Hoover Dam — Attraction in Boulder City

The Hoover Dam is one of those iconic places that lives up to the hype. It's not just a massive piece of engineering—it's a true marvel of American history, craftsmanship, and ambition. We visited recently as a family and opted for the full dam tour, and I can’t recommend it enough.

The tour itself was absolutely worth the time and money. Getting to go down inside the dam and see the inner workings—the giant generators, the original tunnels, the sheer scale of everything—was incredible. It’s one thing to stand on top of the dam and admire the views, but it’s a completely different experience to be deep inside the structure and realize how much went into building it.

Our guide was fantastic. Not only was he incredibly knowledgeable, but he was great with our kids—patient, engaging, and more than willing to answer all their (many) questions. You could tell he really loved sharing the history and science behind the dam, which made the whole experience that much better.

The only downside was that the visitors center was closed for renovations during our visit, which was a bit of a bummer. It would’ve been nice to see the exhibits and get a deeper dive into the historical context. Even so, the tour more than made up for it.

One thing to keep in mind: it was crowded, even on a weekday. You’ll want to arrive early if you want to beat the crowds or get tickets for a specific time slot. Parking was easy enough, but the tour groups filled up fast and the lines at the security checkpoint were long.

Still, the Hoover Dam is 100% worth the visit. Standing at the top and looking out over the Colorado River and Lake Mead is breathtaking. Walking through the tunnels inside the dam is unforgettable. And learning about how it was built—and why it still matters today—adds a layer of appreciation you don’t get just from the photos.

If you’re anywhere near the area, make time for the full tour. It’s an engineering wonder, a history lesson, and a family memory all...

My daughter and I stopped at Hoover Dam on July 4th on a road trip to Arizona, and we spent 2.5 hours walking around, visiting the gift shop, and chatting with other visitors. It was a really great day! The first thing we did was the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge walk. It was already 95 degrees when we arrived were there, so we made sure to be well-hydrated. There are stairs and ramp options to get to the top. Right when you started to cross the bridge, there was an incredibly strong wind coming at you, and you had to hang on to the wall for balance. Those wearing hats also had to hang onto their hats! After another 250 feet, the wind wasn't as bad. Definitely keep a good grip on your cell phone when taking pictures! The bridge walk was a great experience, and I walked the whole length and was able to stand right in front of the dam and just glory in the majestic feat of engineering form, function, and beauty. We parked in the Visitor garage ($10 fee) and headed to the gift shop for some t-shirts. There is a café but we missed lunch by 8 minutes and just purchased drinks. We squished some penny souvenirs and headed to the Visitor center. This had stairs and escalators to go down. We didn't go in because it was $15 per person and we had already spent money at the gift shop. The power plant tour was going to be $45 per person, so we just did a walk over the dam. We walked both sides and marveled at the beauty of the structure. We took a photo of one of us standing in Nevada and one in Arizona. I was thankful they had two massive spray cooling fans set up outside (one by the bridge center and one by the gift shop) because it was about 100 degrees and after all that walking in the sun, it was refreshing. We both were glad we went and spent time there. We may go back and do the Visitor Center since there is a museum and observation deck...

Visiting Hoover Dam is an unforgettable experience that blends history, engineering marvels, and breathtaking views. Located just 30 miles from Las Vegas, this iconic landmark is a must-see for anyone in the area.

The dam itself is a true testament to human ingenuity. Standing 726 feet tall, it’s hard not to be in awe of the sheer scale and beauty of the structure as you walk around. The view from the observation deck is absolutely stunning, offering panoramic vistas of the Colorado River and Lake Mead. It’s a perfect spot for photos, especially at sunrise or sunset when the lighting is just right.

The tour options at Hoover Dam are exceptional. The Powerplant Tour is both informative and fascinating, providing insights into the hydroelectric power generation that the dam supports. For a deeper look, the Hard Hat Tour takes you inside the dam, showing off the inner workings and tunnels that most visitors never get to see.

The visitor center offers detailed exhibits on the history and construction of the dam, which make the experience even more enriching. The staff is friendly, and the location is well-maintained, making it easy to navigate.

Whether you’re a history buff, an engineering enthusiast, or just looking for a unique experience, Hoover Dam is an absolute must-visit. The combination of stunning views, rich history, and impressive engineering makes it a true gem of the...