Lake Murray

About

One of South Carolina's most beautiful and significant landmarks is Lake Murray, located just 30 minutes west of Columbia. The captivating man-made reservoir spans 48,000 acres, offering 650 miles of shoreline.

What began as a source of energy for the region is also a favorite destination for locals and visitors seeking watersports, boating, fishing, and a variety of recreation. What's more, in 2024, USA Today named it the 2nd top best lake for water sports in the country.

Lake Murray offers some of the best recreation offerings in the Midlands. Visitors will find many parks, marinas, and public access points along its shores. Furthermore, its calm waters sustain a varied ecosystem. Over the years, the lake has evolved into more than just a source of electricity. It is now a popular vacation spot for families, nature lovers, and open-air enthusiasts.

This inviting lake just outside the hustle and bustle of South Carolina’s capital is a treasure trove of history and adventure. Named for William S. Murray, the engineer behind the dam’s design. Construction on the dam that created the lake lasted from 1927-1930.

With entry points to the lake easily accessible on a day trip from Columbia, it's easy to combine fun dining options with lake adventures. For example, visitors coming from the south can stop off at Flight Deck Restaurant in Lexington for a bite on their way to the Lake Murray Public Park. If entering from Irmo to the north, a popular casual spot with fine-dining quality ingredients is The Bistro on Lake Murray Boulevard.

Lake Murray: Fun Facts & Cool Features

This “Jewel of South Carolina” was built by damming the Saluda River as part of a hydroelectric project. At that time, the Saluda Dam (now the Dreher Shoals Dam) was the largest earthen dam in the world. When the lake first started generating electricity on Dec. 1, 1930, it was heralded as the world’s largest power reservoir. Today, beyond its wide appeal to lovers of the outdoors, the lake continues to supply water to the hydroelectric facility owned and operated by Dominion Energy.

Notably, creation of the lake meant purchasing about 100,000 acres from small communities in the area. Nearly a dozen of these communities had to be abandoned to make room for the lake. Remnants of these towns still stand at the bottom of Lake Murray, including a bridge, a graveyard, and a stone house.

Among the remarkable details of the man-made lake are its quiet coves and expansive open waters, which make it ideal for boating and fishing. It is known as a hotspot for anglers and is frequently ranked among the best bass fishing lakes in the country.

Another standout feature is Bomb Island (formerly Doolittle Island), located in the center of the lake. This 12-acre island, which served as a WWII bombing practice site, has since evolved into a unique home for thousands of Purple Martins. Each summer, the birds return to roost, creating an unforgettable evening spectacle as they fill the skies at sunset.

The sparkling waters of Lake Murray make it easy to see why this is the Jewel of South Carolina. Its history, mystery, and wealth of water activities make it a must-visit spot during any trip to Columbia. You can also easily tie in a visit to Saluda Shoals Park just east of the lake to round out the adventure.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Columbia to Lake Murray:

Irmo side (Open year-round)

Take Assembly St. north to Elmwood, which becomes I-126
Continue on I-126 until this becomes I-26
Exit at Irmo and follow Highway 60 West (Lake Murray Boulevard)
Address: 2101 N Lake Dr, Columbia, SC 29212

Lexington side (Open April through Labor Day)

Take Assembly St. north to Elmwood, which becomes I-126
Continue until exiting toward I-20 W to Lexington
Follow Corley Mill Rd/State Rd S 32
Address: 1832 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072.

Local Tips

While alligators could be in the lake, the chances are very slim.
Explore Bomb Island, home to the largest roosting site of Purple Martins.
Protect yourself from the sun by using sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
Explore the surrounding trails on foot or bike!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Columbia, SC?

Situated in the heart of the Midlands region, 3 major interstates run through Columbia, SC (I-26, I-20, and I-77). This makes it an easy-to-access drive-to destination from anywhere on the Eastern corridor.

If you choose to fly, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is located just eight miles from downtown and has more than 25 daily non-stop flights to 11 major cities, plus easy connections to over 400 destinations.

When is the best time to visit Columbia, SC?

The best times to visit Columbia, SC are hands down in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). This is when you can expect warm, sunny days and cool, breezy nights. If you are a fan of hot weather, then you may enjoy the area’s sultry summers. Not to worry, lake days at Lake Murray and backyard barbecues await. Winter is more mellow, with mild temps and fewer crowds, which is ideal for a quiet weekend getaway.

What are the top things to do in Columbia, SC?

Columbia, SC is a little city with a lot of personality and plenty of attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Among the top attractions are:

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden – Not only is this a top Columbia attraction, it is one of the largest mid-sized zoos in the country and South Carolina’s leading must-visit attraction.
Congaree National Park – With towering trees creating a lush forest canopy overhead, the park preserves the largest tract of remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the country. The park’s synchronous firefly habitat from mid-May to mid-June is so popular, be sure to get in on the vehicle pass lottery in advance.
Lake Murray – Located just west of the city, this Jewel of South Carolina offers 650 miles of shoreline and a wide range of outdoor fun, from swimming or boating to fishing, and water sports to private tours.
South Carolina State Museum – The state-of-the-art facility is housed within its largest artifact, the building itself, the historic 1894 Columbia Mill textile building.
USC – Williams-Brice Stadium: College sports fans flood in for big Gamecock games and tailgates. Dine out before the big game or enjoy tailgating. Tip: Pimento cheese, a South Carolina staple, is a must at any Gamecock tailgate.

Lake Murray

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