Who we are |
What we do |
Where we are |
History |
The Lake |
The Dam |
Climatology |
Precipitation |
Visitation |
Pool Elevations |
Visitor Center |
Photo Album |
How to Contact Us |
Camping |
Recreation |
Boating |
Fishing |
Hunting |
Marina |
Picnicking |
Swimming |
Trails |
Facilities and Accessibility |
Management |
Geology |
Prairie Restoration |
Watchable Wildlife |
Water Quality |
Wetlands |
Woodlands |
News |
Calendar of Events |
Daily Lake Information |
Current Weather Conditions |
Zebra Mussel Information Poster |
Campsite Reservations |
Recreation Fee Program |
Kansas City District Recreation Fee Program |
Day Use Pass Request Form |
Kansas City Water Safety |
US Army Corps of Engineers Water Safety |
Lake Map |
Lake Brochure |
Volunteering Opportunities |
Job Opportunities |
Contracts |
Honey Creek Resort State Park |
Recreation Facility Modernization Program |
Campsite Status |
Rathbun Lake was dedicated July 31, 1971 with President Richard Nixon being the keynote speaker. Iowa Governor Robert Ray, Senator Jack Miller and Congressman John Kyl also attended the dedication.
The construction of Rathbun Dam and Reservoir was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1954 (Public Law 83-780). Construction of the dam and embankment began in September 1964. Operation as a multi-purpose unit began November 1969 and the top of multi-purpose pool (904 msl) was reached on October 10, 1970.
Rathbun Lake Pioneers (people who were dedicated in establishing Rathbun Dam) are honored north of the Rathbun Lake Visitor Center with stone markers and trees.