Inks Dam, Gravity dam in Burnet County, United States
Inks Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Colorado River in Burnet County, Texas, and forms part of the Texas Highland Lakes chain. The structure holds back the water of Inks Lake and uses on-site turbines to generate electricity for the surrounding region.
Construction took place between 1936 and 1938, and the dam was named after Roy B. Inks, one of the early leaders of the Lower Colorado River Authority. It was one of several dams built in sequence along the Colorado River to bring electricity and reliable water to central Texas.
The lake created by the dam is a popular spot for locals who come to swim, fish, and spend time on the water. On weekends, the shoreline fills with families and boaters who treat this stretch of the Colorado River as a natural gathering place.
The dam is visible from several public access points around Inks Lake, and walking along the shore gives a clear view of the structure from different angles. The nearby Inks Lake State Park offers trails and water access that make it easy to spend a full day in the area.
Next to the dam sits a state fish hatchery with dozens of production ponds dedicated to raising species under threat, including some native Texas fish rarely seen in the wild. The facility operates quietly but plays a direct role in restocking rivers and lakes across the region.
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