The Delaware Crossing Scenic Byway provides explorers with experiences shaped by the Maquoketa River.

The centerpiece of byway exploration can be found at an iconic stop in the Maquoketa River Valley.

♪♪♪ Burger: Lake Delhi is a hidden gem in the state of Iowa.

It is somewhere that is peaceful.

It is somewhere that you can have fun.

It is somewhere that you can fish.

It's just something that not a lot of people know about.

Kohlsdorf: From 1922 to 1929, a dam was constructed on the Maquoketa River to create an 11-mile impoundment and hydroelectric power generation facility.

Named for the nearby community of Delhi, the lake became a quiet spot for recreation and family gatherings.

In 1973, the dam stopped producing electricity, but like Delhi, continued to generate lasting memories for visitors to the area.

There are many lifelong families and residents on the lake.

They are generational.

This lake has been around for generations, and you see that, and you meet people all the time, and you meet people that'll say, "Oh, my family grew up there, I have family from there", or, "I'm from that area."

But on the lake specifically, we have many generational families.

♪♪♪ Kohlsdorf: The waters making up the impoundments are owned by the state, but the riverbed and shoreline are parts of privately owned properties.

People boating or fishing need permission from property owners to access shorelines.

But anyone can find their fun on the open waters of Lake Delhi.

♪♪♪ There are multiple public access points for visitors, including Turtle Creek Park and Wildlife Area.

[ Water rushing ] A new dam and spillway was built in 2016 after a devastating flood ruptured the original levee.

On July 24, 2010, after receiving 16 inches of rain in a 24 hour period, the oversaturated levee gave way, emptying the lake.

♪♪♪ Burger: The community worked very hard after the breach of the dam.

We depend on all the communities around us.

We support them.

They support us.

There's different activities throughout the year, from fundraising activities to fireworks activities, and we at the lake are very aware of what's going on, and we try to support those communities as best we can.

Kohlsdorf: With help from surrounding communities, state and local leaders, and the Lake Delhi Recreation Association, funds were raised to rebuild the spillway and bring back Lake Delhi.

The unique design, called a labyrinth-style dam, helps control water flow in flatland areas, ensuring a more secure future for the lake and the fond memories it has generated for generations.

♪♪♪ Burger: Lake Delhi is a very family-oriented community.

People say, "My mom and dad met here", as my parents did.

You can come for the day.

You can boat.

You don't have to boat.

You can fish.

You can find a great restaurant to have a meal in.

You can stay and watch the boats go by in the evening with their lights on.

It's just a great place to spend a day.

♪♪♪