Charlotte Open Water Championship

The morning air at Dutchman's Creek Landing carries the quiet anticipation of the local swimming community, where families and long-time participants gather for the annual culmination of the Charlotte Open Water Swim Series. Organized by Go Ahead Events, this gathering in Mt. Holly draws those familiar with the Catawba River’s flow, turning the boat ramp into a hub of activity as swimmers prepare for the 731m, 1609m, or 3218m distances. The entry fees, ranging from $45 to $75, support the logistics of maintaining a secure channel with dedicated kayak monitors, ensuring that the course remains clear for all participants as they navigate the out-and-back route.

Historical waters and landmarks

As you pace your stroke through these waters, you are traversing a landscape permanently altered by the 1916 hurricane flood, a disaster that swept away a cotton mill and its village, effectively erasing a way of life to make room for the current lake. The water itself is held by the Mountain Island Hydroelectric Station, a concrete sentinel completed in 1923; the resulting damming of the Catawba River created the basin you swim in today. Near the shoreline, you may notice the remnants of the Riverbend Steam Station, a coal-fired plant that stood on this bend for decades until the demolition of its massive stacks in 2018 cleared the view. The banks also host the Historic Latta Plantation, a 19th-century site where the original log structures still stand as a reminder of the area’s early agrarian history.

Life along the banks

Beyond the historical structures, the environment remains active with local wildlife. The lake borders the Carolina Raptor Center, and it is not uncommon for swimmers to see osprey or hawks circling high above the water as they scan the surface. The area’s deeper past is marked by the presence of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, established in 1843 for the Irish gold miners who once populated this region of North Carolina. By the time you reach the final turn, the focus narrows back to the sound of the water and the finish line at the landing, where the race staff and volunteers await to close out the season’s final championship event.