Boulder City, Nevada, is a less crowded destination for those who don’t like the excess of Las Vegas. Situated at the edges of the Mojave Desert, this community is the gateway to many heritage historical attractions as well as natural picturesque landscapes.
Roadside scenarios, Museums, rugged trails, and a famous dam-the list of exploring sights and experience fun is endless if you know where to start.
So, if you want a memorable as well as relaxing trip to Nevada, then this city is the place to be. You can come with your family and friends to experience as much fun in this city.
Here, I am going to wrap up 10 must things to do in Boulder City, Nevada:
Table of Contents
10 attractions of Boulder City:
#1. Enjoy all the activities in Lake Mead National Recreation area:
Lake Mead national recreation area is the largest national recreation area in the country. This area is one of the best destinations in Boulder City to enjoy the outdoors and commune with nature. It has nine wilderness areas such as two enormous lakes, deep canyons, pristine water, and Majestic Mountain peaks that welcome you to explore.
Lake Mead offers plenty of water-related adventures such as swimming, paddle boating, boating, and fishing. You can also camp on the shores of the lake and other designated areas of this place. You can set up camp and enjoy all the outdoor activities that the lake offers. While hiking, you can take stunning photos of the rugged landscape and the wildlife you may spot here.
This place’s views are incredible and only comparable with a few other places in the world.
#2. Stand on the top of the iconic Hoover Dam:
When you are in Boulder City then visiting Hoover Dam is a must to do an activity. This world-famous monument is the main attraction of the city; because of it people come to the city in the first place.
Boulder City was built to provide a house to the workers who worked on the Hoover Dam project way back in the 1930s. Hoover Dam is a man-made structure that harnesses the energy of the Colorado River and transforms the energy into hydroelectricity.
People love to stand on the top of the dam and experience the amazing view of Lake Mead. Hoover Dam is a popular tourist attraction and sees almost a million visitors each year.
#3. Visit Hemenway Park:
Hemenway Park is located at the ridge of one of the mountains surrounding Lake Mead, it is a relaxing family destination that offers stunning views of the lake.
The wide grassy ground and the skyline of the park provide an illusion of spaciousness. You can spend a few hours here with your family or friends to enjoy the panoramic vistas, or you can also play at the Tennis or Basketball courts.
If the heat is too extreme then you can stay at the shady gazebos for a picnic with your family. You can see the bighorn sheep that call the nearby mountains their homes may come down to graze. So, your kids will enjoy it a lot.
#4. Discover the historic railroad hiking trail:
When Hoover Dam was being built, there needed to be an installed railroad network to transport the materials and workers to reach the construction site. But, when the construction work was finished, the tracks were removed and the railroads ceased operations.
This creates a picturesque trail that ends in Hoover Dam. This trail is 7.5 miles long and it offers charming panoramic views of Lake Mead on one side and of the Boulder Basin on another.
So, you can bring your kids as you tour the historic and beautiful place.
#5. Cruise the Colorado River on Boat:
The Colorado River makes the border between the states of Nevada and Arizona. Since Boulder City is on Nevada’s edge, it represents one of the most important gateways to this water body. This River is slicing between the two narrow valleys of the Black Canyons, it offers the best picturesque beauty in the country.
You can book Colorado River boat tour charters so you can explore the river more with guidance from a local. To get a more adventurous experience you can go kayaking; it is a must-try experience. You can also choose an isolated riverbank to set up a camp.
It is an ideal way to escape from city life and try for a true, self-sustained outdoor experience.
#6. Trek the strenuous trails to Gold Strike Hot Spring Trails:
To experience the magical thrill of hunting, you can trek the Gold Strike hot Spring Trails. But, you will need a lot of climbing experience, heat tolerance, and endurance to explore this trail. You will be experiencing magnificent views and pools of relaxing and calming hot springs.
This trail starts from the edge of Boulder City and you need to pass over Boulders, cross dusty ways, and climb over small canyons to explore small and elusive water bodies. Although the path might be a little struggling, while you found them, you will be amazed by the calming soak and peaceful scenery.
If you continue to finish the trail then you will end up on a scenic segment of the view of the Colorado River and with a view of the Mike O’Callaghan- Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
#7. Make a squish at Boulder Beach:
If you want to be cooled down from the heat of the desert, then you can stop over at Boulder Beach. Boulder Beach sits on the shorelines of Lake Mead, it is also nearer to Boulder City. So you can easily drive to this location from anywhere you are staying in Boulder City.
Once you will be here, you can enjoy a lot of fun activities such as fishing, kayaking, swimming, and many more to dispel the heat of the sun. This beach is also popular for a picnic, so you can bring a lot of refreshments to your whole family.
If you want to enjoy a little more nearby trails, you can set up a camp on any isolated section of the beach. Staying and spending a night here is a magical experience. The lack of urban lights makes the stars and moon even brighter.
#8. Have a family day out at Veterans’ Memorial Park:
On the southern end of Boulder City, the Veteran’s memorial park is located. It is an outdoor destination situated closer to the Mojave Desert. The atmosphere is very pleasant because of the patches of trees, widespread green spaces, and a three-acre pond in the middle.
Fishing and swimming are must-try activities here. Within the park, there are also picnic spots and shady areas where you can enjoy a nice meal with your friends and family. The gazebos are also open for small assemblies.
If you love more sporty activity then this park is an ideal place for you to visit as it has a baseball diamond, skate park, basketball court, and soccer field.
#9. Visit Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum:
Constructing the Hoover Dam was a too much-struggling project, especially for those who were involved with the project. Boulder city Hoover Dam Museum is the place where these peoples’ stories of struggle are preserved. This museum sits on the second floor of the Boulder Dam Hotel. This museum features photographs, diaries, artifacts, and some other things that speak the history of Boulder.
It is a great stop for most of the Hoover Dam tours, people enjoy getting to know the history behind one of the greatest monuments of human engineering. You will learn the stories of the workers who need to tolerate the hostile environment of Nevada’s desert, and the project itself.
#10. Ride a historic train at Nevada State Railroad Museum:
Nevada State Railroad Museum comprises the once-busy railroads that reach Hoover Dam. Here, you can see refurbished locomotives, platforms, and operational tracks that rebuild the scene from decades ago. Kids as well as adults also enjoy getting up close to these bulky machines, and also they can even ride the operational ones.
The track will bring you to Boulder Branch Line and back-you can experience the unique experience of the workers from the 1930s. After the ride, you can explore the artifacts and collections of the museums. Here, you will gather more knowledge about the history and the state itself in these well-preserved nonoperational locomotives, train cars, and photographs.
FAQ:
Is Boulder City worth visiting?
Ans: With just a 45 min drive from Sin City, Boulder City is a great place to visit from Las Vegas. It is a short and easy road drive and will not max out your credit card. You will feel great relief from the bright lights of Sin City. It offers the refreshing blue water of Lake Mead and the most stunning outdoor activities, Hoover Dam.
Why should I plan for Boulder City?
Ans: Boulder City is a mecca for enthusiastic people. It offers plenty of outdoor activities while experiencing a wide range of picturesque scenic beauty. From exhilarating helicopter to bike rides over Hoover Dam; learning history from the Hoover Dam Museum to spectacular Lake Mead; tasting the local craft beer to dining out in style; everything you can grasp on your tour.
Conclusion:
Boulder City has something for nature lovers, history lovers, and adventure lovers alike. It provides attractions, activities, and entertainment for all. If you want to stay in Boulder City then a wide range of interesting options are available to you- from top hotels to exciting Resorts.
With the accommodation taken care of you can go out and explore the great city! Boulder has something for everyone!