Discover Hoover Dam: History, Facts, and Top Things to See on Your Visit
Hoover Dam, located on the border between Arizona and Nevada, is one of the most popular places to visit near Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. Built on the Colorado River in Black Canyon between 1930 and 1936, it remains the highest concrete arch dam in the United States, standing 726 feet high and stretching 1,244 feet across the crest. The dam supplies water and hydroelectric power to major Southwestern cities including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, making it an engineering icon and a lifeline for millions.
What to See at Hoover Dam
- Hoover Dam Visitor Center – Explore interactive exhibits, historical displays, and panoramic views of the dam and Colorado River.
- Guided Dam Tour – Take the Powerplant or full Dam Tour to go deep inside the tunnels and see the massive generators.
- Walk the Top of the Dam – Stroll the crest for views of Black Canyon, the Colorado River, and giant spillways while standing in two states at once.
- Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge – The Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge offers a pedestrian walkway with incredible views overlooking the dam.
- Lake Mead Overlook & Scenic Drives – Drive through Lake Mead National Recreation Area, stop at overlooks, or enjoy boating and fishing on the lake.
- Winged Figures of the Republic – Admire the Art Deco sculptures and plaques honoring the workers and visionaries behind the project.
How Hoover Dam Created Lake Mead
When you visit Hoover Dam, you’re also visiting Lake Mead National Recreation Area, home to the largest man-made reservoir in the United States. Lake Mead extends 115 miles upstream and was created by the dam for flood control, hydroelectric power generation, agriculture irrigation, and to supply drinking water to cities and farmlands throughout the desert Southwest.
A Brief History of Hoover Dam
Originally called Boulder Dam, the dam was later renamed for President Herbert Hoover, who played a critical role in getting the project approved while serving as Secretary of Commerce in the 1920s. Built during the Great Depression, the dam provided more than 21,000 jobs and became a symbol of hope and progress during tough economic times. In 1947, President Truman signed a resolution to officially restore the name to Hoover Dam.
Current Water Shortage & Climate Challenges
Today, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead continue to face significant water issues due to historic droughts, extreme heat, and climate change. The Colorado River Compact of 1922, which divides the river’s water among states, was based on conditions that no longer match the Southwest’s reality. Lake Mead’s water levels have dropped by nearly 150 feet since 2000, leaving it less than 35% full — a visible sign of an unsustainable system strained by drought and overuse.
Plan Your Hoover Dam Trip
Whether you’re taking a Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas, driving the historic Hoover Dam Access Road, or exploring Lake Mead, this landmark is a must-see for history buffs, photographers, and anyone curious about how the Southwest survives in the desert.
Tip: Arrive early in the day to beat the heat and allow at least 2–3 hours to explore the Visitor Center, take a tour, and walk the dam and bridge viewpoints.
RECOMMENDED HOOVER DAM TOURS
Arizona Private Tours
Family-Friendly | Custom Options Available | Leaves from Flagstaff | Multi-Attraction Tours
Grand Canyon West Rim Bus or Private Tour with Hoover Dam
Private Tours Available | Professionally Guided | Hotel Pickup | Breakfast Included | Lunch Included | Leaves from Las Vegas | Family-Friendly
Small-Group Grand Canyon West Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas with Optional Skywalk
Hotel Pickup | Breakfast Included | Professionally Guided | Leaves from Las Vegas
Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Small Group Day Tour
Hotel Pickup | Lunch Included | Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly | Leaves from Las Vegas
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas with VIP Skywalk & Pontoon Boat Ride
Book the ultimate Grand Canyon getaway with this combo tour that begins with a helicopter flight from Las Vegas. Get a birds-eye-view of Hoover Dam and the Grapevine Mesa Joshua Trees en route to the West Rim. Then descend to the canyon floor for a pontoon boat cruise on the Colorado Ri … More
Book the ultimate Grand Canyon getaway with this combo tour that begins with a helicopter flight from Las Vegas. Get a birds-eye-view of Hoover Dam and the Grapevine Mesa Joshua Trees en route to the West Rim. Then descend to the canyon floor for a pontoon boat cruise on the Colorado River. Finish with VIP access to the Skywalk, a glass-bottom deck that hovers above the sandstone walls. A souvenir photo and coach transfers are included. ** Please note: Effective for travel prior to April 1, 2024, the price displayed does not include a USD30 per person fuel fee. This fee is payable direct to the supplier on the day of your tour **
- Grand Canyon helicopter combo tour from Las Vegas
- View Hoover Dam and the sandstone canyon walls on a helicopter ride
- Land on the floor of the Grand Canyon Take a pontoon boat cruise along the Colorado River
- Marvel at the breadth of the canyon from the glass-bottom Skywalk at Eagle Point with skip-the-line admission
- Hotel transport and souvenir Skywalk photo included
Leaves from Las Vegas | Multi-Attraction Tours
Small-Group 3 Hour Hoover Dam Mini Tour With Las Vegas Strip Pickup
Visit Hoover Dam on a Las Vegas "mini" tour that doesn't take up a whole day so you don't waste your precious vacation time. Or, perhaps you have a late flight and want to do something fun after hotel check-out. After departing the Strip, head to the dam, where you visit lookout points … More
Visit Hoover Dam on a Las Vegas "mini" tour that doesn't take up a whole day so you don't waste your precious vacation time. Or, perhaps you have a late flight and want to do something fun after hotel check-out. After departing the Strip, head to the dam, where you visit lookout points for views and photo ops.
- Visit Hoover Dam on a tour designed for those short on time
- Round-trip transport provided from the Las Vegas Strip
- Travel by small-group vehicle
- See the dam, Colorado River, and Lake Mead from different angles
Family-Friendly | Leaves from Las Vegas
Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with optional Skywalk
Leaves from Las Vegas | Breakfast Included | Lunch Included | Multi-Attraction Tours
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