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Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaA sparrow sings his spring song from a perch high in a tree.
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Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Lock and Dam No. 2
US Army Corps of Engineers
1350 Dam Road, Hastings, MN 55033-1145
 
 
A visitor views the lock at Lock and Dam 2 on the Mississippi River.

Overview
The construction of Lock and Dam No. 2 began on October 16, 1928 and finished on November 30, 1930. Reconstruction of Lock and Dam No. 2 took place in 1948 and then again from 1987-1995.

The first barge to make its way through the lock was pushed by the towboat S.S. Thorpe.

Lock and Dam No. 2 is one of the steps in the "stairway of water" on the Mississippi River that makes possible the travel of barges from St. Anthony to the Gulf of Mexico. Commercial barges carried over 10 million tons of commodities through the Lock. Among the commodities are: coal, burner oils, gasoline, grain, and aggregate products.

Lock and Dam No. 2 provides for both commercial and recreational uses. Along with the commercial barges are recreational crafts ranging from canoes, rafts, houseboats, and sleek powerboats.

Activities: There is a public observation deck available.

Hours: Please call for more information.

Location: The US Army Corps of Engineers office is located west of the Hwy 61 bridge at 1350 Lock and Dam Road in Hastings, MN.

Contact Information: Call the Lock and Dam No. 2 office at 651-437-3150.

 

 
 
Sites Nearby: Hastings River Flats Park, Lake Rebecca Park, Jaycee Park, Levee Park
 
A barge going underneath a bridge.  

Did You Know?
Sixty percent of all grain exported from the United States is transported and shipped from the Mississippi River.

Last Updated: January 27, 2009 at 15:22 EST