Wheeler Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wheeler Lake |
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Wheeler Lock and Dam, impounding Wheeler Lake on the Tennessee River
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 Wheeler Lake
Location in Alabama
Wheeler Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | north Alabama |
| Coordinates | 34°48′30″N 087°23′00″W / 34.80833°N 87.38333°W |
| Lake type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 179 m (587 ft) |
Wheeler Lake is a large lake in northern Alabama, United States. It sits between the towns of Rogersville and Huntsville. This lake is actually a man-made reservoir, which means it was created by building a dam.
Wheeler Lake was formed by the Wheeler Dam on the Tennessee River. It stretches about 60 miles (97 km) from Wheeler Dam all the way to Guntersville Dam. It is Alabama's second-largest lake. Wheeler Lake covers about 68,300 acres (276 km²). This is just a bit smaller than Guntersville Lake, which is 69,100 acres (280 km²).
Contents
Discover Wheeler Lake: Alabama's Big Water
Wheeler Lake is a very popular spot for fun and tourism. Around four million people visit the lake every year. They come for many activities like camping, boating, and fishing. Visitors also enjoy the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. This special area is located a few miles upstream from the dam.
How Wheeler Lake Was Formed
Wheeler Lake was created when the Wheeler Dam was built across the Tennessee River. A dam is a big wall that holds back water. When the water is held back, it forms a large lake behind the dam. This kind of lake is called a reservoir. Reservoirs are important for many reasons. They can help control floods, generate electricity, and provide water for cities.
The Busy Port of Decatur
The city of Decatur is located on Wheeler Lake. It has the busiest port along the entire Tennessee River. A port is a place where ships and boats can load and unload goods. The Port of Decatur is very important for trade and business in the region. It helps move many different products by water.
Who Was General Joseph Wheeler?
Both Wheeler Lake and Wheeler Dam are named after a famous person. They honor General Joseph "Joe" Wheeler. He was a military officer who served in both the American Civil War and the Spanish-American War. Naming the lake and dam after him is a way to remember his contributions.
See also
In Spanish: Lago Wheeler para niños
External links
- Fishing Wheeler Lake Learn about fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and crappie.
