Lake Norman, the largest manmade lake in North Carolina, was created in 1963 when Duke Power built Cowans Ford Dam on the Catawba River. The lake waters engulfed numerous farms and farmhouses. With 520 miles of shoreline and a surface area of more than 32,475 acres, Lake Norman is an "inland sea". Named after former Duke Power president Norman Cocke, Lake Norman is nearly as large as the other ten lakes on the Catawba combined.

Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln and Mecklenburg Counties all border the lake. Duke Power State Park on the northern shore offers the only public swimming area, nature trails, and boat ramps. The southern shores boast three county parks ; Blythe Landing, Jetton Road Park and Ramsey Creek. Recreational outdoor and water activities abound including golfing, power boating, sailing, skiing, windsurfing, and fishing. The favorite fish of Lake Norman are the White Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Threadfin Shad, Carp, Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and the Largemouth Bass.

Approximately 15-20 miles north of downtown Charlotte, the Lake Norman area Including Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville, is a great location for primary residences, second homes and weekend getaway properties. Condominium and apartment communities offer additonal ways to enjoy lake living. The combination of beautiful settings, great recreational advantages and easy access to Charlotte via Interstate 77 make the Lake Norman area a great place to live!

Fun Things To Do

Amazing Maize Maze • Huntersville • (704) 875-3113
The nationally acclaimed cornfield maze, The Amazing Maize Maze® is a great way to enthrall children, bond families, educate students, build youth groups, and boost corporate productivity. Exploring the nooks & crannies of the schoolhouse clock with a little "readin', writin' 'n' rithmatic", game boards and puzzle pieces will challenge you problem solving skills.

Carolina Raptor Center • Huntersville • (704) 875-6521
Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental education and the conservation of birds of prey through public education, the rehabilitation of injured, and orphaned raptors and research. Located within Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, the Center's birds of prey include Eagles, falcons, ospreys, owls, hawks and vultures. Weekend programs are presented on raptor research, rehabilitation and education.

Historic Davidson • Davidson • (704) 892-2892
Step back in time in the quaint village of Davidson - home of Davidson College. Main Street's turn-of-the-century store buildings offer unique art, antiques, books, clothing, gifts and more. Visit the internationally famous sculpted gnomes at the Tom Clark Museum. Come expereince the hospitality and charm.

Latta Plantation House • Huntersville • (704) 875-1397
Historic Latta Plantation was a successful cotton plantation, and is now a living history farm. Come experience what life was like for planters, slaves, and yeoman farmers of the North Carolina backcountry in the early 19th century.

Concord Mills • 1-877-NC-MILLS
A true shopping adventure! Dynamtic architecture and an oval racetrack layout showcase over 200 stores including unique specialty stores, retail and manufactuer outlets and off-price retailers. A 24-screen, state-of-the-art AMC Theatre, interactive retailers, fun food court, theme restaurants add to this unique shopping experience.

Boat Access

Blythe Landing Huntersville • 704-896-9808
Ramsey Creek Park Cornelius • 704-896-9808
Beatty's Ford • Unity Church Road
Hagar Creek • Kemp Road
Long Island • Smyrna Church Road
McCrary Creek • Highway 150
Pinnacle • Highway 150
Stumpy Creek • Perth Road

Boat Rental

Holiday Marina, Cornelius • (704) 892-0561
Kings Point Marina, Charlotte • (704) 892-3223
Lake Norman Marina Inc., Denver • (704) 483-5546
Lake Norman YMCA, Cornelius • (704) 716-4400 (For Members Only)
Latta Plantation, Huntersville • (704) 875-2312
Outdoors Etc.. Cornelius • (704) 892-1848
Saltshaker Marine, Mooresville • (704) 892-5990
Skipper's, Troutman • (704) 528-3328

Lake Cruises

Pacifica Sailing Cruises of Lake Norman • (704) 896-9000
"Yachta Yachta Yachta" Yacht Charters • (704) 892-0991
Lake Norman Yacht Charters, Inc. • (704) 542-5492