1. Overview of the Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is approximately 45 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip, located 33 miles from Las Vegas Blvd. This iconic location serves as an excellent day trip, providing a refreshing change from the conventional Vegas experience by showcasing the Southwest’s stunning deserts and an awe-inspiring engineering feat.
2. Experience the Engineering Marvel
Before diving into humor, it’s essential to acknowledge that a trip to the Hoover Dam can be remarkably enriching. Although you might still share a funny “Dam” joke if traveling with family or simply feeling jovial, the profound structural and historical significance of this site will surely leave you in awe. It represents much more than just a break from casinos and cocktails.
3. Location and Contact Information
Location: Highway 93 at the Nevada/Arizona Border
Contact: Toll-free (866) 291-TOUR
Parking: Available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. with a fee of $10.00
Visitor Center Hours: Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Tickets must be purchased by 4:15 p.m. to gain access)
4. Hours of Operations
- First Powerplant Tour departs at 9:25 a.m.
- Last Powerplant Tour departs at 3:55 p.m.
- First Dam Tour departs at 9:30 a.m.
- Last Dam Tour departs at 3:30 p.m.
- Dam Tours (limited to 20 people per tour) may sell out a couple of hours in advance of the last tour
- Last Visitor Center ticket is sold at 4:15 p.m.
Note that tickets sold from 3:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. are for Visitor Center Admission only. The Hoover Dam Visitor Center maintains operations every day of the year, with exceptions on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
5. Prices for the Powerplant Tour
| Adults (Ages 17-61) | $15.00 |
| Seniors (62+) | $12.00 |
| Juniors (ages 4-16) | $12.00 |
| U.S. Military | $12.00 |
| U.S. Military (in Uniform) | Free |
| Children (Ages 0-3) | Free |
6. Prices for the Hoover Dam Tour
Adults, Seniors, Juniors, and U.S. Military: $30.00
Please note that children under the age of 8 are not permitted on this tour.
Important: This tour is not accessible for visitors using wheelchairs or crutches.
7. Description of the Hoover Dam
Visiting the Hoover Dam evokes early memories filled with excitement, especially riding the elevator down the concrete shaft to the base. Throughout the journey, I often shared “Dam” jokes to ease any apprehension about getting stuck mid-way.
The Hoover Dam tour, although transformed over the years, still offers the thrilling elevator ride down through the impressive structure. Take an afternoon to contemplate what it would have been like to be among the construction crew. The experience of visiting this engineering wonder is undoubtedly worth the short drive from Las Vegas.
