And you probably already know that the big lake from the film is now less than half full — and is more like a dried-up pond than a lake. Today what's left of Mountain Lake belongs to the Mountain Lake Lodge, a stately hotel sitting on its south edge that played the role of Kellerman's in the film.
That site of the filming was Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Va., which doubled for the fictional Kellerman's Resort in the Catskills. (Some scenes were filmed in Lake Lure, N.C.) Part of the Virginia resort was a picturesque lake but, according to an article on CNN.com, the lake dried up in 2008.
The lake's water level first dropped in 1999 but came back in 2003. In 2006, it dropped again and by 2008, it went completely dry, according to The Roanoke Times. The Mountain Lake is starting to fill back up after remaining dry for 12 years.
In the early 21st century, the lake levels diminished due to a prolonged drought in Southwest Virginia and the geology that makes up the bottom of the lake.
"Dirty Dancing" was primarily filmed at the Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia, which served as the fictional Kellerman's Resort. The picturesque setting of the lodge provided the backdrop for many iconic scenes, including the lake where Baby and Johnny practiced their dance routines.
Went to the Mountain Lake Lodge (Kellermans!) Where Dirty Dancing was filmed!
Can you visit Lake Lure where Dirty Dancing was filmed?
Start your walk down Dirty Dancing memory lane in the town of Lake Lure, where a handful of scenes were filmed. Check in to the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, where Patrick Swayze, portraying bad-boy dance instructor Johnny Castle, and Jennifer Grey, the beloved Frances “Baby” Houseman, stayed during filming.
The lake hits a low about every 400 years and completely dries up. But it refills back up again in a natural cycle. Locals noticed its water levels dropping in 1999, but the water came back in 2003. In 2006, the water levels dropped again and by 2008, the lake was completely dry, according to The Roanoke Times.
Production for "Dirty Dancing" commenced on September 5, 1986, and wrapped up after just 43 days. The Lake Lure Inn's ballroom provided a backdrop for the climactic lift scene.
Off the beaten path yet easy to get to, our historic lodge might look familiar to you. After all, it was where the iconic movie Dirty Dancing was filmed. Today, Mountain Lake Lodge offers the perfect escape where you can relax and recharge your senses.
What scenes from Dirty Dancing were filmed at Mountain Lake Lodge?
The film crew used the inside of this cabin for filming scenes such as late night talks with Lisa, Baby waking up her father, and Johnny visiting Mr. Houseman. Many of the guests staying at Mountain Lake Lodge during filming participated in this scene.
Without Lake Superior, areas near the lake would see far less snow each winter, and the distribution of snow in the central and eastern regions around the lake would be far different. The effects would not be limited to snow. Duluth, for example, averages 52 foggy days per year.
Anyone who's seen Dirty Dancing knows Baby and her dance instructor Johnny – played by actors Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey – have incredible on-screen chemistry. But behind the scenes, things weren't quite so friendly.
Despite her character's enjoyment, Grey later described the water as "horrifically" cold, and she might not have gone into the lake, except that she was "young and hungry". Relations between the two main stars varied throughout production.
In the final scenes of Dirty Dancing, multiple storylines come to a conclusion. Baby embraces her relationship with Johnny and her newfound confidence while Johnny stands up for himself against the resort's owner, Max (Jack Weston).
Though there is palpable heat between them on screen as student Frances "Baby" Houseman (Grey) and dance instructor Johnny Castle (Swayze) in the classic romance, Grey has admitted that they didn't always get along because of an earlier experience working together on the 1984 action film "Red Dawn."
Step into Johnny and Baby's dancing shoes at Mountain Lake Lodge. Visit the real film locations from the movie such as Kellerman's Mountain House, Baby's Cabin, and the location of the lift. Join us for an in-depth self-guided tour through 11 original locations from the movie.
The character doesn't actually reveal her age in Dirty Dancing, nor does Johnny ask on-camera. Per CloserWeekly's See How Old the Cast of 'Dirty Dancing' Was While Filming the Movie written 6 April 2017 by Nakeisha Campbell: The actress was actually 27 years old when she portrayed 17-year-old Frances "Baby" Houseman.
How much of Dirty Dancing was filmed at Lake Lure?
While some scenes at the movie's fictional Kellerman's Resort were filmed on location in Virginia; most of the movie's outdoor scenes including those taking place at the “staff quarters”, and many of the indoor dance scenes including the famed last dance of the season were shot at various locations throughout Lake Lure ...
Yes, Smith Mountain Lake is safe to swim in. The exceptions are near geese, ducks, water fowl, and farm animals – and sometimes following heavy rainfalls that create runoff from farm land or disturb sediment on the lake bottom.
Jackson Lake Lodge is located near Moran in Grand Teton National Park, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. The lodge has 385 rooms, a restaurant, conference rooms, and offers numerous recreational opportunities. The lodge is owned by the National Park Service, and operated under contract by the Grand Teton Lodge Company.
