Boulder City
We arrived in Boulder City mid afternoon. The first thing we noticed when we got out of the car was the lack of that whoosh of hot air. It was a comfortable 38°C. Our accommodation was a room in the Boulder Dam Hotel in the Historic Downtown. Also on the premises is a restaurant, art shop, gift shop, and a museum detailing the history of Boulder City and the Dam.
The hotel was built in 1933 for dignitaries, politicians, and Hollywood stars that were coming to see the Hoover Dam being built. The historic hotel has 21 rooms and the building and rooms stay true to its traditional décor.
We arrived on a Sunday for two nights. Unfortunately, not much is open on those days in the Historic Downtown. Dinner was a bit of a challenge – looking for quality food at a restaurant that was open. Both nights we settled on Little City Grille – a fun small town diner. Each table is adorned with pictures from locals back in the 30s during the time Boulder City was formed and the Hoover Dam was being built.
We stayed in Boulder City as a stop on the way to the Grand Canyon and to see the famous Hoover Dam. The Dam is massive and impressive.
The Hoover Dam began construction in 1931 and the last concrete was poured in 1935. The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.
The Dam was built to protect the low lying lands along the Colorado River from flooding.
The power plant wings were completed in 1936 with the first generator operating. The 17th and final generator went into commercial operation in 1961.
The hydroelectric power is used in Nevada, Arizona, and California. The Hoover Dam is one of the America’s largest hydropower facilities.
The building of the Dam created Lake Mead – America’s largest man-made reservoir.
The Lake can store 9.2 trillion gallons of water.
Boulder City was a great stop – beautiful historic hotel and an impressive part of American engineering history.
Our next stop was The Grand Canyon. On the way we took a bit of an alternate route along a section of the famous Route 66.
Route 66 was the original highway of America spanning from Chicago to Santa Monica.
Next stop – the Grand Canyon!