[1] The dam is part of the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, and is named for Wilbur D. Mills, a member of United States House of Representatives from Arkansas.

Access to the Arkansas Post Canal is 2.5 mi (4.0 km) northwest of the Wilbur D. Mills Dam.

[1][4] In 1982, flooding along the Arkansas River caused 38 barges to break loose between 5 mi (8.0 km) and 8 mi (13 km) upstream from the dam.

Completed at a cost of $189 million, the plant has a generating capacity of 102.6 megawatts.

[6] The Wilbur D. Mills Campground is located on the Arkansas County side of the dam.