209 S. First Street
Clarksville, Missouri
573-242-9688
Located just north of the river town of Clarksville at Mississippi mile marker 273.4 this was the first dam on the upper Mississippi River that was without roller gates being built exclusively using the highest level of tainter gate technology available. The curved tainter gates can be pivoted at a number of angles to block some or all of the flow of water.
The main lock is 100 feet wide and 600 feet long with an average rise of 15 feet. Normal pool elevation behind the dam is 449 feet. The movable portion of the dam is 1,340 feet long and consists of 15 80-foot long tainter gates. A 2,720 feet submersible earthen dike extends from the movable dam to the Illinois shore. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places construction of the lock and dam began in July 1936 and became operational in March 1940.
Lock and Dam No. 24 is what makes Clarksville famous among Bald Eagle fans. The lock and dam creates an open ice-free area of water and the churning water stuns the fish making them easy prey for the eagles. Lock and Dam has facilities that are open to the public including an observation platform and picnic tables. A public boat ramp is located just downstream.
Bird Watching
Lock and Dam #24 is listed on the National Audubon Society's Great River Birding Trail. They report that a viewing platform at the dam provides views of Bald Eagles (mid-November through March,) Ospreys, and several species of gulls and terns during spring and fall migration. An annual Bald Eagle Event is held in late January.
Visiting Lock and Dam #24
Lock and Dam #24 can be visited at any time
There is no charge to visit Hawn State Park.
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