Hoover Dam, a modern day miracle of the American Southwest! See and appreciate the massive size, enormous power and sophisticated aesthetics of this landmark structure in half a day’s time on the Hoover Dam Motorcoach tour. You’ll see for yourself how 100,000 gallons of water per second are pumped to a hydroelectric power station, and how 17 massive generators can produce enough electricity to power the homes and businesses of 3 western states.
Your trip begins with shuttle service from your hotel to the passenger terminal for a brief check-in. Then, it’s on to the dam. After passing through historic Boulder City, you’ll arrive at the Hoover Dam Visitors’ Center where you’ll watch a brief video packed with intriguing information about the dam, from the workers who incredibly managed to build it ahead of schedule and under budget, to its integral role in ensuring the continued prosperity of the American West.
Next, you’ll get up close and personal with magnificent structure. Originally known as the Boulder Dam, the Hoover Dam was completed in 1935. After descending 500’ by elevator into the very walls of Black Canyon, you’ll walk through one of the original construction tunnels to the Penstock viewing platform. Here you’ll look down on one of four 30-foot diameter pipes that funnel the waters of the Colorado River to the dam’s hydroelectric power generators. Then you’ll take the elevator back up to the Nevada power plant balcony to see some of the dam’s power generators.
Back topside, you’ll have a little free time to take in and explore Hoover Dam’s colossal size and fascinating history. As you view the educational displays and historic photographs, and gaze out at the sparkling blue waters of Lake Mead, note the many “art deco” and even “gothic” architectural accents typical of the popular styles of the 1920’s. You’ll also have a chance to shop for souvenirs of your tour in the gift shop before re-boarding your coach for the return ride to Las Vegas, and drop off at your hotel.