Experience the Magic of a Hoover Dam Helicopter Tour

Whether you’re a gambler or a foodie, there’s a lot to do in Vegas.

One of the incredible choices for your Las Vegas vacation is a Hoover Dam helicopter tour. Your tour will feature breathtaking views of a structure with an important purpose and deep history.

Not only is this tour the experience of a lifetime, but you can even do it on a budget alongside a view of other American wonders such as the Grand Canyon. 

To celebrate these opportunities, we took a look at exactly what you can expect from your tour.

History Of The Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam has a fascinating history. It starts with a brutal natural challenge and the desire of Americans to improve our system of creating energy.

A Dam’s Purpose

When you go on a Hoover Dam helicopter tour, you’re seeing a dam that was constructed for two purposes. The first was taming the flow of the Colorado River: at the time, there was a real concern about flooding that needed to be addressed.

More impressive, however, was the goal of using the Hoover Dam to develop hydroelectric power. Here’s an explanation.

It works by allowing water to throw inside of the dam to rotate turbines (there are, in total, 17 inside of it.) Inside of the base of the dam, there is a U-shaped structure containing a large power plant, with wings over 650 feet long.

Per year, the Hoover Dam generates 4.2 billion net kilowatt-hours of energy. That’s enough to serve over one million people. Considering that it was built in the early decades of the 20th century, this is an incredibly impressive accomplishment.

It’s also an example of a form-fitting function: your Hoover Dam helicopter tour will give you an incredible view of the second largest dam in the United States, making it both practical and awe-inspiring.

Creating American Jobs

In addition to containing the Colorado River and generating high-quality electrical power, there was also a real economic incentive for constructing the Hoover Dam. When the dam began construction in 1931, the Great Depression was at its height.

In 1931, the unemployment rate was approaching its historical high of 25 percent. With the Great Depression in full swing, there was a need for programs that would create jobs. And while President Hoover was not a supporter of the extensive public works programs proposed by Franklin Roosevelt, he was pragmatic enough to support projects like the Hoover Dam as job-creating initiatives.

During its construction, 21,000 Americans were employed to build the dam. This was good news for a nation in need of work.

And while 21,000 people would not be employed forever, the employment generated by the Hoover Dam was able to continue long after the project’s completion. There are currently a large number of employees at the dam, doing everything from giving tours to working within the power plant.

What To Expect From a Hoover Dam Helicopter Tour

You can expect your Hoover Dam helicopter tour to take around two hours. In addition to being available as direct tours of the Hoover Dam, you can also get your tour as part of a bundle with a Grand Canyon helicopter tour.

Your Medical Needs

You should also be prepared for your experience within the helicopter. While a helicopter tour can be a lot of fun, the changes in altitude can be disconcerting for people who have not experienced them before. 

If you suffer from anxiety, you should engage in calming strategies before your trip. This can include everything from meditation to taking anti-anxiety medication: consult your doctor before you go on your trip so you can figure out exactly what you need to do.

In addition, avoid being either underfed or over-full before taking your Hoover Dam helicopter tour. If you haven’t eaten enough, you can experience a variety of physical problems. But having eaten too much can cause a variety of physical problems including vomiting. Either way, the best advice is to eat a moderately-sized meal a few hours before, or a light meal within an hour of the trip.

Protect Your Belongings

Do not bring any loose items on your helicopter trip. If you need to bring your wallet, cell phone, or keys: do not carry them in a purse or your pocket. Instead, attach them to a belt clip or other helpful device.

The temperature is also a bit lower when you’re in the air. Don’t wear shorts or a short-sleeve shirt: long pants and a sweatshirt or jacket will be incredibly helpful. Avoid wearing hats, glasses, and sunglasses.

Defer To Your Pilot

While you should take this advice, remember to always defer to the judgment of your pilot. Your pilot is a trained professional, and it’s their job to keep you safe on your Hoover Dam helicopter tour.

On your tour, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of an incredibly sized structure. You’ll see the dam itself along with the Colorado River and Black Canyon. Seeing it from above is a whole new level of breathtaking: it’s impossible to experience this from anywhere but the sky.

Get A VIP Deal

There are a variety of incredible things to do on your trip to Las Vegas. Whether you want a helicopter tour of The Strip or a wonderful hotel, we offer some incredible VIP deals for your trip to Las Vegas.

Check out our blog for advice on amazing things to do during your trip to Vegas. Everybody loves to gamble and see shows, but there is so much more to do in this amazing city. We want to help you get the most out of your trip.

And whether you’re looking for a Hoover Dam helicopter tour or a good deal on some shows, you should take a look at our VIP deals to do Vegas on a budget. Saving money doesn’t mean cutting corners, and the deals on our site prove it.

There’s a lot of fun to be had in Las Vegas. Work with us to make the most of your trip!