More Hoover Dam tour info to be offered

Monday, Nov. 12, 2001 | 8:32 a.m.

Hoover Dam tourists beginning Nov. 19 will have more choices to learn about the dam, according to the Bureau of Reclamation.

Tours inside the dam have been suspended since Sept. 11.

Professional guides from Discovery Tour will be stationed at various locations around the dam site, Robert Walsh, a spokesman for the Bureau of Reclamation, said.

The guides will give a historical overview of the Bureau of Reclamation and its contributions to the development of the Western states; a lecture on the history and purpose of Hoover Dam; and a presentation about the development of the Colorado River, Walsh said.

"Guests will be able to pick and choose the presentation they attend, on the schedule they want, giving them complete control of their visits," Walsh said. "The goal is to provide informative, high-quality visitor experience."

Operating hours and admissions fees at Hoover Dam will also change starting Nov. 19. The new operating hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Ticket sales for the Discovery Tour will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4:15 p.m. The visitors center will close at 5 p.m.

Hoover Dam manager Gary Bryant suggests that visitors arrive by 3 p.m. to allow time to see the entire dam.

New admission prices are adults ages 17 to 61, $10; seniors 62 and over, $8; juniors ages 7 to 16, $4; military and dependents, $8; and children 6 and under, free.

Admission includes entrance to the visitors center, access to all exhibits as well as a 25-minute video and regularly scheduled presentations.

For more information, call 293-8421 or visit the website (hooverdam.usbr.gov).