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EXPLORE: Kerr Dam

By Beacon Staff

Located near Polson, the Kerr Dam is an impressive structure and well worth a visit to take in the scenic views.

Construction on the dam began in 1931, but the Great Depression halted it. In 1936, the Montana Power Company restarted the project and completed it in 1938.

The hydroelectric dam is jointly operated by PPL Montana, LLC. (successor of the Montana Power Company) and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

The dam has the generating capacity of 194 megawatts. It stretches 541 feet long and 205 feet tall.

A 1,000-foot boardwalk and path take you from a small parking lot to an overlook of the dam and the canyon.

It’s an amazing sight and the overlook includes a spot to enjoy a picnic.

During the spring and early summer, the spillway is opened and it provides a stunning show.

How to get there:

From downtown Polson, take Seventh Avenue West that turns into the Kerr Dam Road.

Follow the signs and road 6.4 miles.