Lake Travis: How Did the Sometimes Islands Get Their Name?

Lake Travis is one of the most popular lake destinations in Texas. Every year, tens of thousands of people stop by for fishing, boating, camping, and other outdoor activities. However, many visitors might miss out on one unique formation of islands if they come at the wrong time. Today, we’re exploring some unusual facts about Lake Travis and answering the question: how did the Sometimes Islands get their name?

What Are The Sometimes Islands?

The Sometimes Islands are a small island formation a short distance away from the Mansfield Dam. These islands may not be visible or accessible throughout the year due to the dam and weather conditions like droughts or floods. You may not even notice that these islands exist when the lake’s water level is at a normal level, as they’re typically beneath the surface.

Origins of the Name

Many official maps or guides of the lake don’t include these islands because of the shifting water levels. Their conspicuous absence from official sources has made it difficult to determine if the Sometimes Islands are legitimate. In the 1950s and 60s, Lake Travis suffered a drought, which made the islands more visible. In the 1970s, a single newspaper article referred to the formation as the Sometimes Island, and the name started spreading through the common language.

Is the Name Official?

A simple fact about Lake Travis regarding how the Sometimes Islands got their name is that it just made sense and was easy to remember. Even if the Sometimes Islands isn’t the official name on maps or historical documents, it works for people to explain them that way. At the end of the day, we call them the Sometimes Islands because sometimes they’re islands and sometimes they’re not, thanks to the change in water levels.

ATX Party Boats is here to help you learn more about the unique history of Lake Travis. We offer premier Lake Travis party boat rentals for those looking to get out on the water and see the exciting islands our beautiful lake has to offer, even if they aren’t there. Don’t hesitate to contact us anytime for more information or to book an appointment with us. We’d be happy to assist you.