Starved Rock Lock and Dam

Starved Rock Lock and Dam is a navigation facility and water-control structure on the Illinois River. The complex comprises a concrete gravity dam spanning about 1,310 feet, a controlled spillway section, and a lock chamber measuring 110 by 600 feet that lifts vessels over an 18-foot elevation change.

Built between 1926 and 1933, the structure was part of a federal program to improve navigation on the Illinois River. Its construction enabled commercial shipping to reach inland ports that were previously inaccessible.

The facility serves as a vital link in the Illinois Waterway, allowing barges and vessels to move between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River corridor. Its operation connects commercial shipping networks across the central United States.

The site is accessible for visitors interested in viewing the lock operation and dam structure from designated viewing areas. The best vantage point is near the lock chamber where you can observe vessels passing through and water levels changing.

The dam generates electricity through a hydroelectric facility integrated into the structure. This dual-purpose design allowed the project to produce power while managing water navigation, making it both functional and productive.

Location: LaSalle County

Inception: 1933

Architects: Walter Mickle Smith

Elevation above the sea: 137 m

GPS coordinates: 41.32250,-88.98560

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:23