kids encyclopedia robot

List of lakes of Polk County, Arkansas facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Polk County, Arkansas, is home to at least 23 named lakes and reservoirs. These important bodies of water play a big role in the county, providing water for people and homes, places for fun activities, and homes for many animals.

Lakes and Reservoirs: What's the Difference?

You might hear about both lakes and reservoirs, and they are very similar! A lake is usually a natural body of water, often formed by rivers, glaciers, or even volcanoes. A reservoir, on the other hand, is a man-made lake. People build dams across rivers to create reservoirs. They are often used to store water for drinking, farming, or making electricity. In Polk County, you'll find both kinds of water bodies.

Important Water Bodies of Polk County

Polk County has many lakes and reservoirs, each with its own unique features. Here are some of the main ones:

Lakes

  • Shady Lake: This lake is located at 34°21′42″N 094°01′41″W / 34.36167°N 94.02806°W / 34.36167; -94.02806 (Shady Lake) and sits at an elevation of 1,106 feet (337 m) above sea level. It's a popular spot for outdoor activities.

Reservoirs

  • Aeration Lake: Found at 34°14′00″N 094°20′13″W / 34.23333°N 94.33694°W / 34.23333; -94.33694 (Aeration Lake), this reservoir is 906 feet (276 m) high.
  • Bethesda Lake: Located at 34°31′55″N 094°14′22″W / 34.53194°N 94.23944°W / 34.53194; -94.23944 (Bethesda Lake), its elevation is 1,207 feet (368 m).
  • Blue Lake: This reservoir in Polk County is at 34°32′54″N 094°17′37″W / 34.54833°N 94.29361°W / 34.54833; -94.29361 (Blue Lake) and 1,014 feet (309 m) high.
  • Brewer Lake: You can find Brewer Lake at 34°17′48″N 094°19′07″W / 34.29667°N 94.31861°W / 34.29667; -94.31861 (Brewer Lake), with an elevation of 942 feet (287 m).
  • City of Mena Sewage Logoon: This is a special kind of reservoir, located at 34°33′43″N 094°11′02″W / 34.56194°N 94.18389°W / 34.56194; -94.18389 (City of Mena Sewage Logoon) and 1,014 feet (309 m) high.
  • Cox Lake: This lake is at 34°34′16″N 094°14′34″W / 34.57111°N 94.24278°W / 34.57111; -94.24278 (Cox Lake) and has an elevation of 1,109 feet (338 m).
  • Dairy Lake: Located at 34°35′30″N 094°05′56″W / 34.59167°N 94.09889°W / 34.59167; -94.09889 (Dairy Lake), it sits at 919 feet (280 m).
  • Faulkner Lake: This reservoir is at 34°34′49″N 093°59′31″W / 34.58028°N 93.99194°W / 34.58028; -93.99194 (Faulkner Lake) and is 866 feet (264 m) above sea level.
  • Forbis Lake: You'll find Forbis Lake at 34°36′00″N 094°06′03″W / 34.60000°N 94.10083°W / 34.60000; -94.10083 (Forbis Lake), with an elevation of 951 feet (290 m).
  • Hillcrest Lake: Located at 34°36′12″N 094°12′07″W / 34.60333°N 94.20194°W / 34.60333; -94.20194 (Hillcrest Lake), this lake is 1,063 feet (324 m) high.
  • Irons Fork Reservoir: This important reservoir is at 34°38′52″N 094°07′18″W / 34.64778°N 94.12167°W / 34.64778; -94.12167 (Irons Fork Reservoir) and has an elevation of 1,083 feet (330 m).
  • Ivey Lake: Ivey Lake is found at 34°34′30″N 094°24′01″W / 34.57500°N 94.40028°W / 34.57500; -94.40028 (Ivey Lake) and is 958 feet (292 m) high.
  • J and B Lake: This lake is at 34°33′47″N 094°01′21″W / 34.56306°N 94.02250°W / 34.56306; -94.02250 (J and B Lake), with an elevation of 856 feet (261 m).
  • Jenkins Lake: Located at 34°19′36″N 094°22′19″W / 34.32667°N 94.37194°W / 34.32667; -94.37194 (Jenkins Lake), its elevation is 1,037 feet (316 m).
  • Lake Wilhelmina: A well-known reservoir, Lake Wilhelmina is at 34°36′16″N 094°21′19″W / 34.60444°N 94.35528°W / 34.60444; -94.35528 (Lake Wilhelmina) and sits 997 feet (304 m) high.
  • Mena Lake: This lake is located at 34°35′00″N 094°11′54″W / 34.58333°N 94.19833°W / 34.58333; -94.19833 (Mena Lake), with an elevation of 1,020 feet (310 m).
  • Multipurpose Site One Reservoir: Similar to Irons Fork Reservoir, this site is at 34°38′52″N 094°07′18″W / 34.64778°N 94.12167°W / 34.64778; -94.12167 (Multipurpose Site One Reservoir) and 1,083 feet (330 m) high.
  • Patchett Lake: You can find Patchett Lake at 34°31′46″N 094°09′15″W / 34.52944°N 94.15417°W / 34.52944; -94.15417 (Patchett Lake), sitting at 1,037 feet (316 m).
  • Powell Lake: This lake is at 34°31′54″N 094°09′53″W / 34.53167°N 94.16472°W / 34.53167; -94.16472 (Powell Lake), with an elevation of 1,030 feet (310 m).
  • Reeds Lake: Located at 34°37′42″N 094°27′15″W / 34.62833°N 94.45417°W / 34.62833; -94.45417 (Reeds Lake), its elevation is 1,099 feet (335 m).
  • Shady Lake: Another entry for Shady Lake, this one is at 34°21′30″N 094°01′43″W / 34.35833°N 94.02861°W / 34.35833; -94.02861 (Shady Lake) and 1,093 feet (333 m) high.
  • Ward Lake: Ward Lake is found at 34°36′28″N 094°14′48″W / 34.60778°N 94.24667°W / 34.60778; -94.24667 (Ward Lake), with a high elevation of 1,411 feet (430 m).

Why Are These Water Bodies Important?

The lakes and reservoirs in Polk County are vital for many reasons:

  • Drinking Water: Many of these reservoirs store clean water that is treated and sent to homes and businesses for drinking and everyday use.
  • Recreation: They offer great places for people to have fun! Activities like fishing, boating, and swimming are popular on many of these lakes.
  • Wildlife Habitat: These water bodies are also important homes for many types of wildlife. Fish, birds, and other animals rely on these lakes and their surrounding areas for food, shelter, and raising their young.

See also

kids search engine
List of lakes of Polk County, Arkansas Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.