Green Mountain National Forest | Rutland

Gavins Point Dam is a concrete and earth-fill dam located on the Missouri River near Yankton, South Dakota. It forms Lewis and Clark Lake.

Visual Characteristics

The dam structure consists of a concrete spillway section measuring 1,000 feet in length and an earth-fill embankment extending 10,200 feet. The spillway is composed of reinforced concrete, and the embankment is constructed from local earth materials. The dam's crest elevation is 1,260 feet above sea level.

Location & Access Logistics

Gavins Point Dam is situated approximately 4 miles west of Yankton, South Dakota, along State Highway 52. Access to the dam and the Lewis and Clark Lake area is via State Highway 52 and County Road 5. Ample paved parking is available at designated visitor areas and overlooks. Yankton is served by regional bus services, with local taxi services available for transfer to the dam site.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Gavins Point Dam began in 1952 and was completed in 1957. It was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program. Its primary purposes include flood control, hydroelectric power generation, navigation, and recreation. The dam impounds the Missouri River, creating Lewis and Clark Lake, a reservoir that spans South Dakota and Nebraska.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk across the dam crest for views of Lewis and Clark Lake and the Missouri River. The Gavins Point Dam Visitor Center offers exhibits on the dam's operation and the region's natural history. Powerhouse tours are available, providing insight into hydroelectric generation. The surrounding Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center and designated picnic areas. Shaded picnic shelters are located within the recreation area. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the vicinity of the dam and visitor center. Food vendors are typically present during peak recreation seasons at the Lewis and Clark Lake area.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting for photography of the dam structure, early morning or late afternoon provides favorable angles. The months of May through September offer the most favorable weather for outdoor recreation at Lewis and Clark Lake. Water levels in the lake are managed year-round, with no specific tide requirements for access.

Facts & Legends

A unique operational aspect of Gavins Point Dam is its role in maintaining minimum downstream flows for navigation on the Missouri River, a critical function for barge traffic. The dam's spillway gates are designed to release water at controlled rates to manage floodwaters and generate power.

Nearby Landmarks

• Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area (0.1km West)
• Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center (4.5km East)
• Yankton Trail System (4.0km East)
• Chief White Crane Recreation Area (6.0km Southwest)
• Missouri National Recreational River (Adjacent)