Governor Stein Celebrates Lake Lure Reopening After Hurricane Recovery

Josh Stein visited Lake Lure on May 15 to celebrate the reopening of one of western North Carolina’s best-known outdoor destinations following extensive recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene.

Joined by federal, state and local officials at Morse Park, Stein called the reopening a major milestone for the region’s recovery and tourism industry.

“This is an exciting day for western North Carolina,” Stein said. “Twenty months ago, Hurricane Helene devastated Lake Lure, but today, Lake Lure is back.”

The governor credited partnerships between local residents, town leaders, FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, contractors and volunteers for helping restore the lake after floodwaters filled it with debris, sand and sediment.

According to state officials, cleanup crews removed more than one million tons of sand, silt, and sediment along with more than 100,000 cubic yards of debris in the months following the storm.

Carol Pritchett said the reopening represents more than a tourism milestone for the community.

“Today is more than the reopening of a lake — it is the restoration of a place that brings our community together,” Pritchett said.

Town leaders said recovery efforts prioritized projects aimed at restoring local businesses and supporting the regional economy, while additional recovery work continues across the area.

The reopening comes as state leaders continue pushing tourism efforts in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Earlier this month, Stein announced North Carolina set a record for tourism spending in 2025, with travelers spending more than $37.2 billion statewide.

State officials say western North Carolina’s tourism economy is still recovering, making summer travel and visitation especially important for mountain communities.

Stein has promoted tourism recovery through the state’s “Rediscover the Unforgettable” initiative, launched with Anna Stein to encourage travel to western North Carolina destinations impacted by the storm.

Lake Lure is scheduled to officially reopen to visitors over Memorial Day weekend.