Franklin, located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is a gravity dam on the Sheboygan River with a primary purpose of recreation. Completed in 1851, the dam stands at 13 feet high and spans a length of 280 feet, offering a surface area of 32 square acres. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 4000 cubic feet per second and a controlled spillway with a width of 152 feet. Despite its age, Franklin remains state-regulated, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

This historic structure has a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 94 acre-feet and a drainage area of 190 square miles. Although last inspected in 1988, Franklin's hazard potential is rated as high, and its condition is currently not rated. The risk assessment for the dam is very high (1), indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures. With its scenic location and important role in local recreation, Franklin serves as both a historical landmark and a critical component of water resource management in the region.