The beloved 1980s romance set at a 1963 Catskills summer resort was filmed not in New York but in the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina – with a lakeside lodge as Kellerman’s and a real lake for the famous lift.
Where was Dirty Dancing filmed?
Dirty Dancing was filmed in Virginia (Mountain Lake Lodge as Kellerman’s) and North Carolina (Lake Lure).
Every Dirty Dancing location, explained
1
Kellerman’s resort – Mountain Lake, Virginia
The summer resort used Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia.
2
The lake lift – Lake Lure
The famous water-lift rehearsal used Lake Lure in North Carolina.
3
The mountain scenery
The Blue Ridge scenery used the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina.
4
Asheville – additional scenes
Some scenes used the area around Asheville, North Carolina.
Planning a visit
Mountain Lake Lodge in Virginia – the real Kellerman’s – and Lake Lure in North Carolina are accessible destinations beloved by fans.
Dirty Dancing Fun Facts
1
Two-state shoot The Catskills resort was filmed in Virginia and North Carolina.
2
The lake lift The famous lift rehearsal was filmed at Lake Lure, North Carolina.
3
Kellerman's is Mountain Lake The resort used Mountain Lake Lodge in Virginia.
4
'Nobody puts Baby in a corner' The film gave cinema one of its most quoted lines.
5
A surprise phenomenon The low-budget film became a huge, enduring hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Dirty Dancing filmed?
In Virginia (Mountain Lake Lodge as Kellerman’s) and North Carolina (Lake Lure).
Where was the lake lift filmed?
At Lake Lure in North Carolina.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Mountain Lake Lodge and Lake Lure are accessible.
Who stars in Dirty Dancing?
Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey.
Is it set in the Catskills?
Yes – at a 1963 Catskills resort, though filmed further south.
