Lake Havasu City

Arizona

The Lake | Things to Do | The Park | Where to Stay | Map/Weather/Nearby

The London Bridge

Lake Havasu City, Arizona, is located on the Colorado River on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu in the west central part of Arizona. It is located at the foothills of the Mohave Mountains in an area described as "lowland desert." Lake Havasu City and the surrounding area are part of the northern and western limits of the Sonoran Desert. Lake Havasu City's elevation ranges from 450' above sea level at the lake shoreline to 1,500' above sea level at the foothills. The Mohave Mountains rise to over 5,000' in elevation just a few miles to the east of the community.

The world-famous London Bridge crosses over to a small island in the Colorado River. Lake Havasu City was established after the Parker Dam was constructed and the lake formed.

The focal point of Lake Havasu is the towering walls and archways of the London Bridge that has stood in the waters of the Colorado River for more than 25 years. The Bridge serves as the backdrop to the English Village that has grown up around it. The village is filled with Tudor-style buildings and charming shops creating an atmosphere of Medieval England. Many visitors are surprised when they learn this is the original London Bridge and not a gimmick.


For more than 140 years, London Bridge served as a crossing over the River Thames in London, England. It survived both world wars and a terrorist attack in 1884. So why did London want to remove such a significant landmark? And how did the London Bridge end up in Lake Havasu City, Arizona?

The London Bridge had survived many historic events, but not nature's sinking forces. The bridge began to sink into the River Thames and in 1968, the city of London decided to sell it for 2.5 million dollars to Robert P. McCulloch, founder of Lake Havasu City.

It took 3 years and another 7 million dollars to dismantle, ship and rebuild the bridge. Today, the London Bridge connects Lake Havasu City with an island in the lake. Its massive body of stone brings the essence of England to Arizona.


The city offers a multitude of fun activities and recreational facilities. Golfers of all levels can enjoy the four golf courses, and for those who prefer smaller courses there is a miniature golf course. Tennis courts, an ice skating rink and a movie theater are also conveniently located within the city limits.

Lake Havasu City is the major population center of southern Mohave County, one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. Current populatin is about 60,000 and growing. At the time of incorporation in 1978, Lake Havasu City had 6,053 registered voters. Registered voters currently number approximately 32,688.

Lake Havasu City offers a broad range of community facilities including an airport, regional parks and amenities, two movie theater complexes, a library, and historical museum.

 

 

Things to Do at Lake Havasu - Boating - Fishing - Hiking - Biking - 4x4 trips

 

 

 
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