Banner Elk, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Banner Elk, North Carolina
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Location of Banner Elk, North Carolina
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| Country | United States | |
| State | North Carolina | |
| County | Avery | |
| Founded | 1848 | |
| Incorporated | 1911 | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Mayor-council | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 1.92 sq mi (4.97 km2) | |
| • Land | 1.92 sq mi (4.97 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) | |
| Elevation | 3,895 ft (1,187 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,049 | |
| • Density | 546.35/sq mi (210.95/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | |
| ZIP Code |
28604
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| Area code(s) | 828 | |
| FIPS code | 37-03500 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 2405208 | |
Banner Elk is a small town located in the mountains of Avery County, North Carolina, United States. It's a popular spot for outdoor adventures and is home to Lees–McRae College. In 2020, about 1,049 people lived here.
Contents
History of Banner Elk
The land around the Elk River was once home to the Cherokee people. They likely used the area for hunting and fishing. The first permanent settlement was started in 1848 by Martin L. Banner. His family, originally from Wales, moved from another part of North Carolina.
Over time, the Banner family grew to 55 members. The area became known as "Banner's Elk." Later, when the town officially became a town in 1911, its name was shortened to Banner Elk.
Two important buildings in Banner Elk are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are the Banner Elk Hotel and the Robert Chester and Elsie H. Lowe House.
People in Banner Elk
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1920 | 264 | — | |
| 1930 | 340 | 28.8% | |
| 1970 | 754 | — | |
| 1980 | 1,087 | 44.2% | |
| 1990 | 933 | −14.2% | |
| 2000 | 811 | −13.1% | |
| 2010 | 1,028 | 26.8% | |
| 2020 | 1,049 | 2.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Who Lives in Banner Elk?
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,049 people living in Banner Elk. This included 277 households and 147 families. Most residents are White (about 84%), with smaller groups of Black or African American, Native American, Asian, and people of mixed races. About 7% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
Geography and Climate
Banner Elk covers an area of about 4.9 square kilometers (1.9 square miles). All of this area is land.
What is the Climate Like?
Because Banner Elk is high up in the mountains, it has a humid continental climate. This means it has cold, snowy winters. Summers are usually mild and pleasant.
Fun Things to Do
Banner Elk is a great place for outdoor activities all year round!
Summer Activities
In the summer, you can enjoy:
- Hiking on beautiful trails
- Exciting whitewater rafting
- Fishing in clear streams and lakes
Watauga Lake is a large lake about 30 minutes away. It's a favorite spot for boating, fishing, and wakeboarding.
Winter Activities
When winter arrives, the main activities are skiing and snowboarding. There are two popular ski resorts nearby:
There used to be a third ski area called Hawks' Nest. In 2008–2009, it changed into a tubing park. It is now the largest tubing park in the Eastern United States.
Local Attractions
Banner Elk has many restaurants, a post office, a bank, and places to stay. Every year since 1978, the town has hosted the Woolly Worm festival. This fun event takes place on the third weekend of October.
In the 1970s, a theme park based on The Wizard of Oz called The Land of Oz opened on Beech Mountain. It closed after 10 years, but parts of it are still there. People have tried to bring it back to life at different times.
Education in Banner Elk
Lees–McRae College is a private four-year college located right in Banner Elk. The town also has a school for younger students, from kindergarten to 5th grade. This school is part of the Avery County School system.
Photo gallery
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Mill Pond, where Shawneehaw Creek and the Elk River meet
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A unique bridge over Shawneehaw Creek
See also
In Spanish: Banner Elk para niños
