Cane River Lake was formed by the construction of two dams on the river in the early 1900s. The lake was made a game and fish preserve in 1912, leading to the establishment of fishing and hunting camps along the shores. The Prud'homme family rented out the converted Cook's Cabin as a camp. Matthew Hertzog of Magnolia Plantation had a small island built near the southern dam where his family constructed a camp. He sometimes hired a band to play for dances on the dam. The 34-mile-long Cane River Lake still provides many recreational opportunities from swimming and water skiing to sport fishing and boating.