Hoover Dam
Taming the Colorado River

If you are looking to experience the most popular sights in the United States, you are going to have a good mixture of natural as well as man-made landmarks to visit. However, there is nothing as colossal in stature than the Hoover Dam, and it is simply something that everyone should have an opportunity to see with their own eyes at least once in their lifetime.

Hoover Dam: Things to Do!

Over the years, the two-lane road atop the dam was the most preferred and easy way to see the dam. However, because there were weight restrictions and the growing traffic problem that was taking place on the dam itself, a new bridge was constructed called the Mike O' Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. This modern 4-lane bridge, which many refer to as the Hoover Dam Bridge, offers some of the most breathtaking views of the dam while solving the traffic gridlock.

So, while at the dam, what are some the best ways to enjoy it? Here are three options:

1. Hoover Dam Visitor's Center. Plenty of excellent views of the dam. Includes access to the concession stands and the Hoover Dam gift shop. Tickets are $8.00 per person with children 3 years of age and younger free. Passes can be purchased on-site or on the Internet.


2. Guided power plant tour Includes a well-made documentary film about the power plant and a guided tour of the facility led by one of the plant's engineers! This package also includes full-access to the visitor's center. The price of this tour is $11.00 per person and $9.00 for kids and military personnel. In-uniform military personnel and kids under 3 years of age are free.


3. Hoover Dam Tour. Led by the Bureau of Reclamation. Duration is one hour. Includes the visitor's center, the power plant tour and a series of inspection galleries in the heart of the dam that require special authorization. Comes with access to the old exhibit building (originally used to house soldiers who were stationed to protect the Dam during WWII), the giant water-intake towers and the spillways that regulate the flow of water from Lake Mead back into the Colorado River. Tickets start at $30.00 per person. No discounts are available. Children 8 years of age and younger are not permitted. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

The Hoover Dam is located 35 miles south of Las Vegas in Black Canyon and can take up to 45 minutes to reach by car or bus. The dam is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and has been named one of the Top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20th Century. Each year, more than 1 million people visit the dam, which was named after Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States.

Hoover Dam Tours

There are numerous Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas. Bus packages are the most economical, followed by helicopter and airplane trips.One trip that's getting a lot of attention is the Colorado River float trip. This particular adventure combines a helicopter ride to the bottom of the Grand Canyon's West Rim with an 11-mile, smooth-water float trip to Willow Beach in Arizona. For your convenience, here's a list of the most popular dam tours:

Colorado River Icon

The Hoover Dam is indeed one of U.S.'s most memorable engineering achievements. The dam itself stands some 700-plus feet above the Colorado River and is single-handedly responsible for creating Lake Mead, the country's largest reservoir. Its proximity to Vegas makes it a must-do for all travelers. No matter how you visit the dam, expect to be awe-struck.

Shop Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas Here...

Make It a Grand Day!