Hoover Dam

Overview

Hoover Dam is a 726-foot-tall concrete arch-gravity dam on the Colorado River at the Nevada-Arizona border, 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas. It created Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States by volume.

Highlights

• Power Plant Tour: Descend 530 feet by elevator into the dam to see the massive turbines that generate 2,080 megawatts of hydroelectric power.
• Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge: The adjacent bridge offers stunning aerial views of the dam from 900 feet above the Colorado River.
• Art Deco Details: The dam's Streamline Moderne design includes terrazzo floors, winged figures, and celestial maps.

History

Built between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression, it employed over 21,000 workers. Originally named Boulder Dam, it was renamed in honor of President Herbert Hoover in 1947. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985.

Visitor Tips

• Morning Departure: Leave Las Vegas by 8 AM to beat tour bus crowds arriving by 10 AM.
• Two Tours: The Powerplant Tour (basic) and Dam Tour (extended) are available; the Dam Tour includes restricted-access areas.
• Duration: 3–4 hours including travel.