The dam was a project of the United States Bureau of Reclamation completed in 1949, primarily for irrigation and flood control.

The earthen dam is 142 feet (43 m) in height and impounds the Heart River.

The name Tschida comes from the first mayor of Glen Ullin, North Dakota, the Vienna-born Michael Tschida Sr., elected in 1906 and a strong proponent of the dam project.

[3][4] The Heart Butte Reservoir State Game Management Area stands on the southern shore of the lake.

As the only sizable body of water in the area, it is popular for recreational fishing, camping, boating, and other activities.