Living Near Lake Norman
Learn more about life around Lake Norman, NC.
After relocating to North Carolina in 2016, we used search engines to find things to do around Lake Norman. In the process, we gathered some unique information and links from a multitude of websites... which ultimately led us to put this resource page together.
Hopefully, it helps y'all learn more about beautiful Lake Norman.
Lake Norman history
Located just 20 miles north of Charlotte, Lake Norman is the largest artificial lake in North Carolina. Lake Norman was named after Norman Atwater Cocke, an attorney for the Southern Power Company and later its successor, the Duke Power Company. Norman conceived and directed Duke's extensive forestry and land management program. In 1927 he became a director and VP of Duke Power and was president from 1947-1959.
The History of Lake Norman - Lake Norman’s original purpose was to provide fresh water and flood control for the region.
Duke Energy, 50 Years Later - Lake Norman began as an engineering project to meet the energy needs of a developing region, became a catalyst for growth, economic prosperity, and created a community all its own.
Under Lake Norman Map - Buildings and locations that went underwater when Lake Norman waters rose in 1963.
Lake Norman on Wikipedia - The free encyclopedia.
Lake Norman related information
Visiting the Lake Norman area
Visit Lake Norman - Official guide to attractions, events, and watersports.
Visit NC - Free travel guides, get a feel for getting around NC.
LakeNorman.com - The best resources for Lake Norman and surrounding areas.
Trip Advisor - #307 of 3,412 things to do in North Carolina.
Lake Norman boating, fishing & swimming
Lake Monster - LKN water temperature, information and forecast.
Boatsetter - Lake Norman fishing guide.
Lake Norman Boat Ramps / Boat Landings - There are 8 public boat ramps on Lake Norman.
Lake Norman Marine Commission - 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.
Catawba River Swim Guide - Swim Guide provides up-to-date recreational water quality data for beaches, lakes, and rivers.
Lake Norman hiking trails
10 Best Hiking Trails Around Lake Norman - The best trails for each town that surrounds Lake Norman. These paths are doable for every skill level and offer everything from suspension bridges to the chance to run into horses!
Carolina Thread Trail Map - Catawba River Blueway.
NC State Parks - Lake Norman State Park.
Doing business around Lake Norman
Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce - Serves as the regional business hub and connector of the business communities serving the greater Lake Norman Region.
Top Employers in the Area - Lake Norman is home to many great, well-known companies. Their presence and choice to make Lake Norman home is a testament to the area.
Miscellaneous Lake Norman links
Charlotte NC: A Quick History - LinkedIn article (3 min read).
US Census - Estimated population of counties that border LKN (2020 vs 2010).
Lake Norman Breweries - List of breweries near the lake.
Flickr - Photos of LKN.
Lake Norman Publications - Publishes three weekly newspaper and one monthly in the Lake Norman and Mountain Island Lake areas.
Radio Stations - There are 40+ radio stations within listening range of Lake Norman.
IMDb - TV shows and movies filmed in the area.
Airlines that fly to the Lake Norman area
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Air Canada
American Airlines
Delta
Frontier
Jetblue
Lufthansa
Southwest
Spirit
United Airlines
Volaris
Concord-Padgett Regional Airport
Allegiant
Colleges near Lake Norman
Davidson College
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Queens University
Catawba College
Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte Campus
Belmont Abbey College
Winthrop University
Lake Norman stats
Abbreviation: LKN
Year built: 1959-1964
Surface area: 32,510 acres
Shore line length: 520 miles
Length of lake: 34 miles
Width of lake: 9 miles
Avg. depth: 34 feet
Max. depth: 112 feet
Water volume: 1,093,600 acre-feet
Drainage area: 1,790 square miles
Avg. July water temperature: 81°F
Avg. January water temperature: 38°F
Lake Norman cities & towns
Waterfront restaurants
Apps & Taps
Eddie's on Lake Norman
Hello, Sailor
Landing Restaurant
North Harbor Club
Port City Club
The Lady of the Lake
Toucan's Lakefront
Waterside Bar and Grill
Catawba River system
Lake Norman is part of the Catawba River system. The Catawba River originates in Western North Carolina and flows into South Carolina, where it later becomes known as the Wateree River. The river is approximately 220 miles long. It rises in the Appalachian Mountains and drains into the Piedmont, where it has been impounded through a series of reservoirs for flood control and generation of hydroelectricity.
The Catawba river system includes Lake James, Rhodhiss Lake, Lake Hickory, Lookout Shoals Lake, Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake, Lake Wylie, Fishing Creek Reservoir, Great Falls Reservoir, Cedar Creek Reservoir, and Lake Wateree.