Nevada–Arizona border

Hoover Dam

Built in the 1930s during the Great Depression, Hoover Dam controls the Colorado River and supplies water and electricity to millions of people in the Southwest.

Official visitor website

All landmarks

Photo: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

Science, Industry & Innovation

Why it matters

Built in the 1930s during the Great Depression, Hoover Dam controls the Colorado River and supplies water and electricity to millions of people in the Southwest.

Why it may matter to you

Water from the Colorado River makes life possible in much of the Southwest — and how it is shared remains an important public issue.

The fuller story

Construction was dangerous, and many workers died. The river's water is still debated among states, tribes, and Mexico.

Plan your visit

Hours, prices, reservations, and closures change. Check the official visitor website.

Time to allow: 2–3 hours (our estimate)
Setting: Indoor and outdoor
Tickets and reservations: Tours and parking have fees. Check the official visitor website.
Getting there: About 35 miles from Las Vegas; a car or tour is needed. Expect security checks.
With family: Extreme summer heat; bring water.
Seasons and weather: Summer temperatures are very high.
Accessibility: See the operator's website for accessibility information.

Times are estimates and distances are straight-line. Citizen Navigator is an independent educational resource. Visitor access and conditions change. Confirm current details with the destination's official operator.