Hoover Dam is one of the most impressive infrastructure projects in the U.S. It’s also one of the most tourable, offering visitors a diverse array of options to get behind the scenes of this modern marvel of engineering.
Hoover Dam Visitor Center
Conveniently located right next to the parking garage, Hoover Dam Visitor Center is the first stop for every visitor. There, you’ll purchase tour tickets, explore informative exhibits—including the dam’s massive hydroelectric power-producing turbines—and learn about the construction process, materials, and key historical figures.
Visitor center admission is $15 (free for children 3 and under), and those taking a guided dam tour enjoy complimentary access. Allow extra time to clear security checkpoints, which is mandatory for all vehicles and anyone entering the visitor center.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Make sure you have a confirmed transportation plan for getting to and from Hoover Dam. Rideshare and taxi companies may be willing to drop you off at the landmark, but it’s much harder to secure a ride back to Las Vegas or Boulder City without prior arrangement.
Guided Hoover Dam Tours
Each of Hoover Dam’s tours provide visitors a behind-the-scenes peek at the inner workings of Hoover Dam, its powerful hydroelectric power operations, and the rich history of its construction. Tours are limited to groups of 20 to ensure everyone has an opportunity to learn and ask questions about the dam.
Hoover Dam is just a 35-minute drive from Las Vegas. If you don’t have access to a vehicle, hop aboard one of the numerous bus tours that will pick you up on The Strip and take you for a day of experiencing Hoover Dam and Boulder City before returning to Las Vegas in time for dinner.
If you have your own transportation, turn the drive from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam into a day trip. There’s plenty to see and do at the dam site, but nearby Boulder City and Lake Mead National Recreation Area will equally wow you.
Helicopter Tours of Hoover Dam
See Hoover Dam from an entirely different perspective on a breathtaking helicopter tour. Operators like Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters and 5 Star Helicopter Tours fly you high above the striking landscape for anything-but-ordinary photo ops. Soar at sunset for even more beauty.
The Bypass Bridge: The Best View of Hoover Dam
If you’re short on time, you can simply skip the tours and walk along the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for free. Towering almost 900 feet above the Colorado River, it’s the second tallest bridge in the U.S. Stroll the pedestrian walkway to interpretive stations with some of the best bird’s-eye (and vertigo-inducing) views of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the river below.
You can also round out your visit with a free self-guided experience at the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum in nearby Boulder City, where exhibits tell the story not only of the dam’s construction, but also of the workers, families, and social forces that brought them there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Hoover Dam?
Experiencing this Art Deco giant is surprisingly accessible. Parking is $10, and the self-guided Visitor Center Tour is $15. You’ll have two options for guided dam tours, which range from $25-$40 per person.
Is there a specific dress code or bags policy for Hoover Dam tours?
Since most Hoover Dam sights are outdoors, comfortable walking shoes and layers (for all types of weather) are recommended. Inappropriate attire includes clothing that is excessively revealing, torn or loose-fitting (which can drag on the ground and become a tripping hazard), or features obscene language or graphics.
For safety reasons, luggage and backpacks are prohibited inside the dam. Personal items like purses, jackets, etc., will be physically inspected at a security checkpoint before you can enter the visitor center or access guided tours.
Are the interior Hoover Dam tours ADA accessible?
The Guided Power Plant Tour and self-guided tours of the visitor center are accessible for strollers and both motorized and manual wheelchairs. All stops on the Guided Dam Tour are accessible for manual wheelchairs except for the ventilation shaft. No motorized wheelchairs or strollers are allowed on the Guided Dam Tour.
Can I see the Hoover Dam without taking a paid tour?
Visitors can walk across the top of Hoover Dam or the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for free. If you’re driving to the dam, though, parking is $10 per vehicle.
What is the best time of day to arrive for the Guided Dam Tour?
Because tickets for the Guided Dam Tour are only available for purchase on-site on a first-come, first-served basis, we recommend visitors arrive as early as possible to book a tour. The visitor center opens daily at 9 a.m.
Hours:
Hoover Dam is open to the public daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hoover Dam Visitor Center is also open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and doors close at 4:15 p.m.
The parking garage at Hoover Dam is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Admission:
Tickets for the Guided Dam Tour are $40, and children ages 3 and under are free. Guided Power Plant Tour tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for ages 4-16, and free for children ages 3 and under. Tickets for the self-guided Visitor Center Tour are $15, and children ages 3 and under are free.
Hoover Dam garage parking costs $10 per vehicle.
This Location:
City
Boulder CityRegion
Southern Nevada
