List of dams and reservoirs in Indiana facts for kids

Dams are big walls built across rivers to hold back water, creating a large body of water called a reservoir or lake. These reservoirs are super important for many reasons! They can store drinking water for cities, help prevent floods by holding back excess water, and even create electricity. Many reservoirs also offer fun places for people to go boating, fishing, and swimming.

In Indiana, there are many dams and reservoirs. Some are quite large! A "major dam" is usually defined as one that is at least 50 feet (about 15 meters) tall and can hold a lot of water, or any dam that holds a really huge amount of water, even if it's not super tall.

Important Dams and Reservoirs in Indiana

Lake Freeman

Cannelton Locks and Dam on the Ohio River

Here's a list of some important dams and the reservoirs they create in Indiana:

Dams Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (say "core of engineers") is a government group. They build and manage many dams and waterways across the country. They often help with flood control and keeping rivers open for boats.

• Brookville Lake Dam: This dam creates Brookville Lake. It's located near the town of Brookville. This lake is popular for boating and fishing.
• Cagles Mill Dam: This dam forms Cagles Mill Lake, also known as Cataract Lake. It's a beautiful spot for outdoor activities.
• Cannelton Locks and Dam: This dam is on the Ohio River. It helps boats travel safely along the river. It's shared between Indiana and Kentucky.
• Cecil M. Harden Lake Dam: This dam creates Cecil M. Harden Lake, also called Raccoon Lake. It's a popular place for recreation.
• Grand Rapids Dam: This dam is on the Wabash River. It's no longer used, but it's part of Indiana's history.
• J. Edward Roush Lake Dam: This dam forms J. Edward Roush Lake. It helps control floods in the area.
• John T. Myers Locks and Dam: Another important dam on the Ohio River. It helps boats move up and down the river. It's also shared with Kentucky.
• Markland Locks and Dam: This dam is also on the Ohio River. It helps with river navigation and is shared between Indiana and Kentucky.
• McAlpine Locks and Dam: Located on the Ohio River, this dam helps control water levels for boats. It's shared with Kentucky.
• Mississinewa Lake Dam: This dam creates Mississinewa Lake. It's a large lake used for flood control and recreation.
• Monroe Lake Dam: This dam forms Lake Monroe. It's the largest lake entirely within Indiana. It provides drinking water and is a popular recreation spot.
• Newburgh Lock and Dam: This dam is on the Ohio River. It helps with river navigation and is shared between Indiana and Kentucky.
• Patoka Dam: This dam creates Patoka Lake. It's one of the largest lakes in Indiana and is important for water supply and recreation.
• Salamonie Lake Dam: This dam forms Salamonie Lake. It's used for flood control and offers many outdoor activities.

Dams for City Water and Power

Some dams are built by companies or city groups to provide water or electricity.

• Citizens Reservoir: This reservoir is managed by Citizens Energy Group. They provide services like water and gas to homes and businesses.
• Eagle Creek Reservoir Dam: This dam creates Eagle Creek Reservoir. It's managed by the City of Indianapolis and helps provide water for the city.
• Geist Reservoir Dam: This dam forms Geist Reservoir. It's also managed by Citizens Energy Group and is an important water source.
• Gibson Lake (Indiana) Dams: There are multiple dams that create Gibson Lake. This lake is used by Duke Energy, a company that provides electricity.
• Lake Lemon Dam: This dam creates Lake Lemon. It's managed by the City of Bloomington, Indiana and is a source of drinking water for the city.
• Morse Reservoir Dam: This dam forms Morse Reservoir. It's managed by Citizens Energy Group and is another important water source for the area.
• Oakdale Dam: This dam creates Lake Freeman. It's managed by Northern Indiana Public Service Co., which provides electricity and natural gas.

Other Important Dams

• Glendale Reservoir: This reservoir creates Dogwood Lake. It's managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. This state group helps protect Indiana's natural places and wildlife.
• Lake Wawasee: This lake is near the City of Warsaw, Indiana. While not a dam in the same way, it's a significant natural lake.
• Middle Fork No. 4 Dam: This dam creates Tipsaw Lake. It's managed by the United States Forest Service, which looks after national forests.
• Quick Creek Dam: This dam creates Hardy Lake. It's managed by the State of Indiana and is a popular spot for recreation.