The Hoover Dam is located about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, sitting on the Arizona-Nevada border, making this site a rare treasure for both residents and commuters alike to enjoy.
The strength of Hoover Dam’s design almost resembles the impenetrable walls of a castle. Admirers from all over the world come to view this large dam consisting of visible waterways as well as take part in the tours offered on site.
One tour, offered by the Bureau of Reclamation, includes a guided, 30-minute Powerplant tour. As for the Hoover Dam Tour, this is a one hour, guided tour, which also grants admission to the Visitor Center, Powerplant and Dam Passageways. During the Hoover Dam Tour, guests can access the lesser-known parts of the dam, exploring the Powerplant and passageways within the dam.
Inside the Powerplant, visitors can take a 70-second elevator ride, descending 530 feet down into the Black Canyon wall. From there, it’s off to the Penstock Viewing Platform, Powerplant Generators and Inspection Galleries. Next, guests are led into the Visitor Center for presentations and exhibits as well as to the observation deck. Guests can also view street-level displays of the Winged Figures of the Republic, the Old Exhibit Building, the Nevada and Arizona spillways, the Nevada intake towers, and, finally, the top of the dam to complete your adventure!
It is recommended that those who suffer from claustrophobia or have a pacemaker or defibrillator should avoid taking part in these tours, due to the tight spaces and passageways. Those who use crutches and wheelchairs are also not permitted to participate in these tours.
The parking garage is open from 8 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., and the Visitor Center, which is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas day, is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Take or tour, or just drive by — this impressive dam is definitely a sight to see.
