Lees-McRae College
Learn how Lees-McRae College enhances the visitor experience in Banner Elk, North Carolina
Highest Elevation Campus on the East Coast
In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lees-McRae College spans more than 1,000 acres in the beautiful Elk River Valley.
Founded in 1900 by the Rev. Edgar Tufts, the campus is home to more than 800 undergraduate students and almost 300 faculty and staff.
At more than 3,700 feet above sea level, Lees-McRae is the highest elevated campus on the East Coast. With that elevation comes a natural laboratory of wildlife, outdoor adventure activities, beautiful views, and crisp mountain air.
Visitors to Banner Elk are invited to explore the campus and learn more about the expert faculty, top-notch academic programs, and unique activities Lees-McRae offers to students and the community.
Scroll down to view interesting campus activities for Banner Elk visitors.
Performing and Cultural Arts
Between Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, the weekly summer FORUM Cultural Series, and three annual student performances, visitors to the college have ample opportunities to experience a variety of top-notch productions and concerts every year.
Lees-McRae Summer Theatre brings big-stage musicals to life in Banner Elk.
The FORUM Cultural Series is a joint effort of Lees-McRae College and community residents. There are eight programs each year ranging in variety. They include: speakers, vocalists, big band music, chamber ensembles, pianists, dance and drama.
View the upcoming productions calendar for more information.
May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is the only wildlife rehabilitation center located on a college campus.
The center is staffed by students in the Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Wildlife Rehabilitation programs who work alongside professional rehabilitators and veterinarians to care for injured and orphaned animals.
Visitors can enjoy animal ambassador presentations at the amphitheater in Tate-Evans Park in Banner Elk. The 2024 presentation schedule is:
- Late May to Late July: Fridays at 1 p.m. on May 24, May 31, June 7, June 14, June 21, June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19 & July 26
NCAA Athletic Competitions
Lees-McRae’s athletics department is home to 27 highly competitive men’s and women’s teams.
From basketball to soccer to volleyball to cycling, the student-athletes are fierce competitors and perform at their best with community support.
Come cheer on the Bobcats while in Banner Elk. All home games are played on campus not far from downtown Banner Elk.
Check out the home schedule for each team at the button below.
Adventure Film & Speaker Series
Enjoy the Lees-McRae High Country Adventure Film and Speaker Series throught the year as the school’s Outdoor Recreation Management program brings the best of outdoor adventure to the High Country.
Films from Teton Gravity Research, Reel Rock, Mountainfilm and others showcase incredible international adventure athletes, while guest speakers share valuable insights about the world of outdoor recreation.
Campus Tours & Open Houses
LMC admissions specialists are available Monday through Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to give tours and answer questions. The admissions building is located in the Chaffee Center, beside Tate Residence Hall on West Main Street.
The college also offers multiple open houses each year. Click the button below to check the Lees-McRae website for a full list of upcoming open houses, or to sign up for a campus tour.
Lees-McRae merchandise and apparel are available in The Exchange Bookstore, which includes an Einstein Bros. Bagel Shop.