8 Dams and Reservoirs in the US That Draw Significant Visitors

7. Glen Elder Dam and Waconda Lake - Kansas Prairie Waters

Glen Elder Dam in north-central Kansas creates Waconda Lake, a 12,600-acre reservoir that has become an unexpected oasis in the Great Plains and a significant tourist destination for those seeking prairie lake recreation. Completed in 1969 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the 120-foot-tall dam transforms the Solomon River into a clear, deep lake that contrasts dramatically with the surrounding wheat fields and grasslands. Despite its location in what many consider flyover country, Waconda Lake attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, drawn by excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for walleye, white bass, and catfish. The lake's relatively small size and protection from prairie winds make it ideal for sailing, and it hosts several major sailing regattas each year. Glen Elder State Park, located on the lake's southern shore, provides comprehensive recreational facilities including camping areas, hiking trails, swimming beaches, and boat ramps. The area is also popular among hunters, who come for the excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities during migration seasons, and wildlife photographers, who appreciate the diverse bird species that use the lake as a stopover point along the Central Flyway. The nearby town of Glen Elder has embraced its role as a tourist destination, offering accommodations, restaurants, and services for visitors, while the surrounding area provides insights into Great Plains agriculture and the important role that water management plays in this semi-arid region.