Lake Dardanelle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Dardanelle |
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Lake Dardanelle, looking north from Arkansas River bridge on State Highway 22 near Delaware in 2013.
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 Lake Dardanelle
Location in Arkansas
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| Location | Arkansas |
| Coordinates | 35°17′N 93°14′W / 35.283°N 93.233°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Arkansas River |
| Primary outflows | Arkansas River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 50 miles (80 km) |
| Surface area | 40,000 acres (160 km2) |
| Shore length1 | 315 miles (510 km) |
| Surface elevation | 338 feet (103 m) |
| Settlements | Dardanelle, Arkansas |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Lake Dardanelle is a large reservoir (a lake made by a dam) on the Arkansas River in Arkansas, USA. It's a very important part of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS). This system is like a water highway that lets big barges travel from the Mississippi River all the way to the Tulsa Port of Catoosa in northeastern Oklahoma. The MKARNS started working fully in 1971.
Contents
Discover Lake Dardanelle
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Lake Dardanelle is a huge lake that offers many fun things to do. It covers almost 40,000 acres (about 162 square kilometers). You can enjoy boating, fishing, picnicking, and camping here. The lake also has many beautiful views.
The lake starts near the Dardanelle Lock and Dam, which is close to the city of Dardanelle. It stretches about 50 miles (80 kilometers) upstream along the Arkansas River. The shoreline of the lake is very long, about 315 miles (507 kilometers).
Lake Dardanelle reaches into several counties:
Fun Activities at the Lake
There are many parks around Lake Dardanelle for visitors to enjoy. These parks have useful facilities like:
- Drinking water
- Picnic tables
- Toilets
- Trailer dump stations (for RVs)
- Boat launch ramps
- Electrical sites (for camping)
The only nuclear power plant in Arkansas, called Arkansas Nuclear One, is located on the northeastern side of Lake Dardanelle.
Nature and Scenery Around the Lake
The area around Lake Dardanelle is full of natural beauty. Mount Nebo (Arkansas) is nearby and offers amazing views for visitors looking over the lake.
The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains are also close by. These mountains are known for their beautiful scenery, natural springs, and many recreation parks. They are home to lots of wildlife. You might even spot a bald eagle here! Eagles often come to this area for the winter, usually from late fall to early spring.
Lake Dardanelle State Park
Lake Dardanelle State Park is a great place to visit. It has two main locations: one in Russellville and another in Dardanelle.
The park in Russellville has a visitor center. Inside, you can see aquariums and learn about the area's natural and cultural history. This site also has a fishing pier and a special pavilion used for the many fishing tournaments held at the park.
Both locations of Lake Dardanelle State Park offer:
- Campsites for tents or RVs
- Boat launch ramps for easy access to the lake
- Pavilions for gatherings
- Picnic sites
- Playgrounds for kids
- Bathhouses with showers and restrooms
See also
In Spanish: Lago Dardanelle para niños
