Construction started at this location in 1882, with the dam going into operation in 1885. The wooden structure was replaced with concrete in 1904. The concrete structure consists of 13 gates that are 8 feet each, and one 12 foot log sluice.

The main reservoir behind Pokegama is located to the south of the main Mississippi River channel. The Ojibwa coined the name Pokegama to mean the water that juts off from another water. Prior to the dam, Pokegama lake was mostly swamp described by locals as a vast region of wild rice. Below the lake was a series of falls. The Pokegama dam was built in a narrows just above a smaller falls. A larger 10 foot drop was covered with water when the paper mill dam opened just down stream. This area of rough water was known as the Grand Rapids of the Mississippi River.

There is a very nice park and recreation area located around the dam. The dam itself has a walkway that is open to the public that allows you to walk across the river on the dam structure.