Newburgh Lock and Dam was a project undertaken by the US Army Corps of Engineers to tame and better navigate the once rampaging Ohio River. Located on the Lewis and Clark route in Indiana, Newburgh Lock and Dam is the 16th pool on the Ohio River and sits below Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Newburgh Lock and Dam area lies 16 miles upstream of Evansville, Indiana at mile 776 of the Ohio River.
Newburgh Lock and Dam came as a replacement for Lock and Dam 46 and 47 on the Ohio River and construction was authorized on April 24, 1963. This once-new dam is now further divided into two locks, one for commercial barge traffic and the other as an auxiliary lock.
While Newburgh Lock and Dam strictly exists to maintain Ohio River and doesn’t offer many recreational activities along its shores, the locals have still found a way to enjoy the pool.
Angling is one of the most popular activities at the Newburgh Lock and Dam, along with picnicking. Newburgh Lock and Dam provides a spot where you can come to relax, put your mind at ease, and enjoy serenity as you watch barges and boats float by along these tranquil waters.
Newburgh Lock and Dam is only 19 minutes away from Evansville and the roads leading there are well-maintained. If driving to the lock, in an RV or motorhome, from Evansville, first head northwest onto NW 4th street toward Sycamore Street. Take a right at the 1st cross street onto Sycamore Street. After 0.4 miles, take a left onto Main Street and then turn right onto John Street. Take the ramp onto IN-62 E/E Lloyd Expy via the left lane. Continue down the Lloyd Expy for 6.3 miles. Continue further onto IN-66 E, drive past Wendy’s on your right and your destination will arrive shortly after.
Newburgh Lock and Dam is a working site that isn't really designed with recreational activities in mind. on recreational activities. Fortunately, those who visit Newburgh Lock and Dam find an excellent opportunity for partaking in some fun RV camping just a half-hour drive away from the Newburgh Pool.
Lincoln State Park’s Campground has 148 campsites with electric hook-ups, 89 non-electric campsites, and 31 primitive campsites. All these campsites are back-in and allow pets. The maximum length of RV allowed on the campground is 40 ft. and the maximum number of campers at each site is 6.
The campground comes with a huge assortment of facilities that includes a bathhouse, dump station, first-aid supplies, fire rings, grills, horseshoe pits, large retail stores, playground, drinking water, picnic tables, etc.
Local anglers do not miss any opportunity to spend some peaceful time by the shores of Newburgh Lock and Dam and catch some good-sized game fish. The front area of the dam is crowded by anglers who are in search of flathead catfish. The edges of the Newburgh Lock and Dam are also abundant in bass and stripers/hybrids.
Make sure to read up on the rules, bring your license, and stay aware of your surroundings.
If you wish to see the beauty of Newburgh then you need to brave the Rivertown Trail. This multi-use greenway passes through Angel Mounds State Historic Site to the new Locks and Dam Park along the Ohio River Scenic Byway.
It will also take you to the heart of downtown Newburgh through the cafés, restaurants, farmer’s market, and several shops. The trail is dotted with trailheads, attractive landscapes, and interpretive signs. The best thing about this trail is that one minute you are amongst nature and another, you find yourself facing the city street.
Picnicking is the second of the two activities offered at Newburgh Lock and Dam. It provides a beautiful little park by the shores with a small playground for the kids to enjoy their time. A public bathroom is available on the premises and many people picnic by the dam, looking at barges and boats float by. There are open fields all around, giving this spot a charming vibe. You can also find a 2.5 miles long trail that begins here and takes you through downtown Newburgh.
14-minutes away from the Newburgh Lock and Dam is the town’s most popular and one of the best-preserved prehistoric sites in the US, the Angel Mounds State Historic Site. It is an ancient site from a thousand years ago when southwest Indiana was home to the community of Native Americans called the Mississippians. They used to live on the banks of the Ohio River and they left many artifacts behind. A visit to this site will teach you a lot about the history and archeology and give you a chance to see real and authentic Native American artifacts.
The site consists of twelve earthen mounds, trails, and a maze.
Newburgh Museum is another attraction only seven minutes away and exhibits lots of authentic pieces of Newburgh history. The goal of the museum is to preserve history, to exhibit, and to educate anyone and everyone who comes into the beautiful little town of Newburgh.
This river town has lots of history and heritage and one stop at this museum can teach you a lot and allow you and your family to broaden your horizons.
11-minutes away from the Newburgh Lock and Dam is the Friedman Park that is full of fun activities and recreational opportunities. To have a very memorable time with your friends and family, plan a day here and witness nature beautifully preserved in the form of gardens.
