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Melvin Price Lock and Dam: An Engineering Marvel on the Mississippi

Experience the engineering marvel of the Melvin Price Lock and Dam, a vital part of the Mississippi River's navigation system, near Alton, Illinois.

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The Melvin Price Lock and Dam, located on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois, is a crucial piece of infrastructure for river navigation. Replacing the older Lock and Dam No. 26 in 1990, this modern structure facilitates the passage of commercial and recreational vessels, playing a vital role in the transportation of goods. Visitors can witness the lock in action and learn about the dam's engineering through guided tours and exhibits.

A brief summary to Melvin Price Lock And Dam

Local tips

  • Take the free guided tour for an up-close look at the lock and dam operations; tours are offered daily at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM.
  • Visit during winter for excellent bald eagle watching opportunities along the river.
  • Explore the National Great Rivers Museum adjacent to the lock and dam to learn more about the Mississippi River and its ecosystem.
  • Check the tour status in advance, especially during extreme weather conditions, as tours may be canceled for safety reasons.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Alton, Illinois, follow IL-143 E/Great River Road. Continue to follow Great River Road, heading north. The Melvin Price Lock and Dam will be on your left, adjacent to the National Great Rivers Museum. Parking is available at the museum.

  • Walking

    If you are already visiting the National Great Rivers Museum, the Melvin Price Lock and Dam is directly adjacent and easily accessible by foot. Follow the signs from the museum entrance to the lock and dam viewing areas.

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Discover more about Melvin Price Lock And Dam

The Melvin Price Lock and Dam stands as a testament to modern engineering on the Upper Mississippi River. Located approximately 17 miles north of St. Louis, near Alton, Illinois, it replaced the original Lock and Dam No. 26, which was demolished due to structural deficiencies. Named after Illinois Congressman Melvin Price, who championed its construction, the facility is a vital component of the Mississippi River's 9-Foot Navigation Project. The dam features two locks: a 1,200-foot main lock and a 600-foot auxiliary lock, accommodating various sizes of vessels. Nine Tainter gates control the flow of the river through the dam. Visitors can observe towboats and barges as they navigate through the locks, offering a firsthand look at the mechanics of river navigation. The adjacent National Great Rivers Museum provides educational exhibits about the Mississippi River, its ecosystem, and the role of the lock and dam. Free guided tours of the lock and dam are available, offering insights into the structure's operation and importance. The tours involve walking and heights of approximately 80 feet. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the river and surrounding area. The area is also a prime spot for eagle watching during the winter months. Constructed in three phases, with the main lock opening in 1990 and full operation achieved in 1994, the Melvin Price Locks and Dam represents a state-of-the-art approach to river navigation control. It supports the continuous Mississippi Nine-Foot Navigation Project, ensuring a navigable channel for the transport of goods.

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