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Lake Murray

Lake Murray is a beautiful and historic spot known for clear waters and peaceful scenery. The lake’s numerous islands and over 600 miles of shoreline create a sense of tranquility and escape, while still being conveniently close to Columbia.

Lake Murray is a man-made lake designed to provide hydroelectric power and at the time of its completion in 1930, it was the largest man-made reservoir in the world. It still serves its constructed purpose, providing power to thousands of homes in the Midlands. Spanning nearly 80 square miles, parts of the lake are in Lexington County, Newberry County, Saluda County, and Richland County. The larger towns that border Lake Murray are Lexington, Chapin, and “The Gateway to Lake Murray,” Irmo.

The Lake Murray community is friendly and active, often coming together for events like a boat parade on the Fourth of July and smaller neighborhood gatherings. With multiple marinas and boat landings, Lake Murray is a popular place for activities on the water. It’s also known for premier freshwater fishing and has been the site for numerous Bassmaster and Major League Fishing competitions.

Lake Murray even has its own state park, Dreher Island State Park, which has cabins and walking trails for visitors to explore some of the larger islands that dot the lake. The lake is also a paradise for nature lovers and ornithologists, with frequent bald eagle sightings and in the summer months, one of the largest purple martin roosts on the entire continent.