Hoover Dam is 726.4 feet high, 1,244 feet long, 660 feet thick at the base, and 45 feet thick at
the crest. It weighs 6,600,000 tons and contains 3,250,000 cubic yards of concrete. Two
spillways, one on each side of the canyon, protect the dam and powerhouse from overflow
and are each large enough to float the greatest battleship. They have a channel height equal
to a 10-story building.
The Discovery Tour is self-guided and includes six stops. Each stop has a 10-minute presentation, given every 15 minutes throughout the day. The stops are:
• A Reclamation Guide tells about the history of Hoover Dam, its construction and how the workers lived and built this world-renowned structure.
• An elevator ride takes you down 506 feet through solid rock to the powerhouse. A Reclamation Guide gives a presentation of the powerhouse. Photos are allowed of the powerhouse and the massive turbines and generators (this portion is guided). The presentation on the Generator Balcony is not recommended for those who suffer from claustrophobia or have a pacemaker or defibrillator.
• The exhibit hall includes a historic film on Hoover Dam and information on the desert and surrounding climate, including a real dimensional desert exhibit.
• A presentation on the Visitor Center Observation Deck, 800 feet above the Colorado River gives a great view of the dam.
• A presentation at the Winged Figure Statues of the Republic, which discusses the artist of the statues and the art deco of Hoover Dam.
• Entrance to the Old Exhibit building, where you will find a topographical model of the Colorado River displaying all the dams along the river .
• A presentation just outside the Old Exhibit Building on the Intake Towers.
The exhibit gallery displays original artwork of Reclamation projects. Several sculptures, commisioned by the Bureau
of Reclamation, can be seen outside on the Nevada side of the dam. An observation deck is located on the upper
floor of this level accessible by stairs and elevator. Concession facilities are located outside on both the Nevada and
Arizona side of the dam.
