Millers Ferry Lock and Dam

Millers Ferry Lock and Dam is a water management and power generation facility on the Alabama River featuring a 600-foot-long lock chamber and hydroelectric generators. The structure controls water levels in the river and enables vessels to move safely between different elevations.

Construction began in 1963 under the United States Army Corps of Engineers as part of a broader plan to manage the Alabama River system. The project was completed in 1974, transforming the river and surrounding landscape.

The reservoir draws boaters, anglers, and bird watchers who come to experience the water and observe wildlife in their natural setting. Recreation has become central to how local communities use this waterway today.

The lock operates daily for vessel traffic, and visitors can watch the process from designated viewing areas around the facility. The surrounding shoreline offers multiple access points, though popular spots can become crowded during peak seasons.

The lock is operated seasonally to allow fish to migrate upstream into inland waters, a practice that reflects efforts to balance energy production with ecological needs. Few visitors realize the facility actively supports fish populations through these timed water releases.

Location: Wilcox County

Inception: 1963

GPS coordinates: 32.10080,-87.40000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:08