Dollar Point, Lake Tahoe, California

Located on prime real estate, south of Cedar Flat and a little north of Lake Forest, Dollar Point, California, has a quirky history. Born with the original name, "Old Lousy", Dollar Point is anything but lousy. The Washoe first called the region Chinquapin, which described the scrub trees and their edible nuts. In 1872, a man by the name of Griffin squatted on the land. His hygiene and lifestyle were repugnant to the other mountain men who drank at J. B. Cambell's over water Customs House, a place Griffin would wander in, sit by the fire, and clean himself. "Old Lousy" would be told to return back to his shack; wherefrom, the point got its nickname. The story turns, when James Lick, a San Francisco philanthropist, offered $1,000,000 for the construction of an observatory. Duane Bliss and Henry Yerington of Glenbrook owned half of "Old Lousy" and would donate 140 acres if the project came into fruition. "Old Lousy" was not lousy in Lick's opinion. He chose the land for its clear atmosphere and light snow fall. San Francisco papers also considered the harbor fine. 40,000 gallons of pure spring water rolled 24 hours a day through the creeks, which made the land even more valuable. Nevada residents, however, had designs of their own. They wanted the observatory built on Mount Davidson, then called "Sun Mountain" or "Peak". Different factions argued, but California won, thankfully changing the name to Observatory Point. In 1884, Glennbrook Mills timbered much of Observatory Point and surrounding land, hunting and fishing undaunted. By the 1920s, Laura Moore Knight bought the Observatory Point, a sweep of land and an island on Emerald Bay. She had dealings with Stanley Dollar Sr. Both he and she began developing different areas of the region into what is now known as Dollar Point. The population as of the 2000 census for Dollar Point is 1,467.

All the things that attract you to Lake Tahoe, California, will attract you to Dollar Point. One major decision is whether or not you'd like to rough it. With Dollar Point, that choice is easier to make, because both sides are present. The seemingly endless Sierra Mountains, blue and shimmering Lake Tahoe, and miles of pine invite and draw the nature-lover in each of us. Yet the comforts of a little, big town give you a good advantage at beginning and ending the vacation you want. When you'd like to rough it, Dollar Point residents will tell you North Lake Tahoe is the place to be. Within a forty mile radius, there are over ten state parks to camp, hike, bike, and explore. Whatever your level of experience braving the elements is, you'll find your niche. If you feel more close to nature with the greens and exquisite views, over a dozen, highly-rated golf courses are spread throughout North Lake Tahoe. Leave it all behind for awhile; fly-fishing in the soft streams and creeks here is akin to a "zen" experience. When you have tasted summertime nature in its essence, you may want more action: tennis, waterskiing, wakeboarding, chartered boating, swimming, are ways to push your limits. Lounging on the beach may not be your first thought about Lake Tahoe, but with temperatures from mild to hot, the freshwater and clean beaches, you may think twice. Dollar Point is located where the nightlife and restaurants thrive. Try your hand at poker or blackjack at casinos which dot the North Lake Tahoe area. Summer can be just as exciting and relaxing as the winter in Dollar Point, Lake Tahoe, California. Fifteen or so ski resorts are near Dollar Point and have nearly too many trails and slopes for the imagination to handle. To see them takes longer than a winter full of skiing and snowboarding. Getting down those slopes is just about all the fun, so Dollar Point and resorts have what you need, so nothing will impede your goal. Private lessons, clinics for men, women, and children, programs for learning to use your equipment more effectively, and repair and sports gear shops, are there to help make your trip fun, not a wreck. If skiing and snowboarding are not your bag, snowmobile through the slopes and Sierras, slip and slide downhill on an inner tube or sled, sleigh ride driven by horses or dogs, build snowmen and throw snowballs in designated play areas. Snowfall is dense in the winter and snow-makers leave nothing up to chance. The winter world of North Lake Tahoe, California, is imagination come true. Stay in Dollar Point and you'll see why it has come true for millions of people who have vacationed here.