The Hoover Dam, most assuredly, changed the face of the American West. Not only did it enable the production of vast amounts of electrical energy and establish a reliable water source, but it also eliminated flooding, to help agriculture in California’s lower valleys. The project’s commercial by-products in Nevada – Lake Mead, Boulder City, and the resort community of Laughlin – have infused billions of dollars into the state’s economy and provided recreational opportunities for hundreds of millions of visitors.
From that case, you also can get two days travelling at the Dam and Laughlin. The first day is begun with early morning coffee at Railroad Pass Casino on Hwy 93, an old-timer among gambling dens. Afterward, continue on Hwy 93 to the historic Boulder City and Hoover Dam for the amazing tour. Go back along Hwy 93 to the junction with Hwy 95 and turn south toward Laughlin. Stop at the Nugget in Searchlight for lunch and the chance to visit a typical small-town Nevada casino. For a more picturesque route, turn off 95 and head east on the dirt road through Christmas Tree Pass. Spend the remainder of the day in Laughlin, perhaps hunting for bargains at the 50-store Horizon Discount Outlet. Overnight at Harrah’s or another hotel along the river, and be sure to take an evening stroll along the promenade.
For the second day, early next morning, golfers can tee off at the 18-hole Emerald River Golf Course. Alternatively, the Riverview Golf Course is just across the river in Bullhead City, Arizona. Later, head for Oatman, an old-time western town about a half-hour’s drive southeast from Bullhead City. In the afternoon drive back north to Lake Mojave. Be sure to make time to see the mysterious petroglyphs at Grapevine Canyon, off Hwy 163, before returning to your hotel in Laughlin.