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The Hoover Dam is one of the greatest feats of American engineering. The history of Hoover Dam is impressive enough to make the incredible structure very much worth visiting. While it is well worth it to visit the Hoover Dam, anyone can visit it and walk across it for free.

Visitors are able to tour the Hoover Dam with a selection of guided and self-guided tours. There is a network of tunnels built as part of the Hoover Dam - some of which are accessible on guided tours. The Historic Railroad Tunnel can be accessed on the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail, a - 30-mile-long trail that rings Lake Mead.

Hoover Dam - One Of The Great Feats Of American Engineering

The Hoover Dam is a massive concrete arch-gravity dam between Nevada and Arizona in the Black Canyon. It dams the Colorado River and forms the reservoir of Lake Mead (the largest reservoir in the nation by volume). The Lake Mead Recreational Area was the first recreational area in the United States and is one of the most popular places for recreation in the West.

  • Built: Between 1931 and 1936

The Hoover Dam was built between 1931 and 1936 and was one of the greatest construction projects of the Great Depression.

It involved thousands of workers and cost over 100 lives to build. It was also one of the key things that led to the development of Las Vegas. It is only around 30 miles out of Las Vegas. It is now a major tourist attraction, pulling some 7 million tourists every year.

As the dam bridges the states of Nevada and Arizona, it has two time zones (and clocks on each side of the dam letting guests know what time it is).

Related: How To Visit The Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon In One Day

Guided Dam Tour Of The Hoover Dam

The Guided Dam Tour with the extended package includes tours of the historical tunnels of the Hoover Dam as well as a ride on the original elevator to the top of the dam. The Guided Dam Tour is only available for purchase onsite.

Guests are guided through the Hoover Dam's inspection tunnels in the center of the dam. See the powerplant and tour the visitor center on a self-guided tour. Look out over the iconic Colorado River through an inspection ventilation shaft.

  • Cost: $30.00

The tours are all accessible to wheelchairs.

The Guided Dam Tour is offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Note that these tours routinely sell out so arrive early.

Guided Power Plant Tour Of The Hoover Dam

The Guided Power Plant Tour can be pre-purchased online (and is upgradeable while on-site). The tour includes a tour of the original construction tunnels, viewing the platform overlooking a 30-foot diameter penstock, and seeing eight of the generators in the Nevada Powerhouse.

  • Cost: $15.00

Visitors can also enjoy a self-guided tour of the visitor center. The tour is accessible to wheelchairs, motorized scooters, and strollers.

Self-Guided Visitor Center Tour At The Hoover Dam

Those just happy to explore the Hoover Dam's visitor center by themselves can take the Self-Guided Visitor Center Tour. These tickets are also available for purchase online in advance, and they are upgradeable on-site in case one has a change of heart.

  • Cost: $10.00

Visitors can immerse themselves in the impressive history of the Hoover Dam with the visitor center's narrated exhibits and enjoy a 360-degree view of the Hoover Dam, the Colorado River, the reservoir, and the awe-inspiring Hoover Bypass Bridge from the Observation Deck. See the Original Exhibit Building and its narrated 3D model of the wider region's dams and power systems.

Related: Lake Mead Is Revealing Historic Secrets As Waters Hit Record Lows

What To Know About Visiting The Hoover Dam

Anyone can visit the Hoover Dam itself - it really a must for anyone visiting Las Vegas. Be sure to check their schedules before visiting, as the opening hours can change due to maintenance.

  • Hoover Dam: Open Daily from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (PST).
  • Hoover Dam Visitor Center and Tours: Open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The last tour departs at 3.45 p.m., and doors close at 4.15 p.m. The visitor center is also closed during some public holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Visitors should also be aware that there is a security screening before purchasing the tickets.

Note that anyone with claustrophobia may not want to go inside the Hoover Dam (there are elevator rides and tunnels). Enjoy an open-air walk across the dam.