100 Dumb US Laws (With Proof They Exist)
The Hoover Dam is located on the Colorado River near Las Vegas. When completed in 1935, it held the title of the tallest dam in the world. While no longer among the planet’s largest, Hoover Dam remains a hugely popular tourist attraction. Read on to discover how to explore the dam’s inner workings, the cost of its construction, and the eerie coincidence connecting the first and last workers to die during the project.
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Table of Contents
History of Hoover Dam
The concept of constructing a massive dam began to take shape in the late 19th century, though initially, these were merely vague proposals lacking concrete plans. The first significant stride occurred in 1922 with the formation of a commission dedicated to the project, allowing it to gain real momentum. The primary objectives were to control the dangerous flooding of the Colorado River and to harness the water’s power for hydroelectric generation. The project was overseen by Herbert Hoover, then Secretary of Commerce and a future President of the United States.
The preparation for the project, officially named Boulder Canyon, spanned another seven years. Plans included the construction of a new town, Boulder City, to house the workforce. During the early years of construction, however, workers lived in makeshift tent camps where conditions were appalling, even by the standards of the era, leading to frequent unrest.
In August 1931, dissatisfied workers went on strike, demanding better conditions. Fortunately, construction was ahead of schedule, and the desperate demand for employment during the Great Depression helped resolve the crisis quickly. The average daily wage was $5, which, adjusted for inflation in January 2026, would be approximately $106. Dangerous high-altitude work paid slightly better, with “high scalers” earning $5.60 per day (equivalent to $118 in January 2026).
The total construction cost of Hoover Dam was $48,890,955 in 1922 dollars. Adjusted for inflation, this amount would exceed $935,000,000 in January 2026.
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Height, Concrete, and Fascination Facts
The dam’s dimensions are staggering: it stands 726.38 ft high, spans 1,244.09 ft in length, and measures 656.17 ft thick at the base, tapering to just 45.93 ft at the crest. Hoover Dam holds back 2.5 million cubic meters of water, roughly the amount that flows through the Colorado River over a two-year period.
The dam was officially dedicated on September 30, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Interestingly, although planning documents referred to it as Hoover Dam, its official name at the dedication was Boulder Dam. The name “Hoover” honored President Herbert Hoover, who, ironically, was not invited to the ceremony. The name was permanently restored to Hoover Dam only in 1947.
During construction, 112 people lost their lives. A tragic coincidence marks the first and last deaths: The first casualty was J.G. Tierney, who drowned during a geological survey on December 20, 1922. The final person to die was his son, Patrick W. Tierney, who died on the exact same day, 13 years later.
The concrete pouring process was an engineering marvel. Had the concrete been poured in a single continuous block, the chemical heat generated would have taken 125 years to cool. Instead, the dam was built using 215 huge, interlocking prefabricated concrete blocks.
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How to Visit Hoover Dam
🗺️ Where is Hoover Dam?
Hoover Dam sits on the Colorado River, straddling the border between Nevada and Arizona, just off Interstate 93. It forms Lake Mead, and the nearest town is Boulder City, home to about 15,000 residents.
🚗 Getting There
The drive from the Las Vegas Strip is approximately 37.28 mi and takes about 40 minutes. The access road is Nevada State Route 172. Note that you cannot drive across the dam to continue into Arizona; traffic is routed back to Nevada or onto the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
About 1.00 mi before the dam, all visitors must pass through a security checkpoint. While it operates 24/7, expect potential vehicle inspections. We once arrived at 1:30 AM (don’t ask), which naturally raised suspicions. Security inspected the car’s interior, trunk, and undercarriage with mirrors before waving us through.
The most convenient parking is on the Nevada side in the parking garage, which costs $10.00 (valid as of January 2026). Parking on the dam itself is prohibited. There are free parking lots further up on the Arizona side, but be prepared for a strenuous walk back.
🕒 Opening Hours
The dam site and walkway are open to the public daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Access is free of charge.
The Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last tickets sold at 4:15 PM. Hours can vary by season, so always check the official Hoover Dam website before your trip.
🎟️ Hoover Dam Tickets
Guided tours can be purchased at the Visitor Center. Capacity is limited and fills up fast, so arriving early is highly recommended. Prices below are current as of January 2026.
The **Powerplant Tour** includes a walk through the original construction tunnels to the viewing platform and a look at the massive generators. The price is $15.00 per person.
The more comprehensive **Hoover Dam Tour** includes everything in the Powerplant Tour plus access to inspection tunnels inside the dam, an elevator ride to the top, and a view of the Colorado River through the ventilation shaft. Tickets cost $30.00 per person.
🚌 Tours from Las Vegas
If you are without a car, booking an organized tour is a great option. Many companies offer tours that include bus pickup directly from the Strip, typically lasting 3 to 5 hours.
The main advantage is convenience—transportation, tickets, and a knowledgeable guide are all included. The downsides are the higher cost and the lack of flexibility compared to driving yourself.
For those who don’t mind group travel and want to save money, consider the Go City Pass Las Vegas. This pass allows entry to dozens of attractions in and around Las Vegas for a single price. Available for 2 to 5 days, it can save you hundreds of dollars.
The pass includes a Hoover Dam tour, plus experiences like a helicopter ride over the Strip, the Big Apple Coaster, the Eiffel Tower viewing deck, The Strat observation deck, and the High Roller observation wheel.
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Photos of Hoover Dam
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