Among all the wonders of the Southwestern United States, the Hoover Dam is the most spectacular man-made attraction.  As flooding and drought were persistent problems controlled by the Colorado's whims, it was conceived that a dam would be necessary to control the mighty river.  But many were skeptical that such a project was feasible.  After many years of planning, the Boulder Dam Project was approved and construction began in the 1930's.  Boulder Canyon was first planned for the dam, but later Black Canyon was chosen as a better site.  So Boulder Dam was not built in Boulder Canyon and subsequent politics required the Hoover handle.  FDR always called it Boulder Dam and Boulder City, NV was created to contain the workforce needed to perform the construction.  Probably few perceived that they were really building a Las Vegas side trip.  But the scope of this project and the resultant wonder are amazing.  Books are available at the site itself and the actual construction process is a good read.

    Photo - Glenn Adams   July, 1998

From Las Vegas, the dam is just a short drive.  From the Strip, you can go East on Flamingo or Tropicana and after a few miles you will see U.S. 93/95 south towards Henderson.  Since US 93 actually crosses the dam itself into Arizona, avoid the US 95 turnoff (towards Laughlin) and stay straight on 93. The expressway is complete all the way to Boulder City.  I suggest you do not speed through Boulder City.  In fact, take time to stop in the Nevada Welcome Center at the end of town. On my first visit, I found the Black Canyon hills exciting as we descended to the river.  There's parking on the Nevada side at the Visitor's Center ($5), but I recommend that you actually cross the dam into Arizona and go up the hill to an overlook on the left.  Here you can get a good view of the entire site and a few good pictures.  After leaving this site, return to the Visitor's Center parking garage (It will now be on your right).  You can now begin the tour.  The tour is $10 for adults (senior and children discounts are available). There are lots of neat exhibits in the visitor center. Allow time to view the film. A tour guide will take you to a balcony overlooking the huge generators and explain their operation. From there, it becomes a self-guided walking tour. Take time to see the unexpected artwork included within this massive physical strcture. Best bet: GO EARLY - LIKE 9AM!!! . Traffic usually gets worse during the afternoon. Bring your camera, but leave its case in your car. All bags are subject to inspection, so leave 'em in the car. Arrive with plenty of film, cross the dam and stop at the Arizona overlook.  Then hit the Visitor's Center.  Look for bighorn sheep while in this area.  Occassionally, they put on quite a show for visitors.  By the way, gaming is legal in all of Nevada except  Boulder City.

On your way back, consider a stop at the Railroad Pass Casino (on the right as you leave Boulder City) or the chocolate factory tour in Henderson, Nevada.   If you're going to Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam is on the way (or way back).  If you're not in a hurry and want to relax, consider a tour on the Desert Princess.  The tour leaves just past Lake Mead Marina between Boulder City and the dam. The 90 minute tour takes you right to the dam. You may need reservations for the cruise and look for discount coupons in the free magazines available in Las Vegas. You can visit both the dam and Ethel M's and be back in Las Vegas in time for the lunch buffet (if you don't choose the cruise).