Lake Gardner, located in Amesbury Massachusetts, is a long, narrow lake formed by a dam on the Powow River. It stretches from Amesbury center to the New Hampshire border. The lake has a rich and interesting history, and is currently used for passive recreation. Homes line its western shore, and a sandy public swimming beach is at the southern end. The eastern and northern shores are undeveloped conservation land made up of woods and other open space.
Lake Gardner was created just after the Civil War, in 1872. It was formed by the construction of the dam, which was built by the Salisbury Mills Corporation. The dam itself was constructed at a cost of $60,000 using granite brought in from not-so-nearby Cape Ann. More | On behalf of the Town of Amesbury, the LGIA performs water testing each week of the summer. Water is tested at bathing areas on both Lake Gardner and Lake Attitash. Testing is done by Biomarine of Gloucester and results are usually posted by the end of the day on Friday. Kayaks and canoes can be launched from the beach. Boaters can explore the lake and wander north to the beautiful and tranquil Powow river. In the past, the LGIA has hosted Milk Jug Derbies, the Lake Gardner Classic, a canoe and kayak race and orienteering events. We now sponsor birdwatching hikes and an annual Paddle Hike, co-sponsored by the Camp Kent Science Center.
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