Article Summary: Las Vegas Landmarks
Las Vegas Landmarks. More Than Just Parks has 15 incredible must-see sites for you to visit.
There’s so much more to this exciting place than the MGM Grand Hotel. In this article, we’ll familiarize you with the incredible landmarks located in Las Vegas.
We’ve got incredible places, iconic memorials, fascinating museums, epic monuments and so much more.
We’re going to give you our list of the Top 15 Landmarks In Las Vegas.
So, What Is A Landmark?
Well, it’s a place of “a special character or special historical or aesthetic interest or value as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of a city, state, or nation.”
Why visit these places? Because landmarks connect us to the past. Through visiting these wonderful places where history occurred we find our roots. It allows us to feel like we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves.
And, speaking of history, did I mention that I taught the subject? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind many of these amazing sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the fascinating stories of these places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!
So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
Table Of Contents
Las Vegas Landmarks
Some Fascinating Facts About Sin City
- Las Vegas is the largest city in the state of Nevada, with a population of over 650,000 people.
- The city is known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” with a multitude of casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues.
- The famous Las Vegas Strip is a 4.2-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard that is home to some of the world’s most famous hotels and casinos.
- Las Vegas is home to more AAA Five Diamond hotels than any other city in the world.
- The city is also known for its wedding industry, with an average of 300 weddings taking place every day.
- Las Vegas is surrounded by several natural wonders, including the Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, and Valley of Fire State Park.
- The iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign was designed by Betty Willis in 1959 and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since.
- The city is home to the world’s largest gold nugget, which weighs in at 61 pounds and is worth an estimated $3 million.
- Las Vegas has a monorail system that runs along the Strip, providing an easy way to get around the city.
- The city’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, with over 42 million visitors to Las Vegas every year.
We’ve Got 15 Fabulous Reasons For You To Take Your Next Trip To Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city, known primarily for its gambling, shopping, fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife. The Las Vegas Valley as a whole serves as the leading financial, commercial, and cultural center for Nevada.
The city also has some amazing landmarks. More Than Just Parks has compiled our list of what we consider to be 15 of the best landmarks that the city has to offer. And we’re kicking off that list at #15 with the MGM Grand Lion.
Top 15 Las Vegas Landmarks
15. MGM Grand Lion
Now folks, this is one lion that you don’t have to worry about. The MGM Grand Lion is a giant bronze statue of a lion located at the entrance of the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The statue stands 45 feet tall and weighs over 50 tons, making it one of the largest bronze sculptures in the world.
The lion statue was designed by sculptor Claude Baruk and installed in 1997 as part of a $1 billion renovation of the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. The lion is depicted standing on its hind legs with its mouth open, roaring ferociously, and it is designed to represent the power and strength of the MGM brand.
The lion’s head is made up of 53 individually cast bronze pieces, and the rest of the body is made up of a steel frame covered with bronze plates. The statue is illuminated at night, making it an iconic Las Vegas landmark that can be seen from miles away.
Visitors to the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino can take photos with the lion statue and even walk through its mouth into the casino. The MGM Grand Lion has become one of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
14. Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort
Our next Las Vegas landmark the first permanent, non-native settlement in the Las Vegas Valley, features the historic remains of an adobe fort built by Mormon missionaries along a spring-fed creek in 1855.
At #14 on our list of the Best Las Vegas Landmarks is the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort.
The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort is the oldest building in Las Vegas. It’s a historic site that has been preserved and turned into a museum. It was built in 1855 by a group of Mormon missionaries led by William Bringhurst, who were sent to the area to establish a mission.
The fort was built as a place for the missionaries to live and work, and it also served as a trading post and a place of refuge for travelers passing through the area. The fort was constructed using adobe bricks made from the nearby Las Vegas Wash and was designed to be both functional and protective.
The Mormon War
In 1857, tensions between the Mormons and the local Paiute tribe led to a conflict known as the “Mormon War,” and the missionaries were forced to abandon the fort and leave the area. The fort was eventually purchased by a non-Mormon businessman named Archibald Stewart, who used it as a ranch and a way station for travelers.
Over the years, the fort changed hands several times and was used for a variety of purposes, including as a military outpost during the Civil War and as a saloon and casino in the early 1900s. In the 1930s, the fort was designated as a state park, and efforts were made to restore and preserve the historic site.
Today, visitors to the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort can take guided tours of the restored buildings, which include the original fort, a visitor center, and a museum showcasing the history of the fort and the surrounding area. The site is a testament to the early pioneers who settled in the Las Vegas Valley and the rich history of the region.
13. Luxor Sphinx
Our next Las Vegas landmark is hard to miss if you’re traveling through the city. In fact, it’s an ominous black pyramid of the Luxor Casino-Hotel is the largest in America: 36 stories tall. The only reason it wasn’t built taller than the Great Pyramid of Giza is that it stands opposite the Las Vegas International Airport.
At #13 on our list of the Best Las Vegas Landmarks is the Luxor Sphinx. It was built in 1993 as part of the construction of the Luxor Hotel and Casino and has become a popular landmark in Las Vegas.
The original Great Sphinx of Giza was built over 4,500 years ago and is located in Egypt. It is a massive limestone statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion, and it is one of the oldest and most recognizable monuments in the world.
The Luxor Sphinx is a replica of the Great Sphinx of Giza and is made of reinforced concrete and stucco. It stands 110 feet tall and is 240 feet long, making it one of the largest statues in Las Vegas. The statue is situated at the entrance of the Luxor Hotel and Casino, and visitors can walk around and take photos with it.
The Luxor Sphinx was designed to be a symbol of the Luxor Hotel and Casino’s Egyptian theme, which includes a pyramid-shaped hotel tower and an interior decorated with hieroglyphics and Egyptian artifacts.
The Luxor Hotel and Casino was built at a cost of over $1 billion and opened in 1993, and the Luxor Sphinx was one of the many attractions that helped make it a popular destination for tourists.
12. Seven Magic Mountains
Our next Las Vegas landmark is for art lovers. It strengthens Nevada’s identity as a place that celebrates and supports the work of interesting artists, and draws attention to Las Vegas as it evolves into a city also known for the arts.
At #12 on our list of the Best Las Vegas Landmarks is the Seven Magic Mountains.
The Seven Magic Mountains is a unique public art installation located in the desert near Las Vegas, Nevada. The installation was created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone and officially opened in May 2016.
The installation consists of seven towering stacks of brightly colored, locally-sourced boulders, each weighing up to 40,000 pounds. The boulders are painted in fluorescent hues, including pinks, oranges, yellows, and blues, and are arranged in a cluster rising up to 30 feet high. The vivid colors create a striking contrast against the natural desert landscape, making the installation a popular spot for tourists and photographers.
The Seven Magic Mountains are meant to evoke the simultaneous contrast of natural and artificial, as well as the contradiction between the geological time scale of the desert landscape and the man-made development of Las Vegas. The installation is intended to be a temporary fixture and is set to remain on view for two years.
The installation is located just off Interstate 15, about 10 miles south of Las Vegas. Visitors can park in a designated lot and walk a short distance to reach the installation. Admission is free, and the site is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
11. The Neon Museum
Our next Las Vegas landmark is dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment. At #11 on our list of the Best Las Vegas Landmarks is The Neon Museum.
The museum’s collection includes more than 200 vintage neon signs, some of which date back to the 1930s. The signs were salvaged from various hotels, casinos, and other businesses that were either demolished or renovated over the years. The signs are considered works of art and are famous for their colorful and intricate designs, which reflect the glamour and excitement of the city’s past.
The museum’s main attraction is the Neon Boneyard, an outdoor exhibition area where many of the restored signs are displayed. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history and significance of each sign, as well as the technology and craftsmanship involved in creating them.
In addition to the Neon Boneyard, the museum also features several indoor galleries that showcase smaller neon signs, as well as other artifacts and memorabilia related to the history of Las Vegas.
The Neon Museum is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations and grants to support its operations. It is open to the public every day, except for major holidays, and offers a variety of tours and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
Las Vegas Boneyard | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Top 10 Las Vegas Landmarks
10. Paris Hotel Eiffel Tower
We’re on to our Top 10 Las Vegas landmarks. Have you ever wanted to visit the Eiffel Tower, but don’t want to spend the money on a transatlantic flight? Well, you’re in luck. Our next Las Vegas landmark is an amazing reproduction of the famous tower.
At #10 on our list of the Best Las Vegas Landmarks is the Paris Hotel Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower replica at the Paris Hotel stands at 46 stories tall and is approximately half the size of the original tower in Paris. It is made of steel and features an elevator that takes visitors up to an observation deck located 460 feet above the ground. From the observation deck, visitors can take in stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding area.
The Paris Hotel itself is designed to resemble the streets and architecture of Paris, complete with replicas of famous landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and the Paris Opera House.
The hotel features more than 2,900 guest rooms, a casino, numerous restaurants, and a variety of entertainment options, including the popular “Le Cabaret” show.
9. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden
Our next Las Vegas landmark is a stunning indoor garden located within the Bellagio Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. At #9 on our list of the Best Las Vegas Landmarks is the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden.
The conservatory covers over 14,000 square feet and is home to thousands of plants and flowers from around the world. The displays are changed five times a year, to reflect the changing seasons and to celebrate various holidays and cultural events.
Visitors to the conservatory can expect to see an incredible array of flowers, including roses, orchids, lilies, and dahlias. There are also numerous trees, including cherry blossom, ficus, and citrus trees, as well as colorful topiaries and water features.
In addition to the botanical displays, the Bellagio Conservatory also features a variety of artistic and cultural exhibits, including sculptures, paintings, and other works of art. These displays are designed to complement the seasonal garden displays and to create a fully immersive and engaging experience for visitors.
8. Smith Center for the Performing Arts
Our next Las Vegas landmark is your Las Vegas home for the Best of Broadway. At #8 on our list of the Best Las Vegas Landmarks is the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is a world-class performing arts venue located in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. The center opened in 2012 and was designed to be a cultural hub for the city, featuring a variety of performance spaces and hosting a wide range of shows and events.
The Smith Center is housed in a stunning building that was designed to blend in with the historic architecture of downtown Las Vegas. The center features three main performance spaces: Reynolds Hall, Myron’s Cabaret Jazz, and the Troesh Studio Theater.
Reynolds Hall is the largest of the three spaces, with seating for over 2,000 people. It is designed for large-scale productions, such as Broadway shows, ballets, and orchestral performances. Myron’s Cabaret Jazz is a more intimate space, with seating for up to 240 people. It is designed for cabaret-style performances, including jazz, blues, and other musical genres. The Troesh Studio Theater is a smaller space, designed for experimental theater, dance, and other performances.
In addition to its performance spaces, the Smith Center also features a variety of other amenities, including an outdoor plaza, a cafe, and a gift shop. The center is also home to several resident companies, including the Las Vegas Philharmonic, the Nevada Ballet Theatre, and the Broadway in Las Vegas series.
Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Las Vegas | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
7. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
If you love nature then have no fear because we haven’t forgotten about you. In marked contrast to a town geared to entertainment and gaming, Red Rock offers enticements of a different nature including a 13-mile scenic drive, miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, road biking, picnic areas, nature observing and visitor center with indoor and outdoor exhibits.
At #7 on our list of the Best Las Vegas Landmarks is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a stunning natural wonder located just west of Las Vegas, Nevada. The conservation area spans over 195,000 acres and features a variety of geological formations, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints.
The most notable feature of the Red Rock Canyon area is its towering red sandstone cliffs, which are the result of millions of years of geological activity. These cliffs provide a stunning backdrop for the numerous hiking trails that wind through the area, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes for experienced hikers.
The conservation area is also home to a variety of desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and numerous species of birds. Visitors can explore the area on foot, by bike, or by car, with several scenic drives that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Red Rock Canyon area also features several amenities for visitors, including a visitor center, a gift shop, and a cafe. The area is open year-round, with several seasonal events and guided tours available throughout the year.
6. Mob Museum
Our next Las Vegas landmark is an immersive experience exploring the ongoing power struggle between organized crime and law enforcement from the Mob’s origination to today. At #6 on our list of the Best Las Vegas Landmarks is the Mob Museum.
The Mob Museum, also known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, is located in downtown Las Vegas and is dedicated to the history and impact of organized crime in the United States, as well as the efforts of law enforcement to combat it.
The museum is housed in the historic former federal courthouse and U.S. Post Office building, which was the site of one of the Kefauver Committee hearings in 1950. The Kefauver hearings were a series of nationally televised hearings that investigated organized crime and its connections to politics, labor unions, and other aspects of American society.
The Mob Museum features a variety of exhibits and displays that explore the history of organized crime in America, including the rise of the Mafia, the Prohibition era, and the era of gangsters like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano. The museum also highlights the efforts of law enforcement to combat organized crime, including the work of the FBI and other agencies.
Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, watch documentary films, and view artifacts such as weapons, photographs, and documents related to organized crime and law enforcement. The museum also features a number of immersive experiences, including a simulated FBI weapons training experience and an interactive crime lab.
Wall of Mobsters at the Mob Museum | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
A Short History Of Organized Crime In Las Vegas
Did you know that organized crime played a significant role in the creation and development of Las Vegas as a gambling and entertainment destination in the mid-20th century?
In the 1940s and 1950s, Las Vegas was a small desert town with a few casinos and hotels. However, with the post-World War II economic boom and the increasing popularity of gambling, Las Vegas began to attract more visitors and investment.
Organized crime figures saw an opportunity to profit from the burgeoning gambling industry and began investing in Las Vegas casinos. They provided the funding and muscle needed to build and operate the casinos, and often had hidden ownership stakes in them. Some of the most famous mobsters involved in the early days of Las Vegas included Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, and Frank Costello.
Organized crime also helped to protect Las Vegas casinos from outside interference, such as law enforcement or rival gangs. This allowed the casinos to operate with a level of impunity and secrecy that would have been difficult otherwise.
Despite efforts by law enforcement to crack down on organized crime in Las Vegas, it continued to play a significant role in the city’s development throughout the 1950s and 1960s. However, by the 1970s, the government’s efforts to combat organized crime began to have an impact, and many of the mobsters who had dominated the Las Vegas casino scene were forced to flee or face prosecution.
Today, while organized crime is still present in Las Vegas, it plays a much smaller role in the city’s economy and development.
Top 5 Las Vegas Landmarks
5. Bellagio Fountains
We’re on to our Top 5 Las Vegas landmarks. At #5 is an attraction that was built for $40 million. It has appeared in numerous films. It is a signature attraction for Las Vegas, and one of the most photographed places in the United States. Welcome to the famous Bellagio Fountains!
The idea for the Bellagio Fountains was conceived in the early 1990s, when Steve Wynn, the former owner of the Bellagio, wanted to create an attraction that would rival the iconic Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas hotel. He envisioned a water and light show that would be both impressive and entertaining for visitors.
To bring this vision to life, Wynn hired WET Design, a company known for creating innovative water features. The team of engineers and designers began work on the fountains in 1996, and the project took two years to complete.
The fountains were officially opened to the public in October 1998, and their first show was set to the song “Luck Be a Lady” from the musical “Guys and Dolls”. The fountains quickly became a sensation, drawing crowds of people to watch the water dance and move in time with the music.
The Bellagio Fountains & Oceans 11
The Bellagio Fountains played a prominent role in the 2001 heist film “Ocean’s Eleven”. The movie was directed by Steven Soderbergh and starred George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon, among others.
In the film, the main characters plan to rob the Bellagio Casino, which is located across the street from the fountains. The fountains are featured in several scenes, including the iconic opening sequence where Danny Ocean (played by Clooney) watches the fountains while smoking a cigarette.
Later in the film, the fountains play a crucial role in the heist. The characters use the fountains as a distraction while they steal money from the casino’s vault. They set off a series of explosives to create a diversion, causing the fountains to erupt in a spectacular display of water and light.
The use of the Bellagio Fountains in “Ocean’s Eleven” helped to cement their status as one of the most iconic and recognizable attractions in Las Vegas. The film also helped to increase the popularity of the Bellagio and its casino, as well as drawing attention to the broader Las Vegas entertainment scene.
Today, the Bellagio Fountains continue to draw crowds of people from all over the world, with shows taking place every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day and evening. The fountains are now considered one of the most iconic and beloved attractions in Las Vegas, and have played a major role in making the Bellagio one of the most popular hotels and casinos on the Strip.
4. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
Our next Las Vegas landmark is an iconic sign on the outskirts of the city, welcoming visitors with its neon lights and retro look. Featured in numerous movies, commercials, and photos, it’s a popular destination for visitors and is open to the public 24 hours a day.
At #4 on our list of the Best Las Vegas Landmarks is the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign.
The idea for the sign came from Ted Rogich, a local salesman who saw a need for a welcoming landmark for visitors arriving in Las Vegas. He approached Clark County Commission Chairman, Bill Clark, with his idea and Clark agreed to provide the necessary funding.
It Was A Departure From Neon Signs Of The Day
Betty Willis, a graphic designer, was commissioned to design the sign. She came up with the concept of a diamond shape with the words “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” in bold, stylized letters. The design was a departure from the neon signs that were prevalent in Las Vegas at the time.
The sign was constructed by Western Neon, a local sign company. It stands 25 feet tall and is illuminated by thousands of neon lights. The design has remained largely unchanged since its construction, with the exception of minor modifications made to improve its durability and visibility.
Over the years, the sign has become an iconic symbol of Las Vegas and is recognized around the world. It has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and other media, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
In 2009, the sign was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance as a cultural and historical landmark. Today, the sign is owned by Clark County and is maintained by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Welcome to Las Vegas Sign | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
3. Stratosphere Tower
We’re down to our final three Las Vegas landmarks. Our next site is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States and a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Las Vegas. It offers multiple observation decks that provide stunning views of the city and the surrounding desert landscape.
At #3 on our list of the Best Las Vegas Landmarks is the Stratosphere Tower.
The tower was completed in 1996 and was part of a $550 million project that included a casino, hotel, and amusement park. The tower itself contains a restaurant, observation deck, and several thrill rides.
The observation deck, located on the 108th floor, offers panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding area. The restaurant, called “Top of the World”, is located on the 106th floor and features 360-degree views of the city.
The tower also features several thrill rides, including the Big Shot, which propels riders 160 feet into the air at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, the X-Scream, which tilts riders over the edge of the tower, and the Insanity, which spins riders in a circular motion while they hang over the edge of the tower.
In addition to the observation deck and attractions, the Stratosphere Tower also offers a variety of amenities, including a hotel, casino, and several restaurants and bars.
The Stratosphere Tower has become a popular tourist destination in Las Vegas, known for its breathtaking views and thrilling attractions. It has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and other media, and has become an iconic symbol of the Las Vegas skyline.
2. Atomic Museum
We think that you’re going to have a blast at our next site (pun intended). At #2 on our list of the Best Las Vegas Landmarks is the Atomic Museum.
Atomic Testing In Nevada
The history of atomic testing in Nevada dates back to the early years of the Cold War, when the United States began developing nuclear weapons. In 1951, the U.S. government selected a site in Nevada for its nuclear testing program, which was known as the Nevada Test Site.
The first nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site occurred on January 27, 1951, and was code-named Able. Over the next four decades, the U.S. government conducted over 900 nuclear tests at the site, making it one of the most heavily tested areas in the world. The majority of the tests were atmospheric, which means that they were conducted above ground.
The testing program had several objectives, including the development of more powerful nuclear weapons, the testing of the effects of nuclear weapons on military equipment and structures, and the evaluation of the effects of nuclear weapons on human populations and the environment.
The Tests Had A Significant Impact On The Surrounding Area
The nuclear tests had a significant impact on the surrounding area, as well as on the people who lived there. The radiation from the tests contaminated the soil, water, and air, and caused health problems for many people who were exposed to it.
Public concern over the health effects of the testing program led to increased scrutiny and eventually to a partial ban on atmospheric nuclear testing. In 1992, the U.S. government signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which prohibited all nuclear testing, including underground testing.
Today, the Nevada Test Site is no longer used for nuclear testing. It has been renamed the Nevada National Security Site and is used for research, training, and other activities related to national security.
The site is also home to several historic nuclear test sites, which are open to the public and provide insight into the history of atomic testing in Nevada.
The National Atomic Testing Museum
The National Atomic Testing Museum is a museum located in Las Vegas, Nevada that documents the history of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site, which is located about 65 miles northwest of the city.
The museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, and it offers a wide range of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that tell the story of nuclear testing in the United States.
The museum covers the history of the Nevada Test Site, from the first nuclear tests in the 1950s to the present day. Visitors can learn about the science and technology of nuclear testing, as well as the political and social context in which the tests took place.
It also covers the impact of nuclear testing on the environment and the health of the people who lived and worked at the test site.
Learn About The History Of The Cold War
The museum features a number of exhibits, including a replica of an underground nuclear test tunnel, a section of a missile silo, and a replica of a control room used to monitor nuclear tests.
The museum also has a collection of artifacts and photographs that document the history of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site.
Visitors can also learn about the Cold War, the development of atomic weapons, the arms race, and the impact of nuclear testing on the environment and people’s health.
The museum also features a number of interactive displays and educational programs that are designed to engage visitors and help them understand the history and science of nuclear testing.
1. Hoover Dam
As the #1 Las Vegas Landmark, More Than Just Parks has selected Hoover Dam.
It was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression. It was dedicated on September 30, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Its construction was the result of a massive effort involving thousands of workers, and cost over one hundred lives.
The largest dam in the world at the time of its completion in 1935, this National Historic Landmark stores enough water in Lake Mead to irrigate 2 million acres and serves as a popular tourist destination.
A Short History Of The Hoover Dam
Originally named the Boulder Canyon Project, after the original proposed site, the dam would not only control flooding and irrigation, it would generate and sell hydroelectric power to recoup its costs.
It was Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover who negotiated the agreement to divide the water proportionally among seven states.
The first difficult step of construction involved blasting the canyon walls to create four diversion tunnels for the water. Facing strict time deadlines, workers toiled in 140-degree tunnels choked with carbon monoxide and dust, conditions that prompted a six-day strike in August 1931.
The second step of involved the clearing of the walls that would contain the dam. Suspended from heights of up to 800 feet above the canyon floor, high scalers wielded 44-pound jackhammers and metal poles to knock loose material, a treacherous task that resulted in casualties from falling workers, equipment and rocks.
The final block of concrete was poured and topped off at 726 feet above the canyon floor in 1935. On September 30, a crowd of 20,000 people watched President Franklin Roosevelt commemorate the magnificent structure’s completion. (Source: History)
Things To Do At The Hoover Dam
Here are some things to do at Hoover Dam:
- Take a guided tour: Visitors can take a guided tour of the Hoover Dam to learn about its history, construction, and operation. There are several tour options available, including the Powerplant Tour, the Dam Tour, and the Hoover Dam Top to Bottom Tour.
- Walk across the dam: Visitors can walk across the top of the Hoover Dam and enjoy stunning views of the Colorado River and surrounding landscape.
- Visit the visitor center and museum: The Hoover Dam visitor center features exhibits and displays related to the dam’s history, engineering, and construction. The museum also features interactive displays and artifacts related to the dam’s impact on the surrounding area.
- Take a scenic helicopter tour: Visitors can take a scenic helicopter tour over Hoover Dam and the surrounding area to get a unique perspective on this engineering marvel.
- Go on a boat tour: Visitors can take a boat tour on the Colorado River to see Hoover Dam from a different angle and learn about the river’s history and ecology.
- Enjoy outdoor recreation: Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities in the surrounding area, including hiking, fishing, and boating.
- Attend events and festivals: Hoover Dam hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Hoover Dam Marathon, which attracts runners from around the world.
- Take a scenic drive: Visitors can take a scenic drive along the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape and lake.
Map Of Las Vegas Landmarks
List Of Las Vegas Landmarks
- Hoover Dam
- Atomic Museum
- Stratosphere Tower
- Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
- Bellagio Fountains
- Mob Museum
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
- Smith Center for the Performing Arts
- Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden
- Paris Hotel Eiffel Tower
- The Neon Museum
- Seven Magic Mountains
- Luxor Sphinx
- Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort
- MGM Grand Lion
Why Trust Us About Las Vegas Landmarks?
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, U.S. Forest Service, and more for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
And, in 2018, our father – having spent a lifetime teaching history – joined us so that he could help us to tell the stories behind these amazing places.
Meet The Parks Brothers
We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested joining the adventure, sign up below!
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