Rathbun Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rathbun Lake |
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 Rathbun Lake
Location in Iowa
Rathbun Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Appanoose County, Iowa |
| Coordinates | 40°51′N 92°55′W / 40.850°N 92.917°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Chariton River |
| Primary outflows | Chariton River |
| Catchment area | 549 sq mi (1,422 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 21 mi (34 km) |
| Surface area | 11,000 acres (44.52 km2) max: 21,000 acres (84.98 km2) |
| Surface elevation | 904 ft (276 m) |
Rathbun Lake is a very large lake in Iowa. It was built and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. You can find it about 7 miles north of Centerville, Iowa, in Appanoose County.
This lake was created for several important reasons. It helps control floods and keeps the water flowing in rivers like the Chariton River, Missouri River, and Mississippi River. Rathbun Lake also offers many fun activities for people. Plus, it helps protect fish and wildlife. The main rivers that fill Rathbun Lake are the Chariton River and its South Fork.
Contents
Building Rathbun Lake
The idea for building Rathbun Dam and Reservoir came from the Flood Control Act in 1954. This law allowed the project to move forward. Construction on the dam began in September 1964.
The dam itself is made from packed earth. It is very long, stretching over 10,000 feet. At the top, it is 30 feet wide. The dam stands 100 feet tall above the riverbed. The lake started working for its many purposes in November 1969. It reached its full planned water level on October 10, 1970. Rathbun Lake was officially opened on July 31, 1971. President Richard Nixon even spoke at the dedication event.
Fun Activities at Rathbun Lake
Rathbun Lake is a great place for outdoor adventures. Many people enjoy camping, sightseeing, and fishing here. Boating, picnicking, and hunting are also very popular.
Wildlife and Fishing
The lake is home to lots of different animals. You might spot majestic bald eagles flying overhead. White-tailed deer and Canada geese are also common. If you are lucky, you might even see a wild turkey. For those who love fishing, the lake is full of fish. You can catch crappie, walleye, and channel catfish.
Boating and Sailing
Because of its large size and the winds, Rathbun Lake is one of the best places in Iowa for sailing. There is a special place called Rathbun Lake Marina near the dam. It offers all kinds of services for boats. The Rathbun Yacht Club also calls this lake home.
Parks and Resorts
There are eight parks around Rathbun Lake for everyone to enjoy. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages six of these parks. One state park is managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. These parks have many things to do, like boat ramps and places to dock your boat. You can also find campgrounds, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
A special place called Honey Creek State Park Resort opened in 2008. It is Iowa's first state-run resort. It has over a hundred guest rooms, an 18-hole golf course, and an indoor water park.
Water Supply for Communities
Rathbun Lake also provides clean water for many people. The Rathbun Regional Water Association (RRWA) has a water treatment plant here. This plant supplies good quality water to almost 16,000 families, farms, and towns. These communities are in both Iowa and Missouri.
In 2001, the plant produced about 4.37 million gallons of water every day. Even with all that water being used, it's only a small amount compared to the lake's size. The annual water usage is equal to just 4 inches of water from the lake's surface.
40°51′N 92°55′W / 40.850°N 92.917°W
