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Lake Norman, created in 1963 as part of the construction of the Cowans Ford Dam by Duke Power, is the largest manmade body of fresh water in North Carolina. It is fed by the Catawba River. It was named after former Duke Power president Norman Cocke. Lake Norman is sometimes referred to as the "inland sea"; it offers 520 miles of shoreline and a surface area of more than 50 square miles. Full pond elevation at Lake Norman is 760 feet.

Lake Norman provides electricity to the Piedmont region of the Carolinas. It powers the generators at the hydroelectric station at Cowans Ford and is used by Marshall Steam Station and McGuire Nuclear Station to cool the steam that drives their turbines. The lake supplies water to Lincoln County, Mooresville, Charlotte (and other towns in Mecklenburg County, particularly Davidson and Huntersville.)

Duke Power partnered with the state of North Carolina to establish Lake Norman State Park. It has also built two bank fishing areas and eight public boating access areas along the shoreline. One site is leased to Mecklenburg County and one to Iredell County. Popular game fish in Lake Norman include catfish, crappie, bluegill and yellow perch, as well as striped, largemouth, and white bass. Lake Norman is also home to "Normie" the Lake Norman Monster, with many reported sightings.

Lake Norman has done much to contribute to the area's economy; many communities have sprung up on the lake's shores, with vacation and primary residences bringing many people into the area. Many farming communities have turned to chic residential neighborhoods, including, on the south end of the lake, the upper-reaches of the Charlotte suburban zone.

Lake Norman is also the location for one of the International Jet Sport Boats Association (IJSBA) tour stops. Team Tweek (www.teamtweek.com, www.pwcracers.com), a race team headquartered in Mooresville helps promote and coordinate the event.

• Lake Norman State Park