One would like with a lake the size of Lake Tahoe, there would be many islands; however, Fannette Island near Lake Tahoe, CA is the only island to be seen in the entire area. Located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe in Emerald Bay, Fannette Island is a true tourist attraction. It consists of a upthrust of granite that's covere with a pile of timbered brush and it rests 150 feet above water. Fannette Island has not always been known by Fannette Island, however. It was called a number of different names, which included Baranoff, Coquette, Dead Man's, Fannette, Emerald Isle and Hermit's. Eventually, the name Fannette was what stuck with the island. Fannette Island got its start thousands of year ago when it was gouged and cut out by glaciers. The granite rock that was part of the island is what protected it from a lot of glacial ice and together an island was formed.
On the top of Fannette Island, a stone structure can be found. This structure resembles a miniature castle and is called a Tea House. It was build from 1928-1929, the same period when Vikingsholm was built. The castle was transported by motorboat to the island. A woman called Mrs. Knight would often have tea there with her guests in a 16'X16' rustic looking room that consisted of a fireplace, large oak table and 4 oak chairs. Since that time, the tea house castle has been destroyed by vandals but the stone shell still stands. Although the island is closed to visitors from February 1 through June 15, the rest of the year brings many visitors. In the early spring over 100 geese can be seen nesting on the island. Many believe this is due to the lack of visitors during this time. Dogs and camping are both prohibited on the island.
