Photo By Avery Schneider | The Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area, seen from above in imagery captured by UAS,...... read more read more
The William B. Hoyt II Visitor Center at the Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area opens to the public Thursday, May 1 for its 2025 visitor season.
Located on the Genesee River next to Letchworth State Park, the dam provides flood protection to downstream communities, including the City of Rochester, as well as a place to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation for the 73rd year.
“This is a must-see for students and families, tourists, nature-lovers, history buffs, and engineers alike to see the amazing features of the dam and the beauty of the area that surrounds it,” said Lt. Col. Robert Burnham, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District commander. “The Corps of Engineers is the nation’s largest supplier of outdoor recreation, and I invite everyone out to see what Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area has to offer.”
The Mount Morris Dam is the largest concrete gravity dam east of the Mississippi River, standing 250 feet tall and spanning 1,028 feet, with the ability to store nearly 302,000 acre-feet of water in the reservoir behind it. Marking 73 years in service this year, the dam is still an active project maintained and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District and has provided an estimated $4.6 billion in flood damage protection to the community.
Visitors can join USACE Ranger-led walking tours to see the dam’s inner workings and enjoy unique perspectives. Outside the dam, they can enjoy the recreation area, with captivating views of the Letchworth Gorge – known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.”
“Our tours offer a rare opportunity to go inside a working flood risk management project, and one with such historic significance,” said Steve Winslow, Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area manager. “It’s an immersive experience.”
Visitors can view schedules and reserve tickets online up to seven days in advance by visiting www.Recreation.gov.
The recreation area also includes the William B. Hoyt II Visitor Center, where visitors can learn about the dam, the Army Corps of Engineers, and local plants and wildlife; access hiking, biking, or running routes on the Finger Lakes Trail; and picnic areas with pavilions, grills, and playgrounds.
For new and experienced birders, the recreation area and surrounding Letchworth State Park is one of the National Audubon Society’s more than 2,800 Important Bird Areas worldwide. Iconic birds such as the Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle can often be seen flying overhead.
The visitor center is located at 6103 Visitor Center Road, Mount Morris, NY 14510 and is open Wednesdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed on Tuesdays. Check www.Recreation.gov for an up-to-date guided tour schedule and to reserve tour tickets.
All activities at the dam and recreation area are offered for free, although a non-refundable service fee of $1 per ticket is charged by Recreation.gov for online reservations. Visitors can sign up for walking tours in-person at the visitor center, but availability is not guaranteed. Online reservations are recommended.
Call (585) 659-4790 for more information or visit the Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area
website: www.Recreation.gov.
Photos and video available at: https://flickr.com/photos/buffalousace/albums/72157626317762668/
The Buffalo District delivers world class engineering solutions to the Great Lakes Region, the Army and the Nation in order to ensure national security, environmental sustainability, water resource management, and emergency assistance during peace and war.
| Date Taken: | 04.23.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.23.2025 15:03 |
| Story ID: | 496004 |
| Location: | MOUNT MORRIS, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 17 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area Welcomes Visitors for 2025 Season, by Avery Schneider, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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