National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaA bridge spans the Mississippi River between wooded shores.
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Lock and Dam No. 1

US Army Corps of Engineers
5000 West River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55417

 
 
The Mississippi River flows through the locks of Lock and Dam 1.
A group of canoeists pilot their canoes through Lock and Dam No. 1. Many of these groups are co-led by Wilderness Inquiry staff and National Park Rangers.

Overview
The construction of Lock and Dam No. 1 was completed in 1917. The 30-foot high dam provided 9 1/2-foot channel from St. Paul to Minneapolis. Reconstruction of the dam took place in 1929 and then again from 1978 to 1983.

Lock and Dam No. 1 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 15 million tons of commodities through the Lock. Among the commodities are: coal, burner oils, grain, and aggregate products.

Lock and Dam No. 1 provides for both commercial and recreational uses. Along with the commercial barges are recreational crafts ranging from canoes and rafts to houseboats and sleek powerboats.

Activities: There is a 30-minute tour called the Visitor Promenade offering a bird's-eye view of the locking procedure and other topics ranging from barge traffic in the transportation network to the Corps 9-foot channel project.

Hours: Please call for more information.

Contact Information: Call the Lock and Dam No. 1 office at 612-724-2971.

 

 
 
 
Lock at St. Anthony Falls  

Did You Know?
A single canoe can pass through a lock and dam; and it's free! The Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is 49 feet deep.

Last Updated: January 27, 2009 at 15:19 EST