Hoover Dam

"Just forty-five minutes outside of the strip between the border of Nevada and Arizona is the Hoover Dam. This marvel of modern engineering is well worth the short day trip from Las Vegas to see. Originally called the Boulder Dam it was constructed in 1935 to prevent flooding in the area, to help with irrigation in the desert and to generate hydroelectricity. These days, in addition to providing power the Dam also welcomes more than a million visitors each year as one of America’s most recognized landmarks. There are three tour options; a self-guided tour of the Visitor’s Center ($10), the half-hour Power Plant tour ($15) and the one-hour Guided Dam Tour ($30). The Power Plant tour takes you through the Dam’s original construction tunnels to a viewing platform overlooking a 30-foot diameter penstock. Here you can feel the vibration created by water rushing through the pipe. You also get the chance to see 8 of the commercial generators in the Nevada Powerhouse. We opted to do the one hour Guided Dam Tour because it included everything in the Power Plant tour as well as a visit to the historic tunnels and a ride in the original elevator to the top of Hoover Dam. Being inside the inspection tunnels at the center of Hoover Dam and being able to view the Colorado River from the inspection ventilation shaft was the coolest part of the experience. We’d highly recommend doing the full tour if your kids can hang for an hour. We also had access to the visitor center and took some time to explore the interactive exhibits and galleries that educate you on how everything works. There are also some incredible vista points you won’t want to miss like the top-floor observation area and along the walkway at the top of the dam."

"There are a few options to see the Hoover Dam. You're able to park at the top and walk along the viewing platform for free. You're also able to book more in depth tours. There are two types of tours: The full Hoover Dam Tour is an hour long and takes you through the power plant and passageways within the dam. The Powerplant Tour is a separate, shorter 30 min. guided tour, which takes you through just the power plant. Tour Admission: "Hoover Dam tours cost $30 for adults, seniors, juniors and military members. No children under 8 are permitted on the one-hour self-guided tours. Note: the tour is not accessible to visitors on crutches or in wheelchairs. It is also not recommended for those with claustrophobia or patients with defibrillators or pacemakers. Tickets must be purchased at the Visitors Center and are limited to 20 people per tour. Hoover Dam Powerplant Tours cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and those ages 4 to 16. Military members pay $12 for admission, or free if in uniform. Children under 4 are also admitted for free. Parking costs $10." (This parking cost I believe is only for the parking garage. I was personally able to drive up and park in the outdoor spaces at no cost.)"

"The Hoover Dam, located on the Arizona-Nevada border, is a remarkable feat of engineering completed in 1936. Originally named the Boulder Dam, it was later dedicated to President Herbert Hoover. Standing at 726 feet, the dam harnesses the Colorado River, providing water storage, flood control, and hydroelectric power. It is a key source of resources for the southwestern United States, with Lake Mead as its reservoir. The dam serves as both a practical infrastructure and a symbol of American ingenuity, attracting tourists to witness its impressive structure and impact on the landscape. "