in the Upstate

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County’s Broadway Lake, completed in 1940 as one of President Franklin Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration projects, the 300-acre lake has five miles of shoreline and continues to be a highly sought after destination for those wishing to live on the water.

Over the years, the lake has hosted water ski competitions and demonstrations, including those by the Anderson Ski Bug Club, which received national sponsorships from Cypress Gardens Skis in the late 1950s.

There are four public parks on Broadway Lake, the largest of which is McFalls Landing, which includes the Gracie Floyd Event Center, the site of weddings, family reunions and other parties. The late councilwoman was a champion for the lake, which was in her district.

The Friends of Broadway continue to host events, including a summer spectacular with cardboard boat races and ski demonstrations, and other holiday events.

Alison Darby, whose family has a long history living on the lake and who lives there herself, recently presented a brief history of Broadway Lake for the Anderson County Museum.