Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is located just 30 min south of the city, straddling the Nevada and Arizona state line. This national historic landmark is the highest concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere as well as one of the country’s largest hydroelectric power facilities. There are a few ways to experience the dam and the first is to drive to the bridge, which is 900 ft above the Colorado River and do the walkway, where you will find information cards to read. We suggest if you have the kids in tow, this is an option you take. There are two official tours offered, the first being the Power Plant Tour. This tour lasts for about two hours and talks about the history of the dam, takes visitors to the power plant generators and to the observation deck. The other tour is a little more in-depth and takes visitors inside the dam, through inspection tunnels and allows you to look out of the vents onto the river. Whether you simply drive, stop to look at the dam and take a photo on the state line, or choose to do an entire tour, the Hoover Dam is one of the most impressive things you can see in Las Vegas.