Lake Norman State Park
The creation of Lake Norman, located near Charlotte, North Carolina, began in September 1959 with the detonation of a single charge of dynamite to mark the start of construction on the Cowans Ford Dam and the lake that would follow. The purpose of the lake was to provide water and electricity, with the total cost to Duke Power reaching $62 million—equivalent to approximately $500 million today. As farmlands flooded, a 32,500-acre lake was formed, complete with 520 miles of shoreline. Although most of Lake Norman's shoreline is private property, Lake Norman State Park (formerly Duke Power State Park) offers 1,942 acres of public land, located 39 miles north of Charlotte. The park is beautiful, offering miles of hiking trails, including some that run along the shoreline. Visitors can enjoy a swimming beach, boat ramp, community building, nature center, and camping facilities. The park is meticulously maintained and provides modern amenities for campers and visitors. The educational...