Hoover Dam Visitor's Center

Murals, maps, photos and other displays provide an introduction to Hoover Dam history.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 AM to 5:45 PM.

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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.

(Photo courtesy of United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation - Lower Colorado Region)