The lock and dam system is an important part of the shipping industry on the Mississippi River. It connects all sorts of different states and areas that uses the power of the Mississippi. It is well engineered to withstand all of the water pressure pushing at it. It uses pumps to pump the water in and out, to raise and lower boats to the proper height as they go up and down the river. There are several observation decks around the area that you can watch from. It allows small and big boats to travel up and down the river.
