W. D. Mayo Lock and Dam

The W. D. Mayo Lock and Dam is a lock and dam facility on the Arkansas River in LeFlore County. The structure stretches across the river with twelve gates designed to help vessels navigate changes in water level as they pass through the waterway.

Construction began in May 1966 and was completed in October 1970, marking the first lock and dam of its kind built west of the Arkansas-Oklahoma border on the Arkansas River. This completion allowed river traffic to expand into the region for the first time.

The facility bears the name of a Sallisaw business leader who advocated for the development of river infrastructure in Oklahoma.

Visitors can observe the facility during the day and watch vessels passing through as the gates operate. It is best to find a viewing spot with clear sight lines to see how the system works.

The dam creates an upper pool covering 1,595 acres with an active capacity of 15,800 acre-feet, supporting navigation along the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River system.

Location: LeFlore County

GPS coordinates: 35.31610,-94.55890

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:04