McAlpine Locks and Dam

McAlpine Locks and Dam is a navigation lock and hydroelectric dam system spanning the Ohio River that allows boats to pass through a significant drop in elevation. The facility includes two parallel locks and a dam section that converts the river's flow into electrical power.

The system began operation in 1830 as the Louisville and Portland Canal, serving as one of the earliest efforts to improve navigation on the Ohio River. Over time, it was redesigned and renamed to reflect advances in engineering and the contributions of those who developed it.

The locks and dam are working places where boat captains and crews pass through regularly, connecting communities along the Ohio River. This passage is part of the rhythm of river life for those who depend on the waterway.

You can watch the system from the shore, especially when boats move through the locks during operation. There are several viewing areas around the facility where you can observe the process from different angles.

Boats rely on water movement rather than their engines to move through the locks, as the chamber fills and empties to raise and lower vessels. This requires boat captains to carefully control their position using ropes and precise maneuvering rather than engine power.

Location: Jefferson County

Length: 2,630 m

GPS coordinates: 38.27810,-85.79220

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:51