Well, sort of. You read that right. The Hoover Dam train. As many times as we’ve been to Las Vegas or Hoover Dam, we never knew of a train. And, to be sure, we love the whole Las Vegas experience, including the gorgeous desert. But, a train? Why were we not told? Is it a US Government secret? Is it like Area 51?
None of the above. The Hoover Dam once had a rail system known as the “Boulder City Branch Line” or the “Hoover Dam Railroad” that played a crucial role during its construction. This rail system was used to transport materials and workers to the dam site.
Let’s go! The rail line was established in the early 1930s to support the construction of the Hoover Dam, which was then called the Boulder Dam. The line connected to the main railway network, allowing easy transport of concrete, steel, and other materials. (Note: the video is about a hike, which you can take.)
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The railway was vital for transporting massive amounts of materials needed for the construction. It facilitated the movement of concrete aggregates, steel, and other supplies to the dam site, which would have been challenging using other means at that time.
Would you like to visit the tunnel, up close and personal? The Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail begins at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Visitors Center, just outside the park gates, so there’s no entrance fee to worry about. A second entrance connects from the nearby Hoover Dam Lodge & Casino about a mile into the hike. While the original railway used for construction is no longer operational, the legacy of the Hoover Dam Railroad remains an important part of the history of this monumental engineering project.
You’ll need a car to get around Vegas and Hoover Dam. Want the biggest brands in car rental? Thrifty. Hertz, Europcar, Dollar, Sixt and more. Click here to book.
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