Willow Island Lock and Dam

Willow Island Lock and Dam is a water control facility on the Ohio River near Marietta with two locks that help vessels navigate changing water levels. The structure also includes a dam section with gates that manage river flow and water levels for navigation and other purposes.

This facility was built in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a larger project to improve navigation on the Ohio River. The structure was completed in the mid-1970s and has since served as a key checkpoint for managing river traffic and water flow.

This water facility connects communities along the Ohio River and plays an important role in daily river commerce and transportation. It shapes how people use the river for moving goods and traveling between settlements.

The facility is located north of Marietta and is easily accessible by car via the main route through the area. You can walk around the site to observe the river and structures, and fishing and wildlife watching are popular activities nearby.

This facility uses large gates to control water flow through the structure, and the moving water also generates electricity for the surrounding region. This dual purpose of navigation and power generation is what sets it apart from simpler lock systems.

GPS coordinates: 39.35930,-81.31930

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:26