About Lake Norman

Just 20 minutes north of Charlotte, Lake Norman pairs 520 miles of shoreline with vibrant lake towns, outdoor adventure and plenty of ways to slow down and enjoy the water. As North Carolina's largest man-made lake, it's a destination where you can spend the morning boating or paddling, explore a walkable downtown in the afternoon, and end the day with waterfront dining and a Lake Norman sunset.

Long before Lake Norman became the destination it is today, the area was shaped by the Catawba River, farmland and small communities that called its banks home. In the early 1960s, Duke Power constructed Cowans Ford Dam as part of a hydroelectric project, gradually filling the surrounding river valley and creating Lake Norman. Completed in 1963 and named for former Duke Power president Norman Atwater Cocke, the lake transformed the landscape into more than 32,000 acres of water and 520 miles of shoreline. What began as a source of power and water for the growing region has since become one of North Carolina’s most recognizable destinations for recreation, waterfront living and year-round exploration.

Visit Lake Norman is your guide to Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville — three communities that each offer their own way to experience the lake. Discover waterfront parks and dining in Cornelius, stroll the charming streets of Davidson, or explore the shopping, attractions and outdoor recreation of Huntersville. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, visiting friends and family or simply looking for something new to do, there's always more to discover around the lake.