Last Updated: 3-1-04

Lewis and Clark Lake is the last, and smallest, of the six impoundments on the main-stem Missouri River.  It is impounded by Gavin's Point dam near Yankton, South Dakota. Gavin's Point dam, part of the 1944 Pick-Sloan Plan, was completed in 1956 at a cost of $50 million (Army Corps of Engineers).  Lewis and Clark Lake is a popular spot for water recreation.  Every year over one-million visitors flock to the beaches of the Lewis and Clark state recreation area near Yankton.  Here they enjoy camping, sailing, water skiing, and riding personal watercraft.  Walleye fishing is also popular in the lower reservoir.  It is estimated that the reservoir has an annual financial impact of $12,000,000 on the local area (Planning and Development District 3).