Gull Lake Dam

The Gull Lake Dam is located on the Gull River about 1/2 mile below the outlet of Gull Lake. It was put into service in 1912, the last of the Headwaters reservoir dams constructed. A timber dam preceded the current structure. The designers were Colonel Francis R. Shunk and George Freeman. This team also designed Lock and Dam No. 1 built on the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Paul in 1917.

The control structure is built of reinforced concrete supported on timber piling. There is a log sluice and a 5-foot fishway in addition to five sluiceways. The fishway is no longer useable and has been closed off.

The seven-room dam tender's house, completed in 1912, is of concrete and beam construction. The exterior is finished with concrete panels. It is a good example of the then popular "Craftsman" style of architecture. One characteristic of the style is its "honest," straightforward treatment of materials. Brick, stucco, and frame Craftsman style houses were built in many Minnesota cities and towns between about 1905 and 1920. The exposed rafter ends at the eves, grouped windows, and simple board trim are notable details associated with this style. The dam tender's house is eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The prehistoric archaeology of the Gull Lake dam site is of particular significance. There are twelve complete and several partial burial mounds, representative of the Woodland Culture that established permanent villages in this area about 800 B.C. - A.D. 200 and A.D. 600 - 900. Archaeologists have studied the burial site, and an interpretive display provides information for visitors. The burial mounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Gull Lake Recreation Area - Campground

The campground is open year round and space can be reserved by calling 1-877-444-6777 or on-line at www.ReserveUSA.com. The fee for camping is $22.00/night during the summer and $11.00/night during the off-season.   

Lake Level Information

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains a complete set of statistics on the Gull Lake reservoir at the Gull Lake Dam and Reservoir web page.  This page will allow you to see the current levels and a wealth of historical data in just about any format you'd like.

Reservoir Operating Plan Evaluation (ROPE) Study for Mississippi Headwaters

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service are embarking on a jointly sponsored, long-range operating plan study for the Mississippi River Headwaters reservoirs called Reservoir Operating Plan Evaluation, or ROPE. Read more about this study at: http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/fl_damage_reduct/default.asp?pageid=143

The Corps web page for the St Paul District is: http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil