Hoover Dam Visitor Center
An engineering marvel of the 20th century, the Hoover Dam Visitor Center offers insights into its monumental construction and ongoing power generation...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Hoover Dam Visitor Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An engineering marvel of the 20th century, the Hoover Dam Visitor Center offers insights into its monumental construction and ongoing power generation.
"The size and scale of the dam are truly impressive, and it's a fascinating piece of history."
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is $10 per car for covered parking. Free parking is available but can be limited.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The desert heat is intense! Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dam's Immense Scale
Colorado River
Witness the sheer size and engineering marvel of this colossal concrete structure. It's truly mind-boggling!
Visitor Center Exhibits
Hoover Dam Visitor Center
Explore interactive displays detailing the dam's construction, history, and power generation. Engaging for all ages.
Power Plant Tour
Inside the Dam
Descend into the heart of the dam to see the massive generators and learn about its electricity production.
Scenic Overlooks
Various viewpoints
Capture breathtaking panoramic views of the dam, Lake Mead, and the surrounding desert landscape. Sunset is magical.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Tour Options & Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is $10 per car for covered parking. Free parking is available but can be limited.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The desert heat is intense! Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so wear comfortable footwear. [:athletic_shoe:]
🎟️ Tour Tickets
Tours are first-come, first-served; buy tickets at the visitor center upon arrival. No online booking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is $10 per car for covered parking. Free parking is available but can be limited.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The desert heat is intense! Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so wear comfortable footwear. [:athletic_shoe:]
🎟️ Tour Tickets
Tours are first-come, first-served; buy tickets at the visitor center upon arrival. No online booking.
🌬️ It Gets Windy!
Be prepared for strong winds, especially on the dam's walkways. Hold onto hats and loose items!
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture stunning shots from various viewpoints. The sheer scale is incredible for photos.
💰 Gift Shop Bargains
Souvenirs at the gift shop are surprisingly cheaper than in Las Vegas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the Hoover Dam's immense scale and engineering prowess, often describing it as a 'mind-blowing' architectural wonder. The visitor center exhibits and powerplant tours are generally well-received for their historical and educational value. However, some find the tours less engaging than expected, and the desert heat can be a significant factor for comfort.
"We stopped by Hoover Dam on our way from Arizona to Nevada, since it was perfectly along the route.
There was no fee for parking, and plenty of available spaces.
We arrived after the guided tours had already ended — but honestly, based on reviews I had read, I wasn’t too interested in the tour anyway.
The size and scale of the dam are truly impressive.
I also read up on the history and was amazed at how quickly it was built and how much power it generates — really fascinating stuff.
We spent about 20 minutes here around sunset, just taking in the views.
If you drive just 7 minutes away, there’s another scenic overlook where you can watch the sunset — and let me tell you, it was absolutely stunning.
🌬️ Just a heads up: it gets very windy and extremely hot, so come prepared"
Margaret
"This Vegas trip was all about experiences. 100% recommend visiting the Hoover Dam!
I was not that impressed with the guided tour, but still glad I did it. It is one of those things to do, just to say you did it.
I was flabbergasted but the size of the dam. IT IS MASSIVE! It is as wide as it is tall, at the base of the dam. It takes 2 300-ton cranes to lift one of the generators. The Statue of Liberty weighs under 300 tons... THAT IS CRAZY!
During the tour, you get to look through one of the air vents and see some of the generators. You are mainly walking through tunnels.
I will definitely be back but will skip the tour next time."
Jed Wright
"I visited this area as part of a tour. I only did the short version of the Hoover Dam tour which included the short clip, the brief walkthrough of how the dam worked when we went inside and looked at the cave walls and big tunnels, and then we went up an elevator to understand how the generators worked. Other individuals opted for a longer tour to see more of the inside of the Dam. Although my tour was 30 minutes in total including the movie, the guide was informative. The gift shop souvenirs were pretty cheap compared to Vegas souvenirs, and the Museum they had there was really neat. Although it was small, it was interactive so you could press buttons and take photo ops. Overall, it’s a neat place if you’re looking to learn more about the history of this architecture."
Amanda W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hoover Dam Visitor Center is located on the Arizona side of the dam. The address is 1 Powerhouse Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005. It's easily accessible by car from Las Vegas, typically a 45-minute to 1-hour drive. Many visitors stop by on their way to or from Arizona or California.
Public transportation options directly to the Hoover Dam Visitor Center are limited. Most visitors opt to drive their own vehicle or join a guided tour from Las Vegas.
Yes, there is parking available. Covered parking costs $10 per car, and there is also free parking, though it can be limited.
While some adventurous individuals might attempt it, it's generally not recommended and can lead to trouble. One TikTok user even reported being arrested for trying to paddleboard near the dam.
The drive from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam Visitor Center typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entry fee for the Visitor Center. Some sources mention a $10 per person fee for visitor center admission, while tours have separate costs.
The Hoover Dam Visitor Center is typically open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It's always a good idea to check the official website for any seasonal changes or holiday closures.
Tours are often on a first-come, first-served basis, and tickets are best purchased at the visitor center upon arrival. Online booking is generally not available for the tours.
There are various tours available, including a 30-minute Powerplant Tour for around $15 and a longer 1.5-hour tour for about $30 per person. 
Reviews are mixed. Some find the tours and exhibits highly informative and worth the cost, especially for history buffs. Others feel that simply viewing the dam from the outside and exploring the free overlooks is sufficient.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore interactive exhibits about the dam's construction and operation, take guided tours of the powerplant, and enjoy stunning views from various overlooks.
A quick visit to see the dam from the outside and explore the visitor center exhibits can take about 1-2 hours. If you plan to do a longer tour, allow for 3-4 hours, including time for lunch.
The Visitor Center and many of the main viewing areas are generally accessible. Specific tour routes may have limitations, so it's advisable to inquire about accessibility when booking tours.
The walkways on the dam itself offer incredible perspectives. Also, explore the scenic overlooks on both the Arizona and Nevada sides for panoramic shots. The sunset from these points is particularly stunning.
Yes, some theories suggest the dam is a 'demonic throne' or that the winged statues are meant to cover something up. Others find the sheer scale and underwater aspects terrifying due to megalophobia or submechanophobia.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafeteria on-site that offers food options. Visitors have reported finding tasty items like veggie wraps.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally permissible to bring your own snacks and water, especially given the heat.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon, especially around sunset, offers the best light for photography. The golden hour can make the dam and surrounding landscape look spectacular.
Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas. However, tripods might be restricted in certain areas, and it's always wise to be mindful of any posted signage.
Expect to capture wide-angle shots of the dam's immense structure, detailed shots of the engineering, panoramic views of Lake Mead, and dramatic shots during sunrise or sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the tours can be informative, consider the duration and content to ensure it's suitable for your children's attention spans. The Powerplant Tour might be more engaging for older kids who can appreciate the machinery.
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as the desert heat can be challenging for little ones. 💰 Budget Travelers
Consider skipping the paid tours if your budget is tight. The visitor center exhibits offer a wealth of information, and the surrounding area provides ample opportunities for impressive photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Hoover Dam
Visitors can learn about the intricate processes involved in its construction and operation through the Visitor Center exhibits and guided tours. These tours often take you through tunnels and into the powerplant, offering a glimpse of the massive generators that harness the power of the Colorado River.
Despite its functional brilliance, the dam also sparks curiosity and even theories. Some find its immense size and the underwater elements to be unsettling, triggering feelings of megalophobia or submechanophobia.
Navigating the Hoover Dam Experience
When it comes to tickets and tours, be aware that there's an entry fee for the Visitor Center, and tours have separate costs.
While some visitors find the tours incredibly insightful, others suggest that enjoying the dam's exterior and the free scenic overlooks might be sufficient if you're on a tighter budget or schedule. Practical tips for your visit include being prepared for strong winds, which can be quite significant on the dam's walkways.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit