Visitors

Photo Courtesy of Visit Lake Norman

The Lake Norman area is rich in cultural and community events, and other happenings that are just plain FUN! There is so much to do every day it is hard to choose just one thing - so don't! Join in on the fun that fits your schedule. Tour the excellent attractions and entertainment, from NASCAR to culture. Play on the blue waters of a nationally recognized bass fishing lake. Dine in an upscale waterfront restaurant or in a 60-year old diner with the best sweet potato fries around. Stay in any of our welcoming accommodations and rest up for the next day’s adventure. Take the Lake Norman voyage, where amenities and excitement abound!

Weather and Climate

The Lake Norman area offers a mild, four-season climate. Located in the central part of North Carolina, the area is partially protected by the western mountain ranges from cold air. Fall tends to be the area's driest season, with July tending to be the wettest month. Average temperatures range from the high 30s to mid 50s in the winter and high 80s and mid 90s in the summer.

Plan Your Trip Today

Ready to plan your Lake Norman trip? You've come to the right place. Whether you like your days action-packed or leisurely, you'll find it easy to plan your days in Lake Norman to get the most out of your Lake Norman vacation. Visit our easy to use Trip Builder.

Frquently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here is where you can find answers to the most common questions asked by our visitors!

Q: How big is Lake Norman?

A: Lake Norman is 34 miles long, covers 32,750 acres with a shoreline of 520 miles extending over four counties - Mecklenburg, Iredell, Catawba, and Lincoln. The average depth is 25 feet with the deepest point being over 110 feet. The annual draw-down of the lake starts in September at 98% full pond and ends in February at 92% full pond for snow run-off and rains. Maximum draw-down is 15 feet.

Q: Why was Lake Norman created?
A: Completed in the 1960's, Lake Norman is the largest of 11 reservoirs in the Catawba River built by Duke Power to supply energy to new industries in the growing region. It was named for Norman Atwater Cocke, a longtime Duke Power company president.Lake Norman is host to three power stations: Cowans Ford Hydroelectric Station, Marshall Steam Plant - Duke Power's second largest coal-burning plant, and McGuire Nuclear Station.

Q: Where can you stay directly on the lake?
A: Our area has several brand-name hotels to meet your needs, while none of our area hotels are directly on the water, they are located along I-77, and most are 5-10 minutes from the water.

Q: Where can you swim on Lake Norman?
A: The only public access beach on Lake Norman is located at Lake Norman State Park at exit 42 off I-77. Call for hours and fees.

Q: Are there any parks on Lake Norman?
A: There are four parks with access to Lake Norman. Three of them are Mecklenburg County Parks: Jetton Park, Ramsey Creek Park, and Blythe Landing off I-77, exit 28-Cornelius.

Q: Where can I get a NC fishing license?
A: A license can be purchased online at http://www.ncwildlife.org/ or in person at West Marine, Wal-Mart, Dick's Sporting Goods, or local tackle shops.

Q: Where can I get information on rules, regulations, and building permits on and around Lake Norman?
A: Dock & Building Permits: Duke Energy Lake Management (does not regulate dock or building permits) Uninhabited lake islands only. 1-800-443-5193.

• Property in Mecklenburg County - Permitting Center Dial 311 (from telephone land-line in county)
• Property in Iredell County - Permitting Center 704-878-3113
• Property in Lincoln County - Permitting Center 704-736-8724
• Property in Catawba County - Permitting Center

Lake Norman Marine Commission - 704-372-2416
Lake Levels - 1-800-829-LAKE

Coast Guard Information

Q: Who helps regulate safe boating on Lake Norman?
A: The Coast Guard Auxiliary assists the local law enforcement, fire departments, and rescue groups, providing safety patrols, Search and Rescue, and crowd management at events and during the week. Also assist stranded boaters in getting to the closest safe harbor, and advising boaters of safety violations. Go to www.cgauxlkn.com for more information.

• Safe Boating Classes/Vessel Inspections - Coast Guard Auxiliary (17-06 & 17-08) 704-663-8333 or www.cgauxlkn.com
• Lake Norman Power Squadron www.usps.org/localusps/lakenorman
• Boater Safety Classes - The Auxiliary offers Boater Safety Classes to the public. With the new laws coming into affect in 2010 boaters under 26yrs are required to attend a Boater Safety Class in order to drive a boat or jet ski on Lake Norman.
• Marina Visits - The Auxiliary works closely with Marinas to help them make sure their boats have all the correct documentation and safety equipment on them to operate on Lake Norman. Also does safety checks for the marina on pollution and hazardous waste.
• Vessel Exams - Provides the public with FREE vessel exams. This is a pass or fail exam, and there are no FINES involved. We do this to make sure boaters can go out on the lake and know what equipment and statutes they need to follow. Upon passing the exam, we give the boater a VSD (Vessel Safety Decal) this decal tells other out there that the boat has been inspected and passed all safety requirements for Lake Norman. VE Days are held upon request (usually 2-3 per year) at most of the marinas, water front restaurants, and landings on Lake Norman.

Lake Norman Wildlife

Lake Norman is home to a wide variety of wildlife- and we don't mean just fish! Muskrats, red and grey foxes, rabbits, skunk, opossum, raccoons and white- tailed deer are very common in the area. Lake Norman is also home to a variety of frogs, snakes and turtles. The most common birds to the area are Carolina Chickadees, Pine Warblers, Red-tailed Hawks, Wild Turkey, Osprey, Geese, Mallards and the Great Blue Heron.

One of the best fisheries in the South East, the lake is home to a number of different species of fish including Striped and White Bass, Channel Catfish, Large and Small-mouth Bass, Yellow Perch and Bluegills. Fishing guides and trips are available on Lake Norman year round and are a great activity for the entire family!

Lake Norman offers several attractions that allow visitors and residents of the area to educate themselves about the wildlife and natural history of Lake Norman. At Lake Norman's several nature preserves, visitors can learn about the lake's natural communities, flora and fauna. The Latta Preserve is Mecklenburg County's largest and forms a green peninsula that protects a natural heritage site and several federally endangered plants including the Schweinitz's sunflower and Michaux's sumac.