Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum
Discover the human stories behind the Hoover Dam's construction and Boulder City's origins at this free, informative museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Always open, no crowds
Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum
Best Time
Always open, no crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the human stories behind the Hoover Dam's construction and Boulder City's origins at this free, informative museum.
"A great little museum that everyone who is visiting Boulder City should see. "
🎯 Free Admission!
This museum is completely free to enter, making it a budget-friendly stop.
🏨 Stay at the Hotel
The museum is inside the historic Boulder Dam Hotel, which offers stays and has a cafe/speakeasy.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Worker Stories
Inside the museum
Personal accounts and artifacts bring to life the challenges and triumphs of the dam's builders.
Historic Boulder Dam Hotel
Museum entrance
Explore the beautiful, historic hotel that houses the museum, a piece of Boulder City's past itself.
Construction Artifacts
Throughout the museum
See tools, photographs, and documents detailing the monumental effort of building the dam.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big History
+1Combine with Dam Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
This museum is completely free to enter, making it a budget-friendly stop. +1
🏨 Stay at the Hotel
The museum is inside the historic Boulder Dam Hotel, which offers stays and has a cafe/speakeasy.
🕰️ Complement Your Dam Tour
Visit after your Hoover Dam tour for deeper context on the workers' lives.
📸 Collect Souvenirs
Look for unique penny press souvenirs featuring vintage postcards.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
This museum is completely free to enter, making it a budget-friendly stop. +1
🏨 Stay at the Hotel
The museum is inside the historic Boulder Dam Hotel, which offers stays and has a cafe/speakeasy.
🕰️ Complement Your Dam Tour
Visit after your Hoover Dam tour for deeper context on the workers' lives.
📸 Collect Souvenirs
Look for unique penny press souvenirs featuring vintage postcards.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum for its free admission and informative exhibits, particularly highlighting the personal stories of the dam's construction workers. While some find certain sections a bit repetitive or still in development, most agree it's a worthwhile and well-done stop for anyone visiting Boulder City or the Hoover Dam.
"A must-see museum in Boulder City after our Hoover Dam visit! We only had time for a quick Hoover Dam walk and not enough time for a full tour on our way from Sedona --> Las Vegas, but from our Cornish Pasty stop I saw the historic building and museum from across the street and we decided to head in.
It is a FREE, self guided museum (and I believe they have paid guided tours by appointment/advance notice). Again, this FREE museum had quite a number of exhibit rooms which told the history of both the Hoover Dam construction and Boulder City. The documentary video at the end covering the construction of the Dam was amazing; really put into perspective the sheer size and daunting task to dam the Colorado River.
The museum is within the historic hotel, just a couple steps up and left of the main entrance. We initially thought it was closed seeing the caution tape from a distance down the main hallway (looks straight out of the Shining), but luckily for us it was a part of the museum.
Do consider donating even a small amount to the museum. The fact that it is so detailed, well-made, and still FREE to walk through is simply wonderful for anyone and everyone to visit."
Jonathan Reed
"The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is the unbearable heat! Went the end of September and temps were still extremely high.
They do offer free refills for water bottles which was a lifesaver! Be aware that it costs $15 per person for the official tour AND it requires a screening similar to boarding a plane. If you don't want to lose your favorite pocket knife, don't take it!!!
Tours are beneath the structure, inside, and wonderfully air conditioned. It really is an engineering marvel and a work project that helped Americans when they needed it most."
Lynette Kern
"Found this place on Maps after visiting the Hoover Dam later in the day after the official visitor's center had closed. It is tucked into the back of the Boulder Dam Hotel; you have to enter the hotel lobby and walk up the short flight of stairs as you enter, turn left, and walk to the end of the long hallway.
Extremely well done mini museum. There were no staff or other visitors present when I visited on a Thursday afternoon. Lots of small exhibits talking about the workers, the tools and methods used to build the dam, and how Boulder City came to be. Well worth a quick visit. Took me about 45 minutes to go through it."
Joe Finch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Boulder City, Nevada, about a 30-minute drive southeast of Las Vegas. It's situated within the historic Boulder Dam Hotel at 1305 Arizona St.
Yes, street parking is generally available in Boulder City, especially on weekdays.
Absolutely! Many visitors find it's a great way to enhance their understanding of the dam's construction after a tour.
Driving is the most convenient. You can also consider ride-sharing services.
Public transport options are limited; driving is highly recommended for flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the museum is completely FREE! +2
The museum is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM, year-round.
No advance booking is required as admission is free and it's open to the public.
Yes, it's considered great for the whole family, with informative exhibits and some hands-on activities.
No, it's a separate museum located in Boulder City, though it complements the dam experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find photographs, artifacts, personal accounts, and exhibits detailing the construction of the Hoover Dam and Boulder City.
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the exhibits.
Yes, the museum includes some hands-on activities suitable for families.
Yes, there is a gift shop on the side where you can find souvenirs.
It's a beautiful, historic hotel that houses the museum. It also offers rooms for stays and has a cafe and speakeasy.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed, but it's always best to check for any specific signage or ask staff.
The historic hotel architecture and the vintage postcard-themed penny press machines are great for photos.
While not explicitly stated, avoid flash photography that might disturb other visitors or damage exhibits.
The Hoover Dam offers numerous viewpoints, including the Historic Railroad Trail and the dam's walkways. +1
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a walk around the historic Boulder Dam Hotel, and consider exploring other family-friendly spots in Boulder City like the Railroad Museum, especially if they have themed events like the Halloween Express train.
💰 Budget Travelers
+2 It offers significant historical value without costing a dime, making it an excellent addition to any itinerary. Pair your free museum visit with exploring the charming streets of Boulder City, which offers a more relaxed and affordable atmosphere than Las Vegas.
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss exploring the Boulder Dam Hotel, a historic landmark in its own right, and consider visiting the nearby Railroad Museum for further insights into the region's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Human Side of Engineering
The museum highlights the unique history of Boulder City itself, which was built as a temporary company town to house the thousands of workers. Understanding this context adds another layer to the experience, showing how the dam project shaped the very landscape and community around it.
This focus on the human element makes the museum particularly engaging, offering a more intimate perspective than just viewing the dam itself. It's a chance to connect with the history on a personal level.
Exploring Boulder City
For those interested in quirky attractions, Tom Devlin's Monster Museum is a popular stop, featuring props from horror movies.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the trails around Lake Mead, such as the Historic Railroad Trail, which offers scenic views and leads towards the Hoover Dam.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit