Nevada's Gateway To The Hoover Dam Is A No Gambling Zone

Boulder City is certainly unique. Located in Nevada’s Mojave Desert region near the border with Arizona, this small town of nearly 14,800 residents is home to one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century: the Hoover Dam. Established in 1931 as the Boulder Canyon Project (it wasn’t officially incorporated until 1960), the town was built to house workers constructing the dam, a federal project that provided relief and employment during the Great Depression.

Unlike most towns, which tend to evolve organically, Boulder City, as the community was nicknamed, was meticulously planned to support up to 5,250 workers at its peak in 1934. Being federally backed, the decision was made to make Boulder City gambling free. This prohibition remains in place to this day, making it one of only two Nevada communities where gambling remains illegal (the other is the small town of Panaca, home to just 1,000 residents).

Alcohol was also made illegal, though ever-inventive individuals found ways around this prohibition, which remained in effect right up to 1969. In addition to smuggling booze into camp and even recorded incidents of bootlegging on-site, a few entrepreneurial types opened speakeasies and bars along the highway connecting Boulder City to Las Vegas, just 26 miles away. Law enforcement, though, had the last laugh by setting gates up to prevent inebriated employees from getting in until they’d sobered up, as well as confiscating any liquor found.

A Testament to America’s Engineering Prowess

Completed in 1936 and fast approaching its 90th anniversary, the Hoover Dam stands as a testament to American ingenuity and resilience during the Great Depression. Built to control the Colorado River and provide water for irrigation and hydroelectric power, this colossal structure employed an estimated 21,000 workers and brought stability to the surrounding areas, including the creation of Boulder City to house its workforce.

The dam’s statistics are staggering. At 726 feet high and 1,244 feet long, it was the tallest dam in the world at the time of completion. Its reservoir, Lake Mead, is one of the largest in the United States by volume, supplying water to millions in Nevada, Arizona, and California. The dam’s power plant contains 17 turbines, generating enough electricity to serve approximately 1.3 million people annually while providing nearly 20 million people with their water needs.

Impressive feats, all, and nearly 90 years later, this astounding project remains a marvel of early 20th-century engineering. Not only is the Hoover Dam America’s second-highest such structure, topped by California’s Oroville Dam by a mere 44 feet, but it also generates a whopping four billion kilowatt-hours yearly.

Things To Do In Boulder City Today

Nowadays, the Hoover Dam attracts an average of around seven million tourists a year, many of whom take guided tours to explore the dam's inner workings, including the original tunnels and power plant. Even if you don’t take the tour, the Visitor Center offers exhibits detailing the dam’s construction and impact on the region. At the same time, the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge provides a spectacular vantage point.

Be sure to include the Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum on your itinerary. Located in the historic Boulder Dam Hotel, built in 1933 for visitors to the construction site, its fascinating exhibits include artifacts, old photos, and multimedia displays that bring to life the challenges faced during the 1930s.

The Nevada State Railroad Museum is another must-see attraction. It provides a unique way to experience the Mojave Desert’s landscape through vintage train rides on restored steam engines and railcars. Themed rides, such as the holiday Santa Train, are especially popular with families and provide an engaging mix of history and entertainment.

Cultural Attractions and events

For art lovers, the Boulder City Art Guild Gallery is located downtown and showcases works from local and regional artists. The town’s support of creative types extends to public art, too, with sculptures and murals scattered throughout the town that reflect the area’s history and natural beauty.

Boulder City’s calendar is filled with annual events that reflect its unique history and community spirit. One of the most notable is the Art in the Park event, a fundraiser for the local hospital featuring local, regional, and national artists. Held in October, highlights include more than 300 juried artists, food and drink vendors, along with live music and entertainment. For film buffs, the Dam Short Film Festival, held every February, features independent films and draws cinephiles from around the globe.

In September, the Best Dam Wine Walk draws crowds to historic downtown Boulder City to visit local shops and galleries while sampling wines. At the same time, the Hoover Dam Marathon features 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon events. Held in December, these runs take participants along scenic routes near the dam.

Outdoor Adventures in Boulder City

Boulder City and its surrounds are also extremely popular destinations for nature lovers. Just a mile and a half from the Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum, Bootleg Canyon has become a popular hub of outdoor activities, including mountain biking trails, zip-lining adventures, and hiking paths. One of the quirkiest is the Nature Discovery Trail and Rock Garden, a fantastic spot for families for its large, lifelike statues of local wildlife (it’s also wheelchair accessible).

Another must-do is the Historic Railroad Trail, a superb eight-mile-long hiking and biking path following the old railroad route used to transport materials to Hoover Dam. The trail features five large tunnels carved through the rock, offering stunning views of Lake Mead and the dam itself. The River Mountains Loop Trail, a 34-mile multi-use path ideal for cyclists, runners, and walkers, is another great option.

Then, of course, there’s Lake Mead. Covering an area of 247 square miles with a maximum depth of 532 feet, this huge reservoir holds up to 26.12 million acre-feet of water and has become a hugely popular recreation spot. Visitors to Lake Mead National Recreation Area can enjoy activities like fishing (striped bass, catfish, and bluegill are plentiful here), kayaking, and hiking around its 750-mile shoreline. It’s also great for water sports such as boating, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding, with several marinas providing rentals and even guided tours.

The Final Word: Why Boulder City Is a Must-Visit

Boulder City’s rich blend of history, outdoor beauty, and community-driven events make it a compelling destination. Its proximity to the Hoover Dam ensures visitors can easily connect with an iconic piece of American engineering history while enjoying modern amenities. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or an outdoor adventurer, Boulder City offers something special. Its commitment to preserving its heritage, fostering creativity, and embracing family-friendly values ensures a memorable visit. And while you still can’t gamble here, you can at least enjoy a drink or two after working up a thirst with all that sightseeing.