In 1962, when the beauty and potential of four partially flooded mountaintops on Lake Lanier was realized, the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority (LLIDA) was formed to champion the evolution of Lanier Islands into the one-of-a-kind recreational destination it is today. In 1969, the original iconic bridge to Lake Lanier Islands Resort was completed and during the '70s much of the infrastructure was built.
In 1974, Lake Lanier Islands and PineIsle Resort opened to an ecstatic public with activities like camping, boating, golf, a small water park, and overnight accommodations.
In the 1980s, LLIDA expanded the beach, and invigorated a lively, family-oriented resort with an expanded water park and additional recreational facilities.
Construction of a new conference hotel and golf course was completed in the late ‘80s, which is widely remembered as the Emerald Pointe Hotel and Conference Center and Golf Course (now Legacy Lodge and Legacy Golf Course).
In 1997, a new master plan was developed and the park underwent significant beautification enhancements, renovations, and upgrades, including a major expansion of Emerald Pointe Hotel and Conference Center and 30 new rental cottages.
In 2005, a local family partnership with the Virgil Williams family (Lake Lanier Islands Management Company–LLIMC) ushered in a new mission focused on the building of legacies, deep family bonds, and vested local pride. The addition of wet docks and new waterfront venues were approved.
In 2007 and 2008, the resort underwent a massive renovation and rebranding campaign, changing the aesthetics of the property to the upscale rustic luxury resort that you now see today. This included upgrading the now-iconic bridge, adding miles of wide, paved paths, improving roadways, and adding gorgeous lakeview accommodations like Legacy Villas.
As Lanier Islands improved its infrastructure and lodging options, wedding venues were a natural area in which to expand. Multiple lakefront wedding venues and pavillions have been built, and new venue ideas are continuing to be developed.
In 2010, a new lakeside restaurant and entertainment venue was opened. Sunset Cove quickly became the go-to place for both boaters and area residents to enjoy concerts, holiday fireworks, and the ever-popular Full Moon Parties, which are still held today.
In 2018, Lanier Islands entered a joint venture with Darby Campbell and Safe Harbor Development and their brand partner, Margaritaville. Safe Harbor has invested in expanding and improving the resort offerings with upgraded restaurant concepts, a new RV Resort, expanded marinas, and new dry-stack boat storage.