Brandon Road Lock and Dam

Brandon Road Lock and Dam is a lock and dam system on the Des Plaines River in Joliet Township spanning approximately 2,370 feet with four gates. The system regulates water levels and allows vessels to navigate elevation changes of about 34 feet.

The project was built between 1927 and 1933 and represented a major engineering achievement to modernize water transportation. In 2004 it was placed on the register of historic sites, honoring its importance to regional infrastructure.

The lock and dam served as a crucial junction on the waterway connecting Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. This connection allowed boats and cargo to move more efficiently across the Midwest.

The site can be visited from the shoreline, where you get a good view of the lock facility and gate structure. It is best to visit during good light to see the engineering details clearly.

The site contains a well-preserved old lock from the Illinois and Michigan Canal that displays early water management techniques. This lock dates from an earlier era and offers insights into older engineering systems.

Location: Joliet Township

Architects: Walter Mickle Smith

Elevation above the sea: 164 m

GPS coordinates: 41.50329,-88.10309

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:24