Lake McClure is more than just a picturesque reservoir nestled in the rolling hills of California’s Central Valley. It’s a living testament to the ingenuity and
determination of those who built it and the people who continue to rely on it today.

The reservoir is owned and operated by Merced Irrigation District (MID). Construction of the original Exchequer Reservoir began in 1924 and
continued through 1926. It represented a multi-benefit effort: the new reservoir would provide flood protection, water storage, hydroelectricity and recreation. When completed, the original Exchequer Dam stretched 310 feet high and was 1,200 feet long. The reservoir could store more than 281,000-
acre-feet of water. As part of the construction, some 17 miles of the since-decommissioned Yosemite Valley Railroad had to be realigned. The name
Exchequer Dam is taken from the Exchequer Mining Company, from which MID had purchased its land to build the dam on the Merced River. A
dedication ceremony was held on June 3, 1926. Approximately 1,000 people participated in the event after riding the Yosemite Valley Railroad from nearby Merced.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s plans developed to expand the reservoir into what we now know as Lake McClure. Construction work began in 1964 on the New Exchequer Dam and it was completed in 1968 allowing MID to store more than 1-million-acre-feet of water in the reservoir. In the decades since its creation, Lake McClure has played a crucial role in the lives of those who depend on it. It provides water for agriculture, electricity for homes and businesses, as well as being a hotspot for many recreational activities. four reasons why you should consider Lake McClure and McSwain for your next road trip destination: