Hoover Dam Discovery Tour

The Discovery Tour is a way to see, learn and appreciate what Hoover Dam is all about. This self-paced tour provides a quality, informative visit, while recognizing that certain security precautions must be taken to protect the facility, the workers and the visiting public. Talks by our guide staff are presented at a number of locations within the visitor facilities and various locations on top of the dam. A ticket is required to explore the Visitor Center and dam exhibits. It takes about two hours to discover all the features at Hoover Dam.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO ON THE DISCOVERY TOUR

Visitor Center Presentations and Exhibits

Theater Level Displays: Murals, maps, photos and other displays provide an introduction to Hoover Dam history.

Theater One: "How the West was Won": This presentation describes the contribution of the Bureau of Reclamation in taming the rivers, and its contribution in helping settle the West and growing the food that feeds the nation.

The Power Plant Generators: Take the large elevators 500 feet down into the wall of Black Canyon, walk through a 250-foot long tunnel drilled out of rock, and view the 650-foot long Nevada wing of the power plant and its eight huge generators.

Penstock Viewing Platform: View one of the four huge 30-foot-diameter pipes that can transport nearly 90,000 gallons of water each second from Lake Mead to the hydroelectric generators in the powerhouse.

The Exhibit Gallery: Located on the plaza level of the Visitor Center, these exhibits highlight some of the natural history of the region and present a picture of how Hoover Dam was constructed and how it presently operates. It may be accessed by taking the stairs or elevator located in the center of the theater level.

The Overlook: May be accessed by taking the stairs or elevator adjacent to the Exhibit Gallery. There is a beautiful panoramic view from the observation deck that encompasses Lake Mead and the Colorado River. Camera enthusiasts will want to photograph the view. A guide will point out significant features of the dam and its surroundings. Inside the observation room is a sculpture presented by the water and power users of the Colorado River Lower Basin States. These are the businesses whose customers cover the cost of operating the Dam.

Street Level Displays and Exhibits

Winged Figures of the Republic: This bronze masterpiece is directly across the street from the Visitor Center. A presentation at this site discusses the concepts the artist had mind in creating the statues, as well as the star map located at its base.

The Old Exhibit Building: Used as a headquarters for soldiers during World War II, this building is located around the corner from the winged figures.

The Nevada Intake Tower: From this location on the Nevada side of the dam, visitors will learn about the power of water in generating electricity and some of the artwork incorporated into the towers surrounding the power plant elevators.

Talks by guides are presented every 15 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Restrooms are located on level 1 of the garage, on the Visitor Center's theater level and near the Exhibit Gallery, adjacent to the Old Exhibit Building, and on top of the dam.

Hours of Operation:
Note: All times are for the Pacific Time Zone.

The parking garage is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased on site from 9:00 a.m. until 4:15 p.m.

Due to heightened security, pedestrians are not permitted on top of the dam during hours of darkness.

Last Reviewed: 11/6/2007