Deer Creek Lake was designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, under the Flood Control Act of 1938, for the purpose of Flood Damage Reduction, Recreation, and Fish and Wildlife Enhancement. Dam construction began in 1965 and was completed in 1968.
Deer Creek Dam is a part of the larger comprehensive flood control plan for the Ohio River Basin, a system of dams that reduces flooding on the Scioto and Ohio Rivers. In addition to flood reduction, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers works in cooperation with Ohio Department of Natural Resources to provide lakeside recreation and fish and wildlife management.
Historical
Before the dam was built there were Prehistoric mounds located on Tick Ridge. These sites were excavated before construction of the dam began. The Harding Cabin was once owned by Harry Daugherty, one of President Warren G. Harding’s cabinet members. Harding and other close friends used the cabin as a retreat for hunting and fishing. These two sites have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contact
Project Manager 740-869-2243
Directions
From I-71 take Exit 84. Then take State Route 56 East. From 56, take State Route 207 South. Follow signs to Dam and Visitor Center at 21897 Deer Creek Rd. From US Route 23 take US Route 22 West. Then SR 207 North. Follow signs to Dam and Visitor Center.
Mailing Address
Deer Creek Lake
21897 Deer Creek Road
Mount Sterling, OH 43143