St. Cloud Dam

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A side view of the St. Cloud Dam.

The St. Cloud Dam (also known locally as the Tenth Street Dam) is a dam across the Mississippi River in St. Cloud, Minnesota, in the United States. The dam features a three foot flip up gate on its top to raise the water level and dragon's teeth at the bottom which are used to disperse energy. The force of the water is converted into electricity by a power plant located next to the dam.

The dam is used by various hydrology classes at the nearby St. Cloud State University to demonstrate hydrodynamic properties and to show how power is converted into electricity.

Its presence creates a 2.5 mile (4 km) stretch of navigable water. Located along the stretch of flat water above the dam is: St. Cloud State University, Munsinger Gardens, St. Cloud Hospital, Wilson Park, and many homes with private river access. This stretch of the Mississippi River is the home waters of the St. Cloud State University Rowing Club, who practice mornings and afternoons while school is in session and the waters are free of ice. There are also two boat launches at Wilson Park, and one on 5th Avenue North near 4th Street North. The river is often used for fishing, both from boats and shore.

Below the dam are the Beaver Islands and rapids. There is a boat launch on the west side of the river accessible from 1st Avenue South. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental by both students and the public from Outdoor Endeavors at St. Cloud State University.