Lock & Dam #7 is one of the most visited lock and dam structures on the Mississippi River. It is located where Interstate I-90 crosses from Wisconsin to Minnesota. There is a welcome center on the Minnesota side, and the lock and dam visitor viewing area is accessed from the same road. As a result, many folks who are traveling through the area stop at the visitor center, then head over to check out the lock and dam.

This structure is located at one of the most scenic spots on the Great River Road. The river is miles wide at this point, with many islands. The roadway is located high enough above the river and railroad tracks that you get a nearly continuous stream of views that are both dramatic and impressive. The only other section of the river that can compare is the Palisades north of Saint Louis (north of Alton to the Illinois River).

The dam is located on the Minnesota side of the river. There is an 9,500 foot earth embankment running from the east end of the dam structure over to French Island. French Island is part of the City of La Crosse, and is the location of the regional airport. There is another 2,050 foot earth embankment on the east side of French Island. It blocks the main channel of the Black River. The Black River was once a separate river in this area, but the river was captured a few miles up river by the Mississippi a few centuries ago. The dam across the Black River features a concrete spillway to allow water to flow over the dam during periods of high water. This structure is seen in the final photo below.