Lock & Dam No. 19 | Keokuk

Lock and Dam No. 19 is a hydroelectric dam and navigation lock situated on the Mississippi River in Keokuk, Iowa.

This structure controls river flow and facilitates river traffic through a series of gates and a lock chamber.

Visual Characteristics

The dam is a concrete structure extending approximately 4,500 feet across the Mississippi River. It incorporates 119 spillway gates. The lock chamber measures 110 feet wide by 600 feet long. The associated powerhouse is a large brick building with concrete accents.

Location & Access Logistics

Lock and Dam No. 19 is located at the southern edge of Keokuk, Iowa. Access to the visitor center and viewing areas is via Dam Road, which is accessible from US Highway 136. Parking is available at the visitor center. Public transportation options directly to the dam are limited; bus routes typically serve the downtown Keokuk area.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Lock and Dam No. 19 was completed in 1913 by the Mississippi River Power Company. Its primary purpose was to generate hydroelectric power and improve navigation on the Mississippi River. The dam created the Keokuk Pool, a significant impoundment of the river.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the operation of the lock chamber as vessels transit. Viewing platforms offer perspectives of the dam and the river. The adjacent powerhouse is a point of interest for its historical engineering significance. Birdwatching is possible along the riverbanks.

Infrastructure & Amenities

A visitor center is present, offering information and restrooms. Limited shade is available near the visitor center. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the vicinity. Food vendors are not typically located directly at the dam site; options are available in downtown Keokuk.

Best Time to Visit

Daylight hours provide the best visibility for observing dam operations and river traffic. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures. River levels can fluctuate, but dam operations are continuous.

Facts & Legends

The Keokuk Dam was once the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world. A local legend suggests that the sheer scale of the dam's construction was so immense that it was believed to have altered the migratory patterns of certain fish species, though scientific data on this is limited.

Nearby Landmarks

• Historic Keokuk Union Depot (0.8km Northwest)
• Keokuk Riverfront Park (1.2km West)
• George M. Verity Riverboat Museum (1.5km West)
• Rand Park (1.8km Northwest)