The Discovery Tour replaced the traditional tour and hardhat tour previously conducted in the power house. The new on top of the dam interpretative tour will provide visitors more information on the dam than ever before.
The Discovery Tour is a way to see, learn and appreciate what Hoover Dam is all about. This self-paced tour was created to meet the public interest in visiting the dam and provide a quality, informative visit, while recognizing that certain security precautions must be taken to protect the facility, the workers and the visiting public. Talks by our guide staff, are presented at a number of separate locations, within the visitor facilities and on top of the dam. A ticket is required to explore the Visitor Center and top of the dam exhibits.
While those of you visiting Hoover Dam in the past may remember our traditional and hard hat tours, we think you will find this new leisurely way of discovering the dam to be educational, informative, and a pleasant way to enjoy this national landmark. New information not previously included in our previous tours has been added to make this a memorable experience even for those of you that may have visited us before.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO ON THE DISCOVERY TOUR
Visitor Center Presentations and Exhibits
Theater Level Displays: Murals, maps, photos and other displays provide an introduction to Hoover Dam history...yesterday and today.
Theater One: "How the West was Won": This presentation describes the contribution of the Bureau of Reclamation in taming the rivers, making the desert bloom, and its contribution in helping grow the food that feeds the nation.
The Power Plant Generators: Take the large elevators 500 feet down into the wall of Black Canyon, walk through the 250-foot tunnel drilled out of living rock, and view the 650-foot long Nevada wing of the power plant and its eight huge generators.
The Exhibit Gallery: Located on the Plaza Level of the Visitor Center, these exhibits highlight some of the natural history of the region and present a picture of how Hoover Dam operated in the past and the present. It may be reached by taking the stairs or elevator located in the center of the theater level.
The Overlook: May be reached by taking the stairs or elevator adjacent to the Exhibit Gallery. There is a beautiful panoramic view from the observation deck taking in both Lake Mead and the Colorado River. Those of you with cameras will want to stop by to see if you can capture the view. A guide will point out significant features of the Dam and its surroundings. Inside the observation room is a sculpture presented by the water and power users of the Lower Basin of the Colorado River. These are the businesses whose customers cover the cost of operating the dam.
Street Level Displays and Exhibits
Winged Figures of the Republic: This bronze masterpiece is directly across the street from the Visitor Center. A talk at this site discusses the concepts the artist had mind in creating the statues, as well as the star map located at its base.
The Old Exhibit Building: Used as a headquarters for soldiers during World War II, this building is located around the corner from the winged statues. Inside are two separate exhibits. In the first room is a photo display and a 1930's era model generator. In the adjoining room is a map depicting the Colorado River along with the dams from Colorado to the Mexican border.
The Nevada Intake Tower: From this location directly across from the Old Exhibit Building on the lake side, visitors will learn about the power of water in generating electricity and some of the artwork incorporated into the towers surrounding the powerplant elevators.
Talks by guides are presented on the hour and half-hour from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Restrooms are located on Level 1 of the garage, the Theater level, next to the Exhibit Gallery and adjacent to the Old Exhibit Building.
Hours of Operation:
The parking garage is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The front door wil be closed at 4:45 p.m., but visitors may remain inside until 5:00 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased on site from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Due to heightened security, visitors will not be permitted on top of the dam during hours of darkness.
Lodging
Hotels/MotelsThere are hotels and motels in Boulder City, Henderson, Laughlin, Bullhead City and Las Vegas See map above for locations of cities. Click on the city above for. (Rates, availability and reservation online)
Boulder City, Nevada: the administrative offices for Lake Mead Recreation Area and NPS Headquarters for Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument are located here at the gateway to Lake Mead. The only community in Nevada that restricts gambling, Boulder City has all services, frequent art shows and other activities in its many parks. Many of our user have stayed at the Super 8 Motel in Boulder City.
Bullhead City, Arizona: this growing, sprawling city follows the Arizona shoreline of the Colorado River, part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Bullhead City offers the closest, most complete services available for those enjoying Katherine Landing and the developed coves in the area. Click here for hotel information.
Henderson, Nevada: one of the fastest growing cities in the country, Henderson was once a factory town. Now sporting casinos, clean industry and a growing population in planned neighborhoods, Henderson offers all amenities to visitors. Click here for hotel information.
Laughlin, Nevada: with modern casinos towering along the western banks of the Colorado River, Laughlin is complimented by its sister city, Bullhead, Arizona on the eastern bank.
Las Vegas, Nevada: a city of nearly half a million people known for its reputation as an entertainment capital. Legal gambling, world-class plays, musicals and other productions as well as family theme parks abound in this modern mecca of indoor fun.
