Welcome to the unique Inglis Dam & Island Recreation Area, where Lake Rousseau was transformed in the early 1900s by the powerful forces of a hydro-electric dam. This majestic dam was initially created to illuminate the thriving phosphate mining industry that blossomed in the Dunnellon vicinity during the exciting turn of the century. Nestled away along West Riverwood Drive, just a brief 2 miles east of U.S. 19, you will discover the heart of Inglis Dam Recreation Area. Here stands the impressive Inglis Main Dam, the largest among two magnificent spillway structures that regulate the flow of Lake Rousseau. A scenic access bridge beckons visitors onto the southern shores of Inglis Island, where ample paved parking and a boat ramp await eager explorers venturing to the upstream side of the dam. Navigating the waters of Lake Rousseau calls for caution, as safety lies within the delimited navigation channels. The diligent efforts of the Cross Florida Greenway team maintain the river channel, while Citrus County ensures the clarity of the side channels along the lake’s southern fringe, sparing them from the encroaching stumps. Multi-use platforms grace the lakeside, offering anglers, bird watchers, and picnickers a tranquil oasis to revel in the beauty of nature. Descending towards the lower downstream of the dam leads to another expansive parking area, where a secondary boat ramp doubles as a launching point for canoes and kayaks. This ramp grants access to the intriguing Withlacoochee River stretch flowing 1.5 miles downstream from below the Main Dam and Spillway, eventually merging with the barge canal channel. The old river segment can exhibit robust freshwater currents during discharge events, yet at times, its tranquil flow is influenced by the tides streaming in from the Gulf of Mexico. On the downstream banks of the dam, anglers can reel in an array of fresh and saltwater fish species, occasionally catching a glimpse of graceful manatees frolicking in these waters during the warmer seasons.