Lake Carnegie has been Princeton rowing’s home course for more than a century, and it remains one of the finest racing venues in the nation. Gifted to the university in 1906 by industrialist Andrew Carnegie, the lake was created to provide Princeton rowers with a dedicated and uninterrupted training venue. Its sheltered conditions and ideal length make it an ideal training program for elite rowers, providing year-round access for training and competition. With its rich history and perfectly maintained waterway, Lake Carnegie is a symbol of Princeton’s commitment to excellence in rowing.
Beyond Princeton’s own crews, Lake Carnegie has been a training ground for some of the world’s best rowers, including members of the U.S. National and Olympic teams. Thanks to its outstanding facilities and consistently calm waters, it has hosted elite athletes preparing for international competition, reinforcing its reputation as a premier rowing venue. The lake has also been the site of prestigious regattas, showcasing top collegiate and club-level competition in an environment steeped in tradition and competitive spirit.
For recruits looking to compete at the highest level, Lake Carnegie provides an unparalleled training and home competition experience. Much of the Princeton Rowing tradition has been built on this course, and some of the most historic rivalries in all of collegiate rowing are contested here.
Its history, elite-level reputation, and world-class conditions make Lake Carnegie the perfect setting for rowers to develop their skills, push their limits, and carry on Princeton’s legacy of championship-caliber performance. Rowing on Lake Carnegie means becoming part of a tradition that has shaped generations of athletes and continues to fuel Princeton’s success on both the national and international stage.