Hoover Dam & Historic Railroad Museum Tour in Kingman
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly walking on flat or mildly uneven surfaces with brief standing periods.
Overview
Discover the marvels of Hoover Dam and historic railroads on a private tour in Kingman, Arizona. Explore engineering wonders, local history, and enjoy a traditional Cornish pasty.
Hoover Dam/Power Plant/Historic Era Railroad Museum Tour (Special, Save 10%)
Ages 9+ • 7 Hours • Includes transportation
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About This Adventure
Experience the awe of Hoover Dam, a modern engineering marvel, with a guided tour that takes you to its powerplant. Then, delve into the rich history of railroads at the Historic Era Railroad Museum. Complete your adventure with a delicious Cornish pasty, a historic dish with deep roots in mining culture.
Save 10% Limited Time Special, regular price $159
Hoover Dam/Historic Era Railroad Museum Tour New
Duration
6-7 hours Depends on pickup location
Description
One of seven Industrial World Wonders, Hoover Dam is a concrete gravity-arch dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between Arizona and Nevada. You’ll take the elevator with a tour guide to the bottom as he/she describes this modern marvel. At the bottom, you’ll tour the powerplant, seventeen main turbine-generator combinations that generate a maximum of 2,074 megawatts of hydroelectric power. The second experience, Historic Era Railroad Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about our country's history or how railroads have shaped our nation. So come on down and check it out today! Boulder City was the federal town established to house workers on the Hoover Dam project. The U.S. Government and Six Companies both operated railroads between the Boulder City Yard and Hoover Dam. These essential railways made the construction of the dam possible and continued to play a vital role in the process well into the 1960s.
Optional Lunch, Cornish Pasty, Co. The Cornish pasty is a delicious and historic dish that originates from Cornwall, England. This hearty pastry is filled with meat and vegetables and can be traced back to the 1200s. Mining was once a thriving industry in Cornwall, and at that time, pasties were baked by the wives and mothers of the tin miners. The pasties were made with a thick crimped edge along one side so the miners could use the crimp as a handle to hold on to while eating. The miner's hand would often be covered in arsenic from the mine, so the miners would discard the handle when they were done. The crusts were never wasted though, as many miners believed that ghosts, or ‘knockers’, inhabited the mines, and the leftover crusts would keep these ghosts content. Today, you can enjoy a Cornish pasty at Cornish Pasty Co., Boulder City. We use only the freshest ingredients, and our authentic recipe will transport you back in time. So come and try a little taste of history today!
For a party larger than 8, please call to book Limited time special for new bookings only
Adventure Tips
Bring a light jacket
The powerplant and museum interiors can be cooler than outside, so layering helps keep comfortable.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Expect moderate walking across uneven surfaces at both the dam and museum exhibits.
Carry water to stay hydrated
Arizona’s dry climate can cause dehydration, so bring a reusable water bottle for the tour.
Book in advance to get private tour savings
This special tour offers a 10% discount when booked ahead through Desert Wonder Adventures LLC.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert Bighorn Sheep occasionally spotted near the canyon rims.
- Western Bluebirds frequent the surrounding riparian areas.
History
Hoover Dam, completed in 1936, was a monumental project that harnessed the Colorado River and helped fuel growth across the Southwest, while Kingman’s railroad heritage played a vital role in mining and transportation.
Conservation
Efforts to preserve local watersheds and desert ecosystems are ongoing, emphasizing sustainable tourism practices at Hoover Dam and surrounding areas.
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Adventure Hotspots in Las Vegas
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear is important for walking through the dam area and museum exhibits.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is critical during Arizona’s dry and hot summer months.
summer specific
Light jacket or sweater
Evenings and indoor spaces can be cool, so a layer for warmth is recommended.
fall specific
Sun protection (hat and sunscreen)
Sun protection helps guard against UV exposure when walking outdoors.
spring specific