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Historic Stone Dam in Lanesboro, MN

Discover the Lanesboro Historic Stone Dam

One of only six remaining gravity-arch dams in the U.S., this stone marvel has quietly shaped Lanesboro’s history since 1868.

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🏞 A Landmark That Shaped Lanesboro

One of only six remaining gravity-arch dams in the United States, the Lanesboro Historic Stone Dam has been a symbol of resilience and craftsmanship since 1868.

Nestled along the Root River and adjacent to Sylvan Park, this iconic structure continues to captivate visitors with its timeless beauty and fascinating history.

📸 Why Visit?

Standing before the dam is like stepping back in time—watching the Root River spill over limestone blocks set in place more than a century ago.

  • A perfect spot for photography all year round, especially during the golden hours of morning or late afternoon.

  • Excellent area for fly fishing, camping (at Riverview Campground), and launching tubes/kayaks/canoes to enjoy recreation on the Root River.

  • A short walk from Lanesboro’s historic downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Whether you’re a history buff, a casual sightseer, or just love capturing scenic moments, the Stone Dam is a must-see.

🌟 Today & Preservation

Since 1903, the City of Lanesboro has owned and cared for the dam. Over the years, preservation efforts have balanced its historical significance with modern safety needs.

In 2018, the dam underwent a major restoration project to repair erosion, stabilize the structure, and protect the historic stonework. Engineers reinforced the base and carefully reset stones where necessary, ensuring the dam could continue serving as both a functional and cultural landmark.

To meet state safety requirements, a modern gravity dam was constructed directly behind the historic structure, providing added stability while keeping the original stone dam visible and intact. The project preserved the dam’s iconic appearance while ensuring it will stand strong for generations to come.

Today, the Lanesboro Historic Stone Dam is carefully monitored under Minnesota’s dam safety program, continuing to serve as both a beloved landmark and a living link to the town’s past.

📜 History at a Glance

  • Constructed in 1868 by the Lanesboro Townsite Company to power the town’s flour mills and support the growing Southern Minnesota Railroad.

  • Designed by Irish immigrant Dennis Galligan after an earlier wooden dam was destroyed by floodwaters.

  • Built with unmortared limestone, carefully cut and stacked by immigrant craftsmen.

  • Added to the National Register of Historic Places as a rare example of 19th-century engineering still standing today.

The dam played a vital role in shaping early Lanesboro, fueling industry and helping the community thrive along the Root River.

🛠 Brilliant Engineering

Unlike most dams of its era, the Lanesboro Dam is a gravity-arch structure. Instead of relying only on its mass to resist water pressure, the dam’s graceful curve transfers the force into the stone abutments on either side.

  • Length: ~193 feet

  • Height: ~25 feet

  • Material: Native limestone, quarried and shaped by hand

This design—considered groundbreaking in the 19th century—has allowed the dam to endure floods and seasonal cycles for more than 150 years.

💡 Did You Know?

  • The Lanesboro Stone Dam is one of only six gravity-arch dams still standing in the U.S.

  • It has survived major floods and ice flows that destroyed other early dams.

  • It’s a favorite backdrop for wedding photos, family portraits, and seasonal sightseeing.

Video timelapse of the 2018-2020 Lanesboro Dam restoration efforts by Ayres Associates