Stratton Lock and Dam


The Stratton Lock and Dam, known until 1991 as the McHenry Dam, is named after William Stratton and is the only dam on the Fox River that is served by a lock system. It is located in Nunda Township, McHenry County, Illinois. The dam was built in 1907. The McHenry Lock, was built in 1960, according to my memory and the Chicago Tribune.
The facility is owned and run by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The lock operates for all powered, sail driven, or paddle propelled canoes or boats, even float tubes, at no charge.