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Wilson Lake (Alabama) facts for kids

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Wilson Lake
USACE Wilson Lock and Dam.jpg
Wilson Dam
Wilson Lake is located in Alabama
Wilson Lake
Wilson Lake
Location in Alabama
Location Colbert / Lauderdale / Lawrence counties, Alabama, United States
Coordinates 34°48′02″N 87°37′33″W / 34.800643°N 87.625861°W / 34.800643; -87.625861
Type reservoir
Primary inflows Tennessee River
Primary outflows Tennessee River
Basin countries United States

Wilson Lake is a large, human-made lake in Alabama, United States. It was created on the Tennessee River by a big structure called Wilson Dam. This lake is an important part of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) system. It stretches out from Wilson Dam all the way to another dam called Wheeler Dam.

Discovering Wilson Lake

Wilson Lake is not a natural lake. It is a type of lake known as a reservoir. A reservoir is like a giant storage tank for water. People build dams across rivers to create these reservoirs. This helps to control the river's flow and store water for many uses.

How Wilson Lake Was Formed

Wilson Lake was created when the Wilson Dam was built. The dam holds back the water of the Tennessee River. This causes the river water to spread out and form the large lake we see today. The dam was finished many years ago, making the lake a long-standing feature of the area.

The Role of the Tennessee Valley Authority

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is a special government agency. It was created to help manage the Tennessee River and its surrounding areas. The TVA builds and operates dams like Wilson Dam. These dams help with many things, such as generating electricity, controlling floods, and making it easier for boats to travel. Wilson Lake is a key part of the TVA's work.

Where is Wilson Lake Located?

Wilson Lake is found in northern Alabama. It touches three different counties: Colbert, Lauderdale, and Lawrence counties. The lake is a major landmark in this part of the state. It offers beautiful scenery and many activities for people to enjoy.

What Can You Do at Wilson Lake?

Even though the original text doesn't say much about activities, lakes like Wilson Lake are usually popular for many fun things. People often go there for boating, fishing, and other water sports. The lake's large size and connection to the Tennessee River make it a great place for outdoor adventures.

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