In a state where the U.S. Government owns more than eight out of every 10 acres, it's hard to imagine Nevada has much to offer for tourists. However, anyone familiar with the Silver State knows that there is plenty to do in the desert for those traveling to one of the country's most unique destinations. A family vacationing to Nevada can't expect to see all the state has to offer in one trip, but broken down into digestible portions, Nevada can be a repeat visit that never fails to impress.
Nevada's most famous stretch of road, and one of the most famous streets in America is Las Vegas Boulevard, also known as The Strip. This street is where much of the 24-hour Las Vegas action takes place, and a stroll down this 3.8-mile stretch of busy street will allow a Nevada tourist to take in many of the best parts of Las Vegas in a single evening.
The strip is home to 19 of the 25 largest hotels in the world and many of the attractions therein. Taking a tour of the Eiffel Tower replica at Paris, Las Vegas, watching the fountain show at the Bellagio, seeing the eruption of the Mirage volcano and getting your adrenaline pumping 1000 feet above the Strip on one of Stratosphere's thrill rides are all attractions located right on the strip. People come from all over the world to this part of Nevada to experience these attractions and countless others as well as take part in the premier casino action on the planet.
Despite being called a dead, barren and desolate piece of land, Nevada's Great Basin National Park is actually filled with life and natural wonders. People traveling here may be surprised to find out that Nevada is actually the nation's most mountainous state. The mountains that surround the basin include Wheeler Peak, a scenic 13,000-foot mountain that visitors can drive up for spectacular views of the surrounding land.
In addition to the mountains, the park has caves to explore and it is considered one of the darkest places in America at night, making for excellent viewing of the heavens. The park changes drastically at different altitudes and during quickly changing weather, but camping is a recommended and popular activity here. Anyone wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of places like Las Vegas will love it here where a tourist can truly be alone with nature.
Great Basin National Park
100 Great Basin National Park
Baker, Nevada 89311
775-234-7331
nps.gov
Not far from Las Vegas in Boulder City, Nevada is the Hoover Dam. This dam draws more than one million curiosity seekers every year to the place named one if the top 10 construction achievements of the 20th Century.
Named after Herbert Hoover, the dam was the largest of its kind when it was began in 1930. The dam is 725 feet tall and produces more than four billion kilowatts of electricity each year from its 17 generators.
A complete two-hour tour is available of the Hoover Dam that includes a video history and a journey deep into the dam to see all of the inner-workings. The view from the top of the dam is not to be missed. Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the United States stands on one side, while the Colorado River twists its way down the valley nearly 800 feet below on the other side.
Hoover Dam
Boulder City, NV
702-494-2517
888-248-1259
usbr.gov
