Lake Norman

Located under 20 miles from Uptown Charlotte, Lake Norman is the place for fun in the sun. The area offers a mild, four season climate making it perfect for year-round adventures! Explore art, history, food, shopping, annual events and more. The hip and happening towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville are filled with entertaining things to do, great places to dine and fantastic accommodations. The Lake Norman area is rich in cultural and community events, and other activities that will fill the calendar to create a trip to remember.

Lake Norman, created between 1959 and 1964 as part of the construction of the Cowans Ford Dam by Duke Energy, is the largest man-made body of fresh water in North Carolina. It was named after former Duke Power president Norman Atwater Cocke. Lake Norman is sometimes referred to as the "inland sea" of North Carolina; it offers 520 miles of shoreline and a surface area of more than 50 square miles or 32,000 acres. Full pond at Lake Norman is 760 feet above mean sea level. Interstate 77 and North Carolina Highway 150 cross Lake Norman at different points. Lake Norman is a man-made lake that stretches 33.6 miles long, and 9 miles wide. Its average depth is 33.5 feet, but at some points it drops down to 110 feet. 

The local Towns are filled with entertaining things to do, great places to dine and fantastic accommodations. The Lake Norman area is rich in cultural and community events, and other happenings that are just plain FUN! There's plenty to do all day, every day so join in on the fun that fits your schedule. Mix it up with fishing or skiing on the lake to tennis or bowling back on the main land! Tour the excellent attractions and play on the waters of a nationally recognized bass fishing lake.

Things to do:

·       Lake & Fun Activities

·       Outdoor Adventure

·       NASCAR & Motorsports

·       Shopping

·       Family Fun

·       Historic Sites

·       Attractions & Entertainment

·       Breweries & Beer/Wine Shops

·       Spas & Wellness

·       Boat Access & Marinas

·       Fishing & Guides

The Lake Norman Marine Commission (LNMC) consists of 5 members appointed by the Counties bordering Lake Norman—Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln and Mecklenburg. As defined by the North Carolina 1969 State Statute, the LNMC is responsible for taking appropriate responsibility for Lake Norman and its shoreline area for all matters relating to or affecting public recreation and water safety. As part of these duties the LNMC maintains a Navigational Marker System, encourages and promotes Boater Education, works with Duke Power on lake development as part of their FERC license requirements, developed and manages a long range Aquatic Plant Management Plan for Hydrilla and works with county, town and state government agencies as well as other organizations and the public in addressing important lake issues.