St. Cloud Dam

St. Cloud Dam is a gravity structure built across the Mississippi River in Minnesota that generates electricity for the region. The installation includes two turbines and is owned and operated by the city of St. Cloud.

The facility was originally built in 1887 by a private power company to harness river energy. It passed into public ownership when the city of St. Cloud took over operations in 1967.

The dam serves as an educational site for St. Cloud State University hydrology students who study hydrodynamic properties and electricity conversion processes.

The dam sits along the river's edge and can be viewed from several public spots in St. Cloud. During very dry periods, low water levels may reduce or halt electricity generation at the site.

The structure includes distinctive features at its base designed to spread and manage the river's force more effectively. This design choice reflects engineering approaches from the era when it was first constructed.

Location: Sherburne County

Location: Stearns County

GPS coordinates: 45.54780,-94.14720

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:07