The area consists of rolling, tallgrass prairies; cedar trees; hardwood timber; and 100 ft (30 m) bluffs and rock points.

[3][2] Texas experienced a number of devastating floods in 1913 and 1921 resulting in death and destruction due to rivers overflowing from heavy rainfalls.

The plan to create the Whitney Reservoir on the Brazos River for flood control and other purposes, such as hydro-electric power development, was originally approved and authorized by Congress in 1941.

[6] Today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to operate several flood control reservoirs within the Brazos River basin, including Lake Whitney.

[8][9] Lake Whitney is a year-round destination for Texas residents due to the abundance of water sports and activities all ages can enjoy and its proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth along the Interstate 35 Corridor.

This declaration reads as follows:[11]"WHEREAS, Texas is widely known for its excellent recreational activities and vacation destinations, and among the state's most unspoiled and inviting getaways is the picturesque Lake Whitney area; and "WHEREAS, Located in the Brazos River Basin, Lake Whitney was one of the earliest recreational lakes built near the Dallas/Fort Worth area; completed in April 1951 as part of the Brazos River Conservation and Reclamation Program, it is maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, and is situated five miles from the town of Whitney on the edge of Hill and Bosque Counties; other nearby communities that help provide visitors with the comforts of home include Hillsboro, Clifton, Meridian, Aquilla, Morgan, Lakeside Village, Laguna Park, Blum, Valley Mills, and Kopperl; and "WHEREAS, The 955-acre Lake Whitney State Park features campsites, screened shelters, swimming beaches, boat ramps, and an air strip; the region also provides full service marinas and a broad range of overnight accommodations; and "WHEREAS, Lake Whitney's reputation as a premier location to catch bass and catfish is a big draw for the nation's fishing enthusiasts, and the lake has received positive coverage from national sporting publications; and "WHEREAS, For those who prefer their recreation on land, the area is home to a number of golf courses and 3,000 acres of winding trails for horseback riding; bird and wildlife watchers can delight in the lake area's 300 migratory and nonmigratory bird species, and a local wildlife population that features more than 50 different species of mammals, including the white-tailed deer; and "WHEREAS, Historically visited by everyone from Native Americans and European settlers to gunslingers, such as John Wesley Hardin, the Lake Whitney area is today easily accessible from major metropolitan areas of the state, making it the perfect getaway for those who enjoy a relaxed pace and abundant amenities; and "WHEREAS, The 79th Legislature of the State of Texas designated the Lake Whitney area as the Getaway Capital of Texas in 2005 in recognition of its myriad attractions; this outstanding destination remains as enjoyable as ever, and it is indeed fitting that this official title be continued; now, therefore, be it