Beginning in 1860, six boat landings were constructed along the shoreline of the Lake. The Lake covers 20 acres and connects the Ramble to the north, Bethesda Terrace to the south, with landscapes along the west. The small structures served as scenic lookouts and docks for recreational boaters. A passenger boat made a circuit around the Lake transporting visitors between all six landings, departing from Bethesda Terrace.

The new landings are faithful recreations of the original 19th-century designs and represent rustic and Victorian styles.