Visit the Hoover Dam Museum in Boulder City

Besides the Hoover Dam, another landmark that captures the spirit of this construction is the Hoover Dam Museum located in Boulder City. It showcases the stories, artifacts, and lives of the men and women who built the dam, preserving the grit, ingenuity, and community that shaped Southern Nevada.

How to access the Hoover Dam Museum in Boulder City?

The Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum is situated within the historic Boulder Dam Hotel, located in Boulder City, and was built to accommodate visiting officials and tourists during the dam’s construction. It's approximately a 30-minute drive southeast from Hoover Dam and about 10 minutes from Lake Mead.

Note: Access to the museum is free and does not require a ticket.

Hoover Dam Museum in a nutshell

The Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the workers who built the Hoover Dam during the Great Depression. It features exhibits with photographs, artifacts, and oral histories that tell the story of the Boulder Canyon Project and the community that supported it.

Things to know before visiting the museum

Entry to the museum is free; a visit is included with all Hoover Dam tours, except aerial tours and combo tours.
The museum is open daily from 7am–7pm.

What to do inside the museum

Permanent Exhibit: The Boulder Canyon Project

The museum's permanent exhibit delves into the lives of the men and women who constructed Hoover Dam and established Boulder City during the Great Depression. Through photographs, artifacts, and oral histories, visitors gain insight into the project's complexity, dangers, and the social and economic forces of the era. This exhibit paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those who braved the desolate Nevada desert to bring this monumental project to fruition.

Boulder Dam Hotel

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Boulder Dam Hotel offers an authentic historical experience. Built in 1933 to accommodate officials and visitors to the Hoover Dam construction project, the hotel features original masonry, gum wood paneling, and chandeliers. Today, it continues to serve as a hub for tourists and locals alike, providing a glimpse into the past while supporting the museum's exhibits and programs.

Teddy Fenton House

Located on Avenue C, the Teddy Fenton House was one of the first single-family homes constructed by Six Companies for their employees. According to the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, this house "retains its original form and massing, and most of the historic fabric retains its integrity of location, design, feeling, association, and setting." Plans are underway to rehabilitate this historically significant structure and apply for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Walking Tour

The Boulder City Museum and Historical Association has produced an audio walking tour of the Boulder City Historic District. Tourists can now use their smartphones to listen to historical information at each of the 11 stops along a route through historic Boulder City. This self-guided tour expands the museum’s vision and educational objectives to the broader community, offering a deeper understanding of the town's rich history.

Educational Outreach

The museum offers a range of educational programs designed to accommodate students of all ages. These include supervised visits to the Children’s Activity Room, off-site programs, and guided tours of the permanent exhibit. All programs provide a historical and social context for the construction of the Hoover Dam and the founding of Boulder City, enriching the learning experience for young minds.

Collections

The museum's archives are housed on the ground level of the Boulder Dam Hotel, accessible to researchers for various purposes. Recognized as national treasures by Save America’s Treasures and the National Park Service, the collections include over 13,000 photographs, more than 9,000 biographical and subject files, a 600-book research library, and over 3,500 three-dimensional artifacts. These materials serve as invaluable resources for scholars and enthusiasts alike, preserving the history of the Hoover Dam and Boulder City.

Historical and cultural significance of the Hoover Dam Museum

The museum plays a crucial role in preserving the history of the Boulder Canyon Project and the Hoover Dam. It highlights the social and economic forces surrounding the 1929 Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression, which led thousands of unemployed citizens to work on the dam. Through its exhibits, the museum honors the contributions of the workers and their families who braved the isolation of the Nevada desert to build this monumental structure.

Explore Boulder City

Places to eat

The Coffee Cup Cafe

Cozy retro diner known for classic breakfasts and hearty fare. It's an excellent stop after touring Hoover Dam.
Must-try: Chile Verde with eggs and griddled potatoes

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Boulder Dam Brewing Co.

Local brewpub with craft beers, a laid-back vibe, and historic mining and dam-era decor. Perfect for unwinding with a pint.
Must-try: Their house amber ale and a pub-style burger

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Southwest Diner

Homestyle American comfort food—think meatloaf, pot roast, and breakfast plates, served with warm, small-town charm.
Must-try: Pot roast dinner with sides

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Places to shop

Boulder City Art Guild & Gallery

Local art space featuring works by Southern Nevada artists — paintings, ceramics, photography capturing the desert and dam region.

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Local activities & attractions

Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Park

Thrill-seekers and nature lovers will enjoy this world-renowned biking spot just outside town, offering cross-country and downhill trails with desert-scenic rides.

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Nevada State Railroad Museum Boulder City

Ride historic trains along the original Boulder Branch line built to service Hoover Dam. Great for families and history buffs alike.

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Hemenway Valley Park

A pleasant public park where desert wildlife such as bighorn sheep may be spotted at dawn or dusk, offering an unexpected encounter with nature.

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Frequently asked questions about Hoover Dam Museum, Boulder City

How much time can I spend at the Hoover Dam Museum?

Visitors typically spend 30 to 60 minutes exploring the permanent exhibits and archival displays. You can linger longer if you'd like to read all the plaques or enjoy the complimentary audio walking tour.

Is entry included with all Hoover Dam tours?

Yes, the museum visit is included with the VIP Tour , the Highlights Tour , and the Raft Tour . Only the aerial tours and combo tours with the Grand Canyon don’t include the museum visit.

Where can I buy tickets to the Hoover Dam Museum in Boulder City?

Entry to the museum is free, so tickets are not required. Donations are appreciated to support the museum’s exhibits and programs.

Is the museum worth it?

Yes, it definitely is. It offers a unique perspective on the Hoover Dam’s construction and Boulder City’s history. Exhibits include photographs, artifacts, and oral histories that bring the era to life.

Can I visit both the dam and the museum in one day?

Absolutely. The museum is about a 30-minute drive from the Hoover Dam. You can plan a combined trip to see both attractions in a single day.

Is the museum suitable for kids?

Yes, the museum offers educational programs and interactive exhibits suitable for children.