Identified by National Geographic as “one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the world,” Lake Lure’s main attraction has been a focal point luring visitors to the area for years. The producers of Dirty Dancing must have agreed, as they chose Lake Lure as the setting for the 1987 romance film. The lake covers approximately 720 acres and has about 21 miles of shoreline. The town is home to other great stretches of water, including three long bays and many small bays and inlets, all of which are surrounded by forestry covering hills and mountains.
The town is located in Hickory Nut Gorge, an area historically inhabited by the Cherokee and Catawba Indians. Dr. Lucius B. Morse moved to the area in 1902. He and his brothers founded Chimney Rock Mountains, Inc. so they could purchase 800 acres and build a lake resort Morse dreamed of. Eventually, they acquired 8,000 acres. Construction began in 1925, and by 1927, Lake Lure and the Lake Lure Inn were completed. Unfortunately, the Great Depression kept Morse from holding onto the lake and its surrounding area. The lake became the property of the Town of Lake Lure.
Rather than being devoted to one expansive resort, the town became a popular destination of privately owned homes and smaller resorts. Morse’s vision inspired families from North Carolina and beyond who have continued to spend their summer vacations in the small, western lake town. Though, full time, the town population is just a little over 1,000, in the vacationing seasoning, there are usually up to 10,000 people in the area.
Lake Lure Photos
Lake Lure Features and Reviews
Have you ever wanted to visit the same scenic town that Johnny performed that iconic lift with Baby in Dirty Dancing? Or do you just want to spend a peaceful long weekend in the foothills region of North Carolina? Then
…Read more Lake Lure: Your Perfect Next GetawayBy Claire Gaskill Along the winding road of Highway 64 lies Lake Lure. This small town is known for its parks, historic landmarks, and, as denoted by its name, winding lake. Lake Lure is not vast
…Read more Right Place, Right Time: Lake LureBy Kate Flinn Burgess Produce is one of the Foothills’ hidden gems, nestled right off the shoulder of historic Highway 64, just outside of scenic Lake Lure. Like us, if you aren’t looking for it, you are likely to zip
…Read more Burgess Produce ›By Maggy McGloin – 2016 Moving from the Western part of the state, the drive to Lake Lure brings Highway 64 through a more natural, unchartered territory. After weaving around winding turns, across abandoned-looking towns, and several fruit stands, you will
…Read more Lake Lure and the Beginning ofBy Gina Apperson – 2014 There’s a certain beauty and mystery associated with bridges. When crossing them, we often don’t know what lies on the other side. As emblems of travel, bridges are quintessential parts of any journey, helping us
…Read more A Bridge Made to BlossomBy Dustin Swope – 2014 You don’t have to look very hard to find reasons to visit the town of Lake Lure. The pristine beach, crystal-clear water, and mountainous view in the distance make this place an excellent destination, whether it’s just
…Read more Larkin’s on the Lake ›By Taylor Hill, 2013 It would seem that the town of Lake Lure has its fair share of attractions; of course with the expansive lake itself, which visitors get a mesmerizing view of while traveling Highway 64, the Blue Ridge
…Read more For Lovers of Crafts and GoodBy Taylor Hill, 2013 I have always found October to be a beautiful month, as the rustic and subtle transformations of the leaves begin to take place. Vibrant oranges, dull yellows and shocking red hues line the trees and the
…Read more The Winding Road to Lake LureBy Chelsea Vollrath Driving through Lake Lure on Highway 64, you will pass the Lake Lure Smokehouse, located across the street from the beach at Lake Lure and beside the Lake Lure Inn & Spa. The inside of the restaurant
…Read more Lake Lure Smokehouse Review ›