Message from the Mayor - Lake Lure Is Back – Together We Rise!
Lake Lure is Back – Together We Rise!
Our beautiful Lake Lure has been restored ahead of predictions, and we were thrilled to announce a soft reopening of the lake April 20, 2026. Non-motorized vessels are now permitted, and property owners may begin returning their boats to the water through approved commercial contractors.
This soft opening allows residents and visitors to begin enjoying the lake again while the Town continues important preparations for a smooth and successful Grand Opening by Memorial Day weekend. Please see the Town Website at www.townoflakelure for specific Phase One guidelines.
One critical project currently underway is the removal of shoreline debris through the North Carolina State Mission Assigned Recovery Task (SMART) Program. This work could only begin once the lake reached sufficient water levels to allow barges and specialized equipment to access the shoreline. To date, contractors working with the SMART Program have successfully removed more than 4,500 cubic yards of debris.
In addition to reopening the lake, the Town is actively rebuilding and improving key waterfront infrastructure. Three major projects are currently underway at Washburn Marina. Below is a synopsis of these projects and their anticipated timelines.
1) Washburn Marina Building
• The previous marina building was removed due to extensive damage from Hurricane Helene.
• A new permanent building has been designed in keeping with the Mediterranean-style architecture that defines the area.
• The facility will include retail space, restrooms, storage areas, and a covered pavilion for visitors.
• The Town is currently working to acquire a temporary building for the 2026 season while the permanent structure is constructed.
2) Washburn Marina Tour Boat Docks and Fueling Station
• New docks for the tour boats are being constructed in the same location as the previous docks.
• Construction progress can already be seen at the marina.
• A new fueling station will be incorporated on the left side of the marina building when facing the water from the parking lot.
• These docks and the fueling station are targeted for completion by Memorial Weekend 2026.
• The boat ramp in this area will also reopen for use at that time.
3) Floating Boardwalk and Docks
• Reconstruction work is well underway on the Washburn Marina docks and floating boardwalk, with a target completion date of mid-July 2026.
• Some phases of construction required the lake to reach full pond level before work can be completed.
• Dock sections are currently being constructed in the marina parking lot, and the base of the floating boardwalk is already in place in the lake near Memorial Highway.
The new marina will include:
• 208 seasonal boat slips
• 6 daily rental slips (4-day minimum rental)
• 6 free 2.5-hour courtesy slips available on a first-come, first-served basis
All seasonal slip assignments will remain the same as they were in 2024. A waiting list remains in place for seasonal slips.
The new Washburn Marina and Floating Boardwalk will closely replicate the previous layout, preserving the look and character of the marina that the community knows and loves.
The Town of Lake Lure is excited for what we anticipate will be a vibrant and successful season. We remain committed to ensuring the lake is fully operational before all public recreational activities resume.
This achievement would not have been possible without the extraordinary support and dedication of our partners, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, AshBritt Environmental, Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, and the many contractors, agencies, and local partners who worked tirelessly through immense challenges. Because of their commitment—and the resilience of our community—we have witnessed the remarkable restoration of this treasured place.
Upcoming Community Celebrations
We are excited to welcome residents and visitors to a series of special events celebrating the reopening of our lake:
May 2026 - August 2026
Hidden in Plain Sight - Green Salamander Art Trail | Lake Lure North Carolina
May 1–2, 2026
Lake Lure Parrots & Pirates Music Festival
Location: Lake Lure Beach
May 6, 2026 | 9:00 AM
Calling All Volunteers - May Trail Tamers Workdays - Please Join Us!
Location: Weed Patch - Contact trails@rutherfordoutdoor.org
May 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM
"Growing and Using Herbs" Class
Location: Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Education Center
May 6, 2026 | 11:30 AM
Rose Senehi - A River Runs Through It
Location: Mountains Branch Library Event
May 8, 2026 | All Day (Stay tuned for more information)
Swim for Recovery - Swim for Renewal: One Day, One Swim, One Lake, One community
Location: Lake Lure
May 9, 2026
Lake Lure Classical Academy Relay for Life
Location: Lake Lure Classical Academy
May 9–10, 2026
Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival
Location: Lake Lure Town Center - Across from the Lake Lure Beach
May 13, 2026 | 9:00 AM
Calling All Volunteers - May Trail Tamers Workdays - Please Join Us!
Location: Buffalo Creek Park - Contact trails@rutherfordoutdoor.org
May 15, 2026 | 11:00 AM (Stay tuned for more information)
Ceremony Announcing Dates for Reopening Lake Lure
Location: Morse Park Gazebo
May 15, 2026 | 2:00 PM (Stay tuned for more information)
Ceremony Announcing Dates for Reopening Lake Lure
Location: Beach at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure
May 20, 2026 | 9:00 AM
Calling All Volunteers - May Trail Tamers Workdays - Please Join Us!
Location: Dittmer-Watts Trails - Contact trails@rutherfordoutdoor.org
May 20, 2026 | 10:00 AM
“Let’s Make a Terrarium” Workshop
Location: Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Education Center
May 23, 2026
Lake Lure lake Reopening Celebration with Fireworks
Location: Lake Lure Beach
A Community Stronger Than the Storm
Over the past year and a half, our community has worked tirelessly to restore our town and the lake we all cherish. Together, we faced the devastation of Hurricane Helene, a historic storm unlike any in our region’s history.
Yet through resilience, partnership, and determination, Lake Lure has risen again.
Now it is time to celebrate, reconnect, and enjoy our beloved lake together.
Together We Rise.
Lake Lure is Back.
Mayor Carol Pritchett
Town of Lake Lure
