Lock and Dam No. 5 was built in 1852 as part of the Des Moines River Improvement Project, approved by Congress in 1846. The lock, 135 feet long and 35 feet wide, still stands. It was named to the National Historic Register in 1977.

Imbedded in the large, hand-faced limestone blocks, which were joined together with cement to form the walls, are heavy iron rings to which boats were tied while the water level was raised or lowered. Tons of fish were taken from the fishway at the downstream end of the lock.

Flood waters in 1903 and 1905 destroyed the dam.