| Hoover Dam Tours |
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Hoover Dam, located about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Nevada. Construction started in 1931 and was finished in 1935, more than two years ahead of schedule. The dam, also known as Boulder Dam and the power plant are run by the Bureau of Reclamation of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Hoover Dam, was named one of the Top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20th Century, and this landmark continues to draw tourists more than 70 years after it was built. Seeing this superb, enormous man made structure creates an admiration for man's accomplishments. The need to employ nature's power drove the human mind and body to construct the Hoover Dam in the hottest, most arid region of the United States. In doing so, the seasonal flooding of the Colorado River was eradicated and millions of people now have drinking water and irrigation during the dry season. Two tours of the Hoover Dam are offered and they are well worth the money and the time spent. For just $11.00 per person (children and seniors get discounts) is the Hoover Dam Power Plant Tour. The tour is divided into a few components at many locations. The tour arrangement allows guests to choose which specific locations they want to see and the entire tour normally lasts around two hours. The other Hoover Dam tour option is referred to as the new Dam Tour. This particular tour is still in a test period and subject to change. It is a bit more expansive at $30 per person but visitors can enjoy all the options of the Power Plant Tour (including access to the visitor's center, observation deck and the Hoover Dam exhibit building), as well get to experience a unique and personal tour of the dam itself. |