Visiting the Hoover Dam in the U.S. is an opportunity to discover a gigantic construction in the middle of the desert allowing the production of energy from Nevada, Arizona and California.
Located only 54 km from Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is one of the things to see and visit if you are passing through the American west. Thanks to this gigantic structure built by the man in 1931, the three states of Nevada, Arizona and California can be supplied with water and electricity. Every year, there are a million tourists visiting the Hoover Dam.
If you go to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon or if you plan an American road trip, think about stopping at the Hoover Dam. You will be aware of the magnitude of this site and can even enjoy some leisure activities.
Also: Rafting on the Colorado River and visit the Hoover Dam
History of the Hoover Dam Dam Dam
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Roy Boyce
Before visiting the Hoover Dam, it is interesting to know its fascinating history, from its construction to today. It is necessary to go back to the beginning of the twentieth century to understand why Man wanted to embark on such a huge project. At the time, the hydroelectric power plant did not produce enough energy for the sector. A solution was also needed to stop the catastrophic floods caused by Colorado.
It was then that the idea of the Hoover Dam project was born in 1928, initially planned around the Boulder Canyon. Finally, the work began at the Black Canyon in 1931 for an inauguration in 1935 by the President Franklin Delano Roosevelt . Its construction took place during the Great Depression in the United States, also called the economic crisis of the 1930s.
More 5,000 workers are engaged to participate in the construction site and are obliged to stay on site throughout this time. The government had planned to create a city for the sole purpose of housing the workers, but it only saw the day after the inauguration. The working conditions were terrible and caused the death of a hundred people, especially because of heat, hygiene and poisoning. It was a colossal work demanding near Seven million tons concrete and dynamite explosions. The lack of infrastructure nearby, as well as the climatic conditions and the deviation of the Colorado River, have made the work even more perilous.
Today, if the Hoover Dam allows to regulate Colorado and to produce energy for Nevada, Arizona and California, it is also a unique tourist attraction. The arch-shaped structure of 379 meters long and 221 meters high is visited daily. You can also enjoy some leisure activities, such as rafting on Colorado, cruises, helicopter flights or the discovery of Boulder City, the city built for workers not far from there.
What to see and do at the Hoover Dam in the United States?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / CrackerClips Stock Media
You have the choice between stopping to take pictures and leaving, or then visiting the Hoover Dam dam from the inside.
Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam connects the two states of Nevada and Arizona. It is also in this specific place that we change time. Indeed, it is enough to place yourself in the middle of the dam to be between two time zones. Thus, two different pendulums can be seen on each side of the dam. This colossal structure also houses the electric power station which provides Nevada, Arizona and California with water and electricity.
If you want to go inside the power station, it is quite possible by buying an online ticket on the official website, or directly on the spot. You will discover the whole history of the power plant since its construction through films and exhibitions. You will cross tunnels and take pictures of the 17 giant turbines, as well as some more technical parts. Imagine: the power plant is capable of producing 4 billion kWh per year , and feed 1.3 billion people in energy, as well as 20 million people in water.
Lake Mead
If you come to visit the Hoover Dam, you will have a breathtaking view of the arid mountains, the Colorado River and the Lake Mead . The latter is the largest artificial lake in the United States and appeared after the dam. It enjoys an extraordinary fauna and flora thanks to its particular environment.
If it seems immense, and this is the case since it makes 640 km2, its height decreases from day to day and makes it a subject of controversy. In just 25 years, the lake lost about 30 meters high. Moreover, white traces can be easily seen on the walls of the mountains around the lake. We can even occasionally see the ruins of the old village of Saint Thomas that the lake engulfed in 1938. Specialists expect a drought by 2021. The causes to this? Global warming and water overconsumption.
The Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge
The Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge is the famous bridge that connects Nevada and Arizona and passes over Colorado. In an arch shape, it is 579 metres long. It is quite recent, since it was inaugurated in 2010 with the aim of dismantling road traffic between the two American states. If you have the chance to visit the Hoover Dam, feel free to go on this bridge, whether by car or by foot. The sidewalk was well thought out to admire the landscape.
Boulder City
Who says to visit the Hoover Dam, says necessarily to stop Boulder City , the city normally intended for the construction workers. This city is now an interesting stop for tourists who discover a completely different atmosphere of the Las Vegas Strip. Moreover, the casinos are forbidden there. Many activities and excursions are offered, with Hoover Dam Museum , parks, historic downtown, shops and restaurants. And all year round, events are organized to animate Boulder City: Art and Craft Festival, Christmas Tree, Beer Festival, Car Collections, Giant BBQs, etc.
How do I get to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?
Excursions
Hoover Dam being a high tourist place, many excursions are proposed from major cities, mainly Las Vegas. Depending on your wishes and budget, you will have to choose between the coach, the 4×4 or the helicopter for various excursions.
By car
If you prefer to visit at your own pace, the car is what’s best. It is also a good way to discover the majestic landscapes of this arid desert. The dam is located on the road that connects Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. From Las Vegas, count 45 minutes About the road!
- Borrow theHighway 515 southeast of the city
- Join the route 93 around Boulder City
To park, the parking The closest one is paid, $10 per vehicle. You also have the possibility to continue slightly and park on free places on the other side of the dam in Arizona.
Prices Hoover Dam
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Jason Patrick Ross
HORARI
The centre is open daily from 9am to 5pm , last visit at 3:45.
RATES
If you choose to visit the Hoover Dam by your own means by borrowing your vehicle, the free visit to the Hoover Dam is for free. Count the parking (paying) and a possible guided tour (such as the electric power plant) if you want to discover the places more extensively.
Excursions
Many excursions take place from Las Vegas: half a day, after being recovered at your hotel, you are invited to discover the dam and all its facilities (free visit of about 2 hours), with a commented passage in Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City. In this case, the fare includes bus ride/return, as well as the site visit. For this type of trip, count on average 45€ per person .
The power plant
For the most curious, you can enter the power plant and opt for the guided tour available every day. There are two different tickets:
- The Powerplant tour (the classic visit) $15 per person
- Dam tour (full visit) $30 per person
- Free for children less than 3 years
Good to know. : A reduction applies to juniors (4-16) and seniors (62 and over). Free for under 3 years.
MATTERS
- How long does the visit last?
For the Powerplant tour, count about one hour to visit.
- Can I book the tickets in advance?
You can buy the entry ticket for the Powerplant tour on the official Denison Parking site. On the other hand, the full visit is purchased directly on the same day at the dam window. It's best to come early in the morning.
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