[1] Above the lake's north side with sweeping views to the south is Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

[3] The lake suffers from eutrophication due to excess nutrients blamed on runoff from development and septic systems in the immediate area.

Strategies to counter these problems to date have included periodic partial drainage and harvesting of lake weed during summer months.

When not performing or practicing, many members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra enjoy a beach owned by the BSO on the northern shore of the lake.

Each September, during the annual Josh Billings RunAground, a team triathlon event, the middle leg of the race requires canoers and kayakers to navigate one and three-quarters times around the perimeter of the lake.

The Shadow Brook Farm Historic District is part of the former Shadowbrook estate, once owned by Andrew Carnegie, and where he died.

After receiving preliminary approval from MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP), in 2012, the SBA spearheaded the installation of a 255 foot long diversion drain which could allow the water level in the Bowl to be drawn down 5.5 feet in the late fall.

Richard Seltzer, President of the SBA, noted that "The ability to achieve a 5.5 foot (1.7 m) drawdown is a major milestone in improving and restoring the health of the Bowl.

NHESP subsequently determined that a species of snail common in some other states, but present only in Stockbridge Bowl and nearby Laurel Lake.

Some dredging to remove silt that has accumulated in the lake bottom, and hydro raking to control waterlilies is anticipated to begin as early as 2019.

The SBA owns the island at the southwest corner of the lake, and in 2018 renamed it "Kwuniikwat," to honor the historical presence in the area of the Stockbridge-Muncie tribe of Mohicans, and their traditions of stewardship for their lands.