List of dams and reservoirs in Michigan facts for kids

Dams are big walls built across rivers. They hold back water, creating a large pool called a reservoir or a lake. In Michigan, dams and reservoirs are important for many reasons. They help control floods, provide drinking water, and even create electricity!

A "major dam" is usually very tall, about 50 feet (15 m) (15 meters) high. It can hold a lot of water, like 5,000 acre-feet (6,200,000 m³) (6.2 million cubic meters). Or, it might be any height but hold an extremely large amount of water, like 25,000 acre-feet (31,000,000 m³) (30.8 million cubic meters).

Important Dams and Reservoirs in Michigan

Croton Dam powerhouse

White Rapids Dam, Menominee River

Michigan has many dams and reservoirs across the state. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Alcona Dam and Alcona Dam Pond: This dam is on the Au Sable River. It helps generate electricity for Consumers Energy.
• Beaverton Dam and Ross Lake: Located on the Tobacco River, this dam helps create Ross Lake near the City of Beaverton.
• Big Quinnesec Dam: This dam is on the Menominee River. It is operated by the Wisconsin Electric Power Company.
• Cooke Dam and Cooke Dam Pond: Another dam on the Au Sable River, also operated by Consumers Energy for power generation.
• Croton Dam and Croton Dam Pond: This large dam is on the Muskegon River. It is a major source of hydroelectric power for Consumers Energy.
• Crystal Falls Dam and Power Plant: This dam is on the Paint River in Crystal Falls. It helps power the city.
• Edenville Dam and Lake Wixom: This dam was on the Tittabawassee River. It created Lake Wixom and was used for hydro power.
• Edison Sault Power Canal: This canal uses water from the St. Marys River (Michigan–Ontario). It helps generate power from Lake Superior's water.
• Five Channels Dam and Five Channels Dam Pond: Found on the Au Sable River, this dam also helps Consumers Energy make electricity.
• Fletcher Pond: This large reservoir is created by a dam on the Thunder Bay River. It is known for recreation.
• Foote Dam and Foote Dam Pond: Another important dam on the Au Sable River for Consumers Energy.
• Ford Lake Dam and Ford Lake: This dam on the Huron River creates Ford Lake.
• French Landing Dam and Powerhouse and Belleville Lake: This dam on the Huron River creates Belleville Lake.
• Hardy Dam and Hardy Dam Pond: One of Michigan's largest dams, it's on the Muskegon River. It's a key power source for Consumers Energy.
• Irving Dam: This dam is on the Thornapple River. It is operated by Consumers Energy.
• Kent Lake Dam and Kent Lake: This dam on the Huron River creates Kent Lake. It is managed by the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
• Ludington Pumped Storage Power Plant: This is a special type of power plant. It uses a pumped storage reservoir to store energy. It is operated by Consumers Energy and Detroit Edison.
• Michigamme Falls Dam and Michigamme Lake: This dam is on the Michigamme River. It helps create Michigamme Lake.
• Mio Dam and Mio Dam Pond: Located on the Au Sable River, this dam is another part of Consumers Energy's power system.
• Norway Point Dam and Lake Winyah: This dam is on the Thunder Bay River. It helps create Lake Winyah for Alpena Power Company.
• Peavy Falls and Peavy Pond: This dam is on the Michigamme River. It is operated by Wisconsin Electric Power Company.
• Redridge Steel Dam: This historic dam is on the Salmon Trout River. It is known for its unique steel structure.
• Rogers Dam and Rogers Dam Pond: Another dam on the Au Sable River for Consumers Energy.
• Sanford Dam and Sanford Lake: This dam on the Tittabawassee River created Sanford Lake. It was used for hydro power.
• Secord Dam and Secord Lake: This dam on the Tittabawassee River created Secord Lake. It was used for hydro power.
• Silver Lake Dam and Silver Lake Basin: This dam is in the Upper Peninsula. It is operated by the Upper Peninsula Power Company.
• Smallwood Dam and Smallwood Lake: This dam on the Tittabawassee River created Smallwood Lake. It was used for hydro power.
• Tippy Dam and Tippy Dam Pond: This dam is on the Manistee River. It is a major power source for Consumers Energy.
• Union Street Dam and Boardman Lake: This dam is on the Boardman River in Traverse City. It helps power the city.
• Way Dam and Michigamme Reservoir: This dam is on the Michigamme River. It helps create the Michigamme Reservoir.
• White Rapids and its reservoir: This dam is on the Menominee River. It is operated by Wisconsin Electric Power Company.

Smaller Dams and Reservoirs

Michigan also has many smaller dams that are important for local areas:

• Argo Dam and Barton Dam: These dams are on the Huron River near Ann Arbor. They help manage water levels.
• Flat Rock Dam: Another dam on the Huron River.
• Geddes Dam: This dam is also on the Huron River near Ann Arbor.
• Michigan Center Dam: This dam is on the Grand River. It helps manage water levels for eight lakes.
• Peninsular Paper Dam: This dam is on the Huron River.
• Reedsburg Dam: This dam is on the Muskegon River.
• Sturgis Dam: This dam is on the St. Joseph River.
• Superior Dam: This dam is on the Huron River in Superior Township.