Lockport Lock, Dam and Power House Historic District

Lockport Lock, Dam and Power House is an engineering complex that combines a navigation lock with roughly a 12-meter drop, a dam for water control, and a powerhouse. The facility uses water to generate electricity while also allowing barge traffic to pass through the lock.

The complex was built between 1905 and 1907 and marked the completion of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, which connected Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. This project was one of the greatest engineering achievements of its time and fundamentally changed water management in the region.

The powerhouse displays classical architectural style with concrete blocks designed to resemble stone and a red roof. The structure shapes the local landscape and shows how engineering works can also be visually composed.

The facility sits adjacent to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and is accessible from nearby roads that allow you to view the structure from the outside. Several vantage points in the area offer views of the lock and water control, especially when barges pass through.

The powerhouse uses two vertical Kaplan turbines, which were specifically developed to handle variable water flows. These turbines allow the facility to operate efficiently despite changing water volumes that vary with season and rainfall.

Location: Lockport Township

GPS coordinates: 41.56940,-88.07890

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:55