Its primary purposes are flood control, water reserve for nearby areas and regional recreation.

[5] Perry Lake's full multi-purpose pool elevation is 891.5 feet (271.7 m) above sea level.

Its close proximity to Kansas City, Lawrence, and the state capitol, Topeka, make it a very popular destination, with the nickname "Paradise on the Plains".

[4] It lies in northeastern Kansas in the Dissected Till Plains region of North America's Central Lowlands.

[10] U.S. Route 24 runs generally east-west approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) south of the dam.

The largest is its namesake, the community of Perry, located on the Delaware River a few miles south of the dam.