Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam Review

In 1928 Congress authorized $175 million for construction of a dam on the Colorado River to control destructive floods, provide a steady water supply to seven Colorado River basin states, and generate electricity. Considered one of the seven wonders of the industrial world, the art deco Hoover Dam is 726 feet high (the equivalent of a 70-story building) and 660 feet thick (more than the length of two football fields) at the base. Construction required 4.4 million cubic yards of concrete—enough to build a two-lane highway from San Francisco to New York. Originally referred to as Boulder Dam, the structure was later officially named Hoover Dam in recognition of President Herbert Hoover's role in the project. Look for artist Oskar Hansen's plaza sculptures, which include the 30-foot-tall Winged Figures of the Republic.

The self-paced Powerplant Tour allows you to see the power plant generators and other features. Guide staffers give talks every 15 minutes at each stopping point from 9 to 4:15 (early tours are less crowded). The more extensive Hoover Dam Tour gives visitors an up-close look at lesser-known parts of the dam. Guided tours begin at 9:30 and run every half hour until 3:30; it's not wheelchair accessible or for those under eight. Reservations are accepted for the Powerplant Tour, but Hoover Dam Tours are only offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to 20 participants. Cameras, pagers, tote bags, and cell phones are subject to X-ray screening. January and February are the slowest months. The top of the dam is open to pedestrians during daylight hours only; approved vehicles can cross the dam 24/7.