Garrison Dam, Hydroelectric power station and embankment dam in Riverdale, North Dakota.
The structure extends 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) across the Missouri River, reaches 210 feet (64 meters) in height, and measures half a mile (800 meters) wide at its base with multiple generating turbines.
Work on the $300 million project started in 1947 as part of the Pick-Sloan Plan for flood control and power generation, with President Eisenhower dedicating the finished facility in June 1953.
The Three Affiliated Tribes lost one-fourth of their Fort Berthold Reservation when the dam project formed Lake Sakakawea during the 1950s.
Guided tours of the power plant run Thursday through Saturday from June to August, requiring advance reservations and government-issued photo identification for visitors aged 18 and older.
The associated fish hatchery produces more walleye and northern pike than any other facility worldwide, supplying waters across multiple states with young fish for stocking programs.
Location: North Dakota
Inception: 1946
GPS coordinates: 47.49860,-101.41200
Latest update: November 28, 2025 21:47
This collection brings together major technical achievements that have marked the history of modern engineering. From the Hoover Dam on the Colorado, built in 1936 to produce hydroelectric power, to the ITER nuclear fusion project in France, which represents the future of energy research, these structures exemplify human boldness and skill. Each structure serves a specific purpose: crossing natural obstacles like the Brooklyn Bridge, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn since 1883, facilitating maritime trade with the Panama Canal between the Atlantic and Pacific, or pushing height limits with the Burj Khalifa at 828 meters. These achievements are visited around the world and often offer remarkable experiences. The Eiffel Tower welcomes 7 million visitors each year who ascend to discover Paris from its 324-meter height. Shanghai's Maglev allows travel at 430 kilometers per hour thanks to magnetic levitation. The Millau Viaduct crosses the Tarn Valley at 343 meters above sea level over 2,460 meters in length. These engineering landmarks invite understanding of how industrial architecture has shaped our modern world, combining functional necessity with technical prowess that continues to fascinate visitors worldwide.
Hell Creek Formation
67 km
Lake Sakakawea
84 m
Fort Mandan
24.5 km
Salem Sue
71.9 km
Scandinavian Heritage Park
81.4 km
Maysa Arena
80.4 km
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge
20.7 km
Fort Clark Trading Post State Historic Site
29.3 km
Lake Sakakawea State Park
4.1 km
Cross Ranch State Park
44.4 km
Fort Stevenson State Park
10.3 km
Double Ditch
73.5 km
North Dakota Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
35.5 km
Fred Krause House
28 km
Holy Trinity Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church
60.2 km
Lost Lake National Wildlife Refuge
46.9 km
Liberty Baptist Church
77.5 km
German Evangelical St. Johns Church
81.8 km
Former McLean County Courthouse
37.1 km
Sheridan County Courthouse
73.1 km
Ingersoll School
32 km
Alfred and Clara Sevareid House
72.3 km
Wabek Consolidated School
66.3 km
McLean County Courthouse
37.2 km
Sims Lutheran Church
81.1 km
Scandinavian Heritage Association
81.4 km
Paul Broste Rock Museum
74.5 km
Louis Rehm Barn
80.5 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes