The Discovery Tour replaced the traditional and hard hat tours previously conducted in the power house. The new tour provides visitors more information on the dam than ever before.

The Discovery Tour is a way to see, learn and appreciate what Hoover Dam is all about. This self-paced tour was created to meet the public interest in visiting the dam and provide 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 separate locations, within the visitor facilities and various locations on top of the Dam. A ticket is required to explore the Tour Center and Dam exhibits.

While those of you visiting Hoover Dam in the past may remember our traditional and hard hat tours, we think you will find this new leisurely way of discovering the dam to be educational, informative, and a pleasant way to enjoy this national landmark. New information not previously included in our previous tours has been added to make this a memorable experience even for those that may have visited us before. It takes about two hours to see all there is as you discover Hoover Dam.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO ON THE DISCOVERY TOUR

Tour Center Presentations and Exhibits

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

• Theater One: "How the West was Won": This presentation describes the contribution of the Bureau of Reclamation in taming the rivers, making the desert bloom, and its contribution in helping grow 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 the 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.

• The Exhibit Gallery: Located on the plaza level of the Tour Center, these exhibits highlight some of the natural history of the region and present a picture of how Hoover Dam operated in the past and the present. 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 taking in 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 Tour Center. A talk 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 statues.

• 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 4:45 p.m.

• Restrooms are located on level 1 of the garage, the theater level, next to the Exhibit Gallery , adjacent to the Old Exhibit Building, and on top of the dam.

Hours of Operation:

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 4:45 p.m.

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

Last Reviewed: 9/2/2004