Staff photo
At 611 acres, Lake Marble Falls is the smallest of the Highland Lakes, but it’s a big backdrop for recreation. From fishing to standup paddleboarding, plenty of good times can be packed into a Lake Marble Falls visit.
The biggest selling point of the little lake is it remains mostly steady at 737 feet above sea level. The small body of water is just right for personal watercraft.
Two city parks occupy prime lakeside locations for boaters, anglers, families, joggers, or anyone who wants to enjoy some fresh air:
Lakeside Park, 307 Buena Vista Drive
Lakeside Park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with the entire family. The city park features a grassy area, a sandy beach, a pool, tennis court, and built in seating. There’s no shortage of sunshine at this year-round destination. A pedestrian bridge makes for easy walking between Johnson and Lakeside parks.
Johnson Park, 230 S. Ave. J
This 130-plus-year-old park is situated along the edge of Backbone Creek, which flows into Lake Marble Falls. Johnson Park has lush green lawns in addition to its amphitheater, playground, pavilions, and leash-free dog park. A pedestrian bridge makes for easy walking between Johnson and Lakeside parks.
History
The city of Marble Falls is named after waterfalls that are now underneath Lake Marble Falls. Today, the falls are impossible to see unless the lake is lowered for maintenance on the dam.
The scenic U.S. 281 bridge across Lake Marble Falls is also an important piece of history. Today, it has an easy flow of traffic with dedicated bridges for northbound and southbound lanes. The bridge that it succeeded, however, had a 77-year history. When the time came for it to be replaced in 2013, it went out with a bang with a controlled demolition in front of a crowd of thousands of cheering onlookers.
The Max Starcke Dam was the last of the dams forming the Highland Lakes. The dam was completed in 1951 to produce hydroelectricity. It is named after Max Starke, who served the Lower Colorado River Authority for 15 years as the second general manager. The original floodgates were replaced with more modern hydraulic gates in 2005.
Annual Events
Marble Falls Triathlon — Nearly 400 triathletes are attracted to this annual race for its scenic and challenging course. Hosted each summer, it begins with a swim on Lake Marble Falls, a bike ride through the Hill Country, and a run with the finish line back near the lake.
Walkway of Lights — During the holidays, Lakeside Park is illuminated by 2 million lights at the annual Walkway of Lights. Lake Marble Falls gives a stunning backdrop to the event as the lights reflect off of the water. The free and family-friendly Walkway of Lights begins in mid-November and runs until New Year’s Day. The trail is a leisurely walk with hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies, and popcorn along the way.
Boat Racing — Lake Marble Falls has hosted boat racing for many years. Formula One Powerboats added Marble Falls to its series with Battle of the Colorado which held its inaugural event in 2025. Prior to being an F1 stop, the lake was a longtime site for drag boat racing. Learn more about Battle of the Colorado.
Marble Falls Fireworks — The Fourth of July at Lakeside Park is a fun evening with live music, family-friendly activities, food, and, of course, fireworks. The Marble Falls fireworks show begins shortly after sunset. This fantastic display is one of the best fireworks display in the region.
Fishing
Lake Marble Falls is predominately stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. Anglers can also find crappie and white bass. This small, quiet lake is a relaxing place to spend the day fishing. Read the tips and tactics for fishing on Lake Marble Falls from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Boat Access for Lake Marble Falls
Johnson Park, 230 S. Avenue J — Free one-lane concrete ramp open year-round
Rentals
Splash Boat Rentals, 1924 RR 1431 in Kingsland — Rents ski boats with wakeboard towers. Splash Boat Rentals will deliver and launch on lakes LBJ, Buchanan, Inks, and Marble Falls. Go to splashboatrentals.com or call 325-388-5000.
Just Yakin’ Kayaks — Offers rentals in the Highland Lakes. Go to justyakin.com or call 325-665-1208 or 325-668-2536.
Accommodations in Marble Falls
On the lake:
Hidden Falls Inn, 704 First St.
Near the Lake:
La Quinta Inn & Suites, 501 RR 2147 West
Hill Country Inn, 1101 U.S. 281
Motel 6, 1400 Ollie Lane
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 714 Corazon Drive
View dozens more places to stay in the Highland Lakes with our online Stay Guide.
Lake Marble Falls is a laid-back destination for people who love boating, fishing, swimming, bird-watching, and more. Spend an afternoon enjoying the cool water and soaking up the sun.
