Tom Miller Dam

Tom Miller Dam Tom Miller Dam, also known as the Lake Austin Dam, is a concrete dam located on the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. The dam was constructed in 1939 by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) as part of a hydroelectric power project, and it has since become a popular recreational area for boating, fishing, and other water activities.

History of Tom Miller Dam

The construction of Tom Miller Dam began in 1938 and was completed in 1939. The dam was named after Tom Miller, who was the chairman of the LCRA board at the time of its construction. The dam was built to generate hydroelectric power and to provide flood control for the Colorado River.

In the early years of its operation, Tom Miller Dam provided electricity to the city of Austin and surrounding areas. However, as the demand for electricity grew, the LCRA built additional power plants upstream on the Colorado River, and the dam’s power production became less significant. Today, the dam’s main function is to regulate the water levels of Lake Austin, which is a popular recreational destination for locals and visitors alike.

Features of Tom Miller Dam

Tom Miller Dam is a concrete arch dam that stands 60 feet tall and spans 1,590 feet across the Colorado River. The dam has ten spillway gates that are used to regulate the flow of water into Lake Austin. The dam’s reservoir, Lake Austin, covers an area of approximately 1,600 acres and has a maximum depth of 75 feet. Dig this

Tom Miller Dam and Lake Austin are popular destinations for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. The LCRA operates several parks and boat ramps along the shores of Lake Austin, including Red Bud Isle, Emma Long Metropolitan Park, and Tom Miller Park.

One of the unique features of Tom Miller Dam is the Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial. Stevie Ray Vaughan was a famous blues guitarist who grew up in Austin and frequently played concerts on the shores of Lake Austin. He died in a helicopter crash in 1990, and in 1993, a statue of him was erected on a nearby hill overlooking the dam. The statue depicts Vaughan playing his guitar, and it has become a popular spot for visitors to take photos and pay tribute to the musician. Like it

Visiting Tom Miller Dam

Tom Miller Dam is located at 305 South Quinlan Park Road in Austin, Texas. The dam and Lake Austin are easily accessible by car and are located approximately 15 miles northwest of downtown Austin. There is no admission fee to visit the dam, but fees may apply for parking and other recreational activities.

Visitors to Tom Miller Dam can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The parks and boat ramps operated by the LCRA offer amenities such as picnic tables, restrooms, and playgrounds. The Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial is also a popular attraction for visitors to the dam.

In addition to recreational activities, Tom Miller Dam and Lake Austin are also important sources of drinking water for the city of Austin and surrounding areas. The LCRA works to maintain the water quality of the lake and to protect the surrounding natural environment.

Tom Miller DamTips to Keep in Mind When Visiting

The LCRA Red Bud Center offers a range of services to support the various functions of the LCRA as well as other businesses and organizations in the area. Some of the key services offered include:

  • Conference and meeting facilities: The center offers a range of meeting and conference facilities, including several large conference rooms, training rooms, and a boardroom. These spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology and can be configured to meet the specific needs of each event.

 

  • Event planning and coordination: The center’s professional event planning team can assist with all aspects of event planning and coordination, from venue selection and logistics to catering and audiovisual needs.

 

  • Office space rental: The center offers a variety of office spaces for rent, ranging from individual offices to larger suites. These spaces are equipped with high-speed internet access and other amenities to support business operations.

 

  • Technology services: The center offers a range of technology services, including high-speed internet access, videoconferencing capabilities, and audiovisual support.

 

  • Parking facilities: The center offers ample parking facilities for visitors, including both covered and uncovered parking options.

 

  • Catering services: The center offers catering services for events held on-site, with a range of menu options available to meet different dietary requirements and preferences.

 

  • Facility management: The center’s dedicated facility management team ensures that all aspects of the facility are maintained to the highest standards, including cleaning, maintenance, and security.

In conclusion, Tom Miller Dam is a significant landmark in Austin, Texas, and an important source of hydroelectric power and drinking water for the region. It also provides a popular recreational destination for locals and visitors, with opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial is a unique feature of the dam and has become a popular spot for visitors to pay tribute to the famous musician.

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