Belton Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Belton Lake |
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Belton Dam and the lake
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 Belton Lake
Location in Texas
Belton Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bell and Coryell counties, 5 mi (8 km) northwest of Belton, Texas |
| Coordinates | 31°06′31″N 97°28′21″W / 31.10861°N 97.47250°W |
| Type | Flood control reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Leon River |
| Primary outflows | Leon River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 12,385 acres (50.12 km2) |
| Max. depth | 124 ft (38 m) |
| Water volume | 435,000 acre⋅ft (0.537 km3) |
| Surface elevation | 594 ft (181 m) |
Belton Lake is a large lake in Texas, United States. It was created by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This lake helps control floods and provides drinking water. It serves the cities of Belton and Temple.
The lake is located about 5 miles (8 km) northwest of Belton. It stretches across both Bell County and Coryell County. The Belton Dam was built on the Leon River to form the lake. The lake officially started in 1954.
Belton Lake is also a very popular place for fun outdoor activities. In 2018, a big kayak fishing tournament was held here. Teams from all over Texas competed for the trophy!
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What Happened During Big Floods?
In 1991 and 1992, Belton Lake experienced two very large floods. The water rose so high that it overflowed the spillway. This caused a lot of damage to the area right below the dam.
After the floods, the damaged area was rebuilt. It became the Miller Springs Nature Center. This nature center opened on October 26, 1993. It is managed by a group of volunteers called the Miller Springs Alliance.
Exploring Miller Springs Nature Center
The Miller Springs Nature Center is a great place to visit. It has almost 11 miles of trails. You can go hiking or biking there. The trails pass through different types of natural areas. These include hills, open grasslands, deep canyons, and areas along the river.
What Kinds of Fish Live in Belton Lake?
Belton Lake is a fantastic spot for fishing! The lake has been stocked with many types of fish. This makes it a great place for people who love to fish.
Some of the fish you can find in Belton Lake include:
Fun Things to Do at Belton Lake
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the Belton Dam. They also take care of many fun places around the lake. These places are perfect for recreation.
Some of the popular parks and areas around the lake include:
- Live Oak Ridge Park
- Cedar Ridge Park
- Winkler Park
- White Flint Park
- Westcliff Park
The Miller Springs Nature Center is also managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is right next to the Belton Dam. Many people enjoy boating and fishing on the lake. The Girl Scouts also have a camp called Camp Kachina on the lake's shores.
