We are always looking for fun places to go on Fridays! Last week, we went to the Hoover Dam. Since we have only lived here a year, this was our second chance to get to visit the Dam and it was just as much fun this time as it was the first time we went a year ago. Of course, our son was more excited to get one of the large pickles they sell than anything else. So we had to stop there first. But after that, he had fun exploring the dam too.
It does not matter if you plan to take a guided tour or go by yourself, you are sure to have fun. Tours are available from the Henderson and Las Vegas areas, including helicopter, bus, jeep and boat. If you are looking for a unique tour of the Hoover Dam you will want to book one of the Sunset Cruises. I hear it is worth it!
If you plan on going yourself, you can explore the Visitors Center and/or take one of the two tours offered by the Hoover Dam – Powerplant Tour and Dam Tour. Parking is available in the garage for only $10 per vehicle or you can park in one of the free lots on the Arizona side. But it is a hike back to the Dam and museum.
Visiting the Hoover Dam is a great learning experience for families to enjoy together. Plus, the beauty of the structure, which is a work of engineering art, is something everyone in the area must see up close.
Best thing about taking a day trip to the Hoover Dam is that, depending upon where in Henderson or Boulder City you live, you are no more than an hour away. This makes it easy to go explore the Dam and then grab lunch at one of the small cafes in Boulder City before returning home.
The Visitors Center is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. with the last tickets sold at 4:15 p.m. The Visitors Center is open every day of the year, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. The parking garage is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5:15 p.m. Admission to the Visitors Center is $10 per person and children ages 3 and under are free.
We have not had a chance to explore the Visitors Center or enjoy one of the tours yet. But we have plans to do so later this year. Stay tuned for reviews of both.
See why close to 1 million visitors have made their way to the Hoover Dam every year. If planning on going during the summer, the earlier you go, the cooler and the less crowded it will be. But you live in Henderson, so you probably already know that.
Don’t forget to drive over the Dam before you leave. The kids will love it!
For more information about visiting the Hoover Dam call (702) 494-2517.
To get to the Hoover Dam you will take US Highway 93 to Nevada State 172. You will be able to follow signs from there. The Dam is located on the Nevada-Arizona border.
