HOW WEST & EAST DOLLAR ISLANDS GOT THEIR NAMES

If you’ve spent time boating on Lake George, chances are you’ve cruised past or anchored near Dollar Islands — one of the most recognizable spots on the lake. But where did the name come from?

The story goes back to the late 1800s, when Lake George was booming as a grand summer destination for travelers arriving by steamboat and train.

According to local historical accounts, visitors approaching the small islands noticed their distinctive round shape, which closely resembled the size and appearance of a silver dollar coin when viewed from the water. 

The name “Dollar Islands” quickly caught on among boaters and steamship passengers and eventually became the official designation used on navigation charts.

Located just north of Lake George Village, the Dollar Islands are actually a pair of small islands—often called West Dollar and East Dollar. Over the years, they’ve become a favorite landmark for sightseeing cruises, camping, cliff jumping, photography, and classic Lake George boating routes.

Today, passing the Dollar Islands remains something of a local tradition — a quiet reminder of Lake George’s Gilded Age history, when elegant steamships carried visitors past these same shores more than a century ago.

🧭 Fun Lake George Fact

Many early Lake George landmarks were named by visitors and boat captains rather than official surveyors, which is why so many island names reflect what people saw or felt on the water.

Watch Our Cliff Jumping Video That Features West Dollar Island: