Lake Ray Roberts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ray Roberts Lake |
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![]() Aerial view of Ray Roberts
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Location | Denton / Cooke / Grayson counties, Texas, United States |
Coordinates | 33°21′53″N 97°03′05″W / 33.36472°N 97.05139°W |
Type | reservoir |
Basin countries | United States |
Surface area | 29,350 acres (119 km2) |
Ray Roberts Lake is a large, man-made lake in Texas. It's about 10 miles (16 km) north of Denton, Texas. This lake is important because it provides water to several nearby counties. It's also a popular spot for outdoor fun!
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About Ray Roberts Lake
Ray Roberts Lake is a huge man-made lake, also called a reservoir. It covers about 29,350 acres (119 square kilometers). The lake gets its water from a smaller river that flows into the Trinity River.
The lake was named in 1980 after Ray Roberts. He was a local congressman who helped make the lake a reality.
Where is Ray Roberts Lake?
The lake is located in three different counties in Texas. These are Cooke, Grayson, and Denton counties. The lake provides water to all these areas.
How the Lake Was Made
The idea for Ray Roberts Lake started a long time ago. In 1945, the U.S. Congress approved a plan to build several lakes. Ray Roberts Lake was one of them.
The lake was created by building a large structure called the Ray Roberts Dam. This dam is made of earth and stands 141 feet (43 meters) high. The United States Army Corps of Engineers owns and takes care of the dam. They are a group that builds and manages many water projects in the U.S.
Changes to the Area
Building the lake meant that some small communities had to move. For example, a church called St. James Baptist Church was given money to build a new church. They built it in the nearby town of Pilot Point.
Fun at Ray Roberts Lake
Ray Roberts Lake is not just for water supply. It's also a great place for recreation! Many people visit the lake for outdoor activities.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
The lake is home to the Ray Roberts Lake State Park. This park offers many ways to enjoy nature. You can go fishing, boating, or camping. There are also trails for hiking and biking.