Hoover Dam 

Hoover Dam is one of America's Civil Engineering Wonders. This mammoth project tamed the waters of the Colorado River and permitted the growth of the southwest states. The Dam straddles Black Canyon which you can see far below the road that tops the dam.  On the other side of the dam, is the Lake Mead.  This  National Recreation Area is alive with boats and people enjoying the warm waters on many summer days. As you walk across the Dam, you observe the rugged volcanic mountains of Nevada and Arizona. Hoover Dam has a very popular tour through the dam itself including its power plant. There is a parking garage with easy access to the Dam tour. The garage includes a snack stand and gift shop. Hoover Dam is located a half hour south of Vegas near the Boulder City suburb take US 93 from Las Vegas.