Hoover Dam

An engineering marvel

Thousands of men and their families came to Boulder Canyon at the height of the Depression to earn around 62 cents a day building the Hoover Dam. In less than five years they had tamed mighty Colorado River with the largest dam of its time.

The Hoover Dam lies 30 miles (45 km) southeast of Las Vegas. There are numerous organized tours, some with hotel pick-up and drop-off and a meal included. If making the trip on your own, the Hoover Dam's Tour Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Discovery Tour (including a visitor center and observation deck) costs $11 for adults.