Lake Norman Normie Sightseeing Tours

Children spot friendly Lake Norman monster
By Kelli Robinson
Thursday, Jun. 09, 2011

There’s been a sea monster sighting on Lake Norman. Actually multiple sightings by many pint-sized sea creature experts, cruising the lake during the summer in search of cookies, stories and the occasional spotting of Normie the Lake Norman Monster.

Sponsored by Championship Yacht Charters in Cornelius, Lake Norman Monster Sightseeing Tours are quickly becoming a summer family tradition. Kids, parents and caregivers enjoy a mid-morning hour-long cruise on Lake Norman, munching milk and cookies, participating in story time and learning facts about conservation and the Lake Norman ecosystem. Oh yes, and staying on alert for Normie, the Lake Norman Monster.

If you're looking for a different outing on the lake, this is it. What started as a simple story time cruise for kids has evolved into a cruise filled with stories and legends about Normie, the Nessie-like monster allegedly spotted by boaters, swimmers and fishermen throughout the area. Seriously there is a website dedicated to Normie sightings!

My kids and I have enjoyed the story time cruise for years. It used to launch from Queen's Landing in Mooresville. Last summer that cruise sold out, prompting the organizers to move to a different location and charter a bigger boat. This summer patrons board a 100-foot luxury yacht at Harborside Drive in Cornelius. And yes, there is air conditioning!

Has my 8-year-old son outgrown the story time concept? Sure. But every summer he still asks when we’re going on the story time cruise. Even an 8-year-old can't pass up cookies and milk! And now he's tuned into the allure of a sea monster swimming the lake, as well as the various wildlife you have the opportunity to spy on the water.

Lake Norman Monster Sightseeing Tours depart each month from now through August. Given its popularity, reserve your tickets now.

Don't forget your camera. Apparently Normie isn't camera shy!

Want to go:

Lake Norman Monster Sightseeing Tours
18665 Harborside Drive, Cornelius

Call 704-905-1495 to reserve tickets prior to the cruise date.

Kelli Robinson is a freelance writer who lives in Mooresville and has been contributing to Lake Norman Magazine since 2009. She juggles family and writing with humor and lots of chocolate, and enjoys experiencing all the Lake Norman area has to offer.