Where to Start at Smith Mountain Lake

Most students of Smith Mountain Lake returned to the classroom last Monday or within the past few days. As they enter into a new year of education, there are many areas and topics relevant to Smith Mountain Lake we would love to help you learn more about. The best way to begin a learning tour of SML is at the place it all began, and the impressive engineering that holds it together – the Smith Mountain Dam and Visitor’s Center. The Joseph H. VippermanVisitor’s Center was recently renovated and is a fascinating place for all ages. You and your family will enjoy seeing models of and learning about the workings of the massive hydroelectric dam there.

Go to the dam and visitor’s center to check out the origination of Smith Mountain Lake, how Appalachian Power built the dam in 1960 and why the location was chosen. Learn what took place in the building of the dam, in the parallel of the Leesville Dam project and more facts surrounding the full pond result at SML. If you’ve never been to the dam or visitor’s center, make plans to go soon. Or make sure you return soon if it’s been a while since you’re last visit. Let the learning begin.