Chelan Hills may have been the first development to promote vacation homes, Wapato Point is the development that really put Lake Chelan in people’s minds all over the state and beyond.

 Wapato Point is located 8 miles uplake from Chelan at Manson.  It was developed and market originally in the mid 1970s and while it had full-share condominiums, the aggressive marketing of their timeshare condominiums is what brought tens of thousands of new potential owners to Lake Chelan.

The resort is 116 acres with 1.5 miles of waterfront!  It has 7 outdoor pools, and indoor pool, tennis courts, moorage and other amenities for guests.  Here is the Wapato Point website and sitemap.

Below is a photo of Wapato Point from 1965, hat tip to Terry Urness (click to enlarge):

Wapato Point 1965

Today, Wapato Point consists of time-share, full-share condominiums and single family homes.  It is built on and along the shore on both sides of a spit that extends out into Lake Chelan making for a spectacular area with sheltered bays and incomparable views.

A similar view today, with more boats!

Wapato Point 2008

The developments and homes at Wapato Point are built on leased land.  The land is leased from the Wapato family who has owned Wapato Point for over 100 years.  From a real estate perspective, that keeps the prices of homes out on Wapato Point below similar vacation properties that are on fee simple land.

A hat tip to Tim Flood for information on some of the history!