The Northeast Recreation Area Dam, also known as Baker Park Lake, is a locally owned structure in LaSalle County, Illinois, designed by CHAMLIN & ASSOC. Completed in 1988, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 27 feet and stretches 1850 feet in length along the Tributary Illinois River. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 257 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 48 acre-feet. The dam also serves recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 4 acres for outdoor activities.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Northeast Recreation Area Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, emergency action plans have been prepared since 1987 to ensure public safety. The spillway, with a width of 108 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 4360 cubic feet per second. This dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region, making it a significant infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and learn from.