Mississinewa Lake Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mississinewa Lake |
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Water Intake Tower at Mississinewa Lake Dam
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 Mississinewa Lake
Location in Indiana
Mississinewa Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Miami County, Indiana |
| Coordinates | 40°43′00″N 85°57′16″W / 40.7167°N 85.9545°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Etymology | Miami Language for "water on a slope". |
| River sources | Mississinewa River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Managing agency | United States Army Corps of Engineers |
| Surface area | 3,180 acres (1,290 ha) |
| Max. depth | 137 ft (42 m) |
| Water volume | 368,400 acre⋅ft (454.4 hm3) |
| Surface elevation | 725 feet (221 m) |
Mississinewa Lake is a large lake in Miami County, Indiana. It is located near the town of Peru in the central part of the state. This lake was created by building a big wall called the Mississinewa Lake Dam. The dam helps control floods and stores water for different uses. It is also a very popular place for people to have fun outdoors.
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Building the Mississinewa Dam
The idea for building the Mississinewa Lake Dam came from a special law. This law was passed in 1958 and was all about controlling floods. The dam was designed and built by a group called the United States Army Corps of Engineers. They are a part of the U.S. government that builds important projects.
How the Dam Was Built
The Mississinewa Lake Dam is an earthen dam. This means it is made mostly from earth, like dirt and rocks. Workers built the dam between 1962 and 1967. It stands about 140 feet (43 m) (43 meters) tall. The top of the dam is very long, stretching for about 8,000 feet (2,400 m) (2,438 meters).
What the Dam Does
The dam holds back the water of the Mississinewa River. This creates the large Mississinewa Lake. The main jobs of the dam are to store water for things like irrigation and to prevent floods. The Great Lakes and Ohio River Division of the Corps of Engineers owns and operates the dam today.
About Mississinewa Lake
Mississinewa Lake is a man-made lake, also known as a reservoir. When the lake is at its normal level, its surface covers about five square miles (13 km2) (13 square kilometers). It can hold a huge amount of water, up to 368,400 acre-feet (454,400,000 m3) (454 million cubic meters).
Working Together to Prevent Floods
Mississinewa Lake does not work alone to stop floods. It works with two other nearby lakes: J. Edward Roush Lake and Salamonie Lake. Together, these three lakes help prevent big floods. They protect areas downstream in the lower Wabash River and Ohio River.
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Mississinewa Lake is a great place for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy:
- Fishing for different kinds of fish.
- Boating on the wide-open water.
- Swimming in designated areas.
There are also several recreation areas nearby where you can explore. These include the Miami State Recreation Area, the Red Bridge State Recreation Area, the Pearson Mill State Recreation Area, and the Frances Slocum State Recreation Area. These spots offer even more chances to enjoy nature and outdoor fun.
