Diamond Island

Diamond Island on Lake Winnipesaukee

Diamond Island is located in Gilford, New Hampshire on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Diamond Island is approx. 37 acres in size and is one of over approx. 274 islands on Lake Winnipesaukee, which spans approx. 22.9 miles with a width of approx. 7.5 miles at its widest point. The Lake includes approx. 288 miles of shoreline with approx.. 72 sq. mi. of water area. The maximum water depth is approx. 187 feet deep with an average depth of 62 feet with approx. 625 billion gallons of water. It’s the 6th largest natural lake completely inside the U.S. borders.
Diamond Island was once home to The Diamond Island House, a hotel on the island in 1861 that often had summer guests. The hotel also offered a restaurant and bowling alley. At a later date the hotel was moved across the ice to the Weirs and became part of the Hotel Weirs. In 1924 the Hotel Weirs was destroyed in a fire.

The water clarity is so spectacular in this part of Lake Winnipesaukee,  that after World War II the US government funded research conducted by MIT and Scripps Institute of Oceanography to investigate atmospheric and underwater light, and later funded research by the University of New Hampshire to develop the handling of remote controlled submersibles. The laboratory test area, located on the northwest side of the island is a popular diving site. It is  the deepest between Diamond Island and Rattlesnake Island.

Diamond Island offers a variety of private homes and cottages. Its convenient location to the mainland makes it a great place to relax and enjoy the Lakes Region in the summer. Residents on the westerly side of the island enjoy spectacular sunsets, and those on the east side are privy to breathtaking sunrises. Gilford residents have access to the town docks where there is an abundance of fine restaurants, including the Lyon’s Den accessible by boat, located right at the launching ramp. Additionally, island residents enjoy boating to many outstanding lakeside restaurants in the towns of Meredith, Gilford, Laconia, Alton, Wolfeboro, and Center Harbor.
-Information obtained from multiple sources.