LAKE LURE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The town of Lake Lure is welcoming visitors with open arms as it continues to rebound from Tropical Storm Helene, offering scenic escapes, outdoor adventures and a variety of dining and lodging options.

Town officials encourage visitors to explore the area’s restaurants, hotels, lodges and bed-and-breakfasts, all open and ready for guests.

At the same time, town leaders are marking a major milestone in the community’s storm recovery. Officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), state and federal partners and the town gathered at Morse Park last week for a final walk-through celebrating the completion of corps recovery operations, one of Western North Carolina’s largest debris removal missions following Helene.

“This has been a massive and significant project,” George Minges, a debris expert with the Louisville District, said in a news release. “We’ve removed over 1 million cubic yards of debris from this lake.”

That’s the equivalent of two-and-a-half NFL stadiums, he said.

The effort required 54 weeks of nearly nonstop work, including 12-hour days, seven days a week, involving waterways, private property and commercial demolition across the region.

Lt. Col. Ken Porter, deputy commander of the Wilmington District, said the closeout highlights the collaboration between federal, state and local partners.

“This closeout represents more than finishing a mission. It represents the trust and teamwork that carried Lake Lure through recovery,” Porter said in the release.

Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett said the completion of recovery work marks a turning point for residents.

“Seeing this work completed — the debris removed, our lake restored and hazards addressed — gives our community a sense of relief and hope,” Pritchett said.

The lake is being maintained at about 975 feet above mean sea level as work continues on the Tainter gates. Officials expect the lake to return to full capacity of 990.5 feet once the project is completed, anticipated by February 2026.

With recovery efforts complete and the town open for visitors, officials hope the combination of restored natural beauty and vibrant local businesses will draw travelers and support the ongoing rebuilding of the community.