Hoover Dam

Discovery Tour Visiting Hoover Dam Recreation Facts and Figures

The American Society of Civil Engineers recognizes Hoover Dam as one of the nation’s seven modern civil engineering wonders. Hoover Dam, built to harness the Colorado River for irrigation, human consumption, hydroelectric power and more, is also a registered National Historic Landmark. At the time of its construction in the early 1930s, Hoover Dam was the largest of its kind. The dam is located at the Nevada/Arizona border, approximately 30 miles from Las Vegas.

Hoover Dam Discovery Tour. Learn fascinating facts about the inner workings of Hoover Dam and bridge during the self-paced Hoover Dam Discovery Tour. Maps, murals and exhibits are just a few items on display to help explain the early beginnings of this significant project. Visitors can also plunge 500 feet into the depths of Black Canyon to view the Nevada wing of the power plants and its eight generators. From the Penstock Viewing Platform, observe 90,000 gallons of water move per second through a 30-foot diameter pipe. The price of admission for the tour is $6 for children ages 7 - 16, $11 for adults ages 17 - 61, and $9 for seniors age 62 or older.   [Top]

Recreation at Hoover Dam. Visitors looking for Colorado River adventure can take advantage of various exciting water sports at Hoover Dam. Located just below the dam is a popular watercraft launch site. The river is suitable for a personal raft, kayak or canoe. Due to security measures, anyone wishing to launch watercraft from the Hoover Dam area must make reservations with a livery service to arrange for watercraft transport to the launch point.   [Top]

Hoover Dam Facts and Figures. The Hoover Dam is an engineering feat that took just five years to complete. It stands 726 feet tall from its foundation to the dam’s crest. Towers and ornaments extend another 40 feet from the crest. At its base, the dam can withstand a maximum water pressure of 45,000 pounds per square foot. The government employed 21,000 men to construct the dam in the 1930s. Prior to construction, Boulder City was established to house Hoover Dam and Bureau of Reclamation employees.   [Top]