7 Dams to Explore in Illinois
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IllinoisLocated in the Midwestern area of the United States, Illinois is a vast state filled with charming towns, vibrant metropolitan cities, lush coastal plains, and natural prairies. From Chicago to Springfield and all other points in-between, each part of Illinois offers its own unique vibe that locals and visitors alike can appreciate. The region is steeped in history and culture; among its many landmarks are the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, Cahokia Mounds State Historic site, and
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Dams to Explore in Illinois
Carlyle DamBuilt in 1973, Carlyle Dam is a 5,170-foot earthen dam on the Kaskaskia River in Clinton county, Illinois. It is one of the largest manmade lakes in the United States and is recognised as an excellent fishing spot. The lake formed by the reservoir has a surface area of 25,000 acres, making it ideal for outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat. Utilising the dam's hydroelectric power plant, Carlyle Lake Power Plant provides electric power to several cities in Illinois as well as Missouri.
Lock and Dam 25Lock and Dam 25 is located along the Mississippi River in Illinois. This man-made structure plays an important role in the navigation of barge traffic along the Mississippi. Spanning 1,294 feet in total length, the dam features 10 single-leaf tainter gates that can be opened or closed to regulate water levels and generate electricity when required. Also included is a lock designed to help transport vessels safely around or beyond the dam.
Lock and Dam No. 15Lock and Dam No. 15 is a crucial component of the ecosystems of the area. This civil engineering structure helps to regulate the population of aquatic species and control flooding in an area around the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers. Watercraft travel along larger waterways after moving through its locks, beginning at a nine-foot depth before reaching a deeper channel at 28 feet.
Lock and Dam Number 12Lock and Dam Number 12 is an essential structure in the area. Built in 1929, the lock and dam exists primarily to help control water levels on the Mississippi River downstream, while also providing safe passage for boats. With 16 gated bays that open and close at times determined by river conditions, Lock and Dam 12 provides a stable waterway for vessels traveling along its length. Additionally, its 23-foot lift facilitates navigation of upstream vessels against the natural flow of the river.
Lock Number 27Lock Number 27 was located near the junction of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers in Madison County, Illinois. The lock was essential in providing safe passage for boats and barges in the area while preventing flooding. Through this lock, countless tons of raw materials and goods were transported along these rivers each year. It eventually became one of the most important locks on the river systems and remained actively used until it was decommissioned in 2009 by a large energy company.
Melvin Price Lock And DamThe Melvin Price Lock and Dam is a powerhouse of activity. Located on the Mississippi River, it serves as a crucial navigation point for boats traveling along the river. It was built in 1938 with the intention of providing better navigation and reducing flooding in the area during flood season. The area surrounding the locks is one of natural beauty as well, featuring two diversely different habitats: bottomland hardwood forest and sand-bottom marshland.
Mississippi River Lock Dam Number ThirteenThe Mississippi River Lock Dam Number Thirteen is more than a century old and still plays an important role in keeping the Mississippi River navigable. At this location, water flow is restricted by 12 gates that control the level of the river between the Rock Island Pool and pools farther east. The dam also allows passage for boat traffic when open, limiting erosion from swift currents. An observation area on White Oaks Bend near the dam offers a scenic view of the area.