Hoover Dam, Nevada/Arizona border

The Hoover Dam is impressive in almost every way. It not only provides power for 1.3 million people across Arizona, Nevada, and California, it's also grand, imposing, historic, and more beautiful than I realized a dam could be. 

Its art deco touches take you back in time to when striking architecture demonstrated pride in our country's greatness. It also displays our impressive ability to harness nature, for better or worse.

We walked across the dam from Arizona to Nevada and back again. And we ate a fabulous hamburger at the cafe. It felt so American.

Tips for visiting the Hoover Dam

• You will go through a fairly significant security checkpoint on your way in, as the dam is considered critical infrastructure.

• Once you are through security, you drive across the dam to a series of parking lots. From there you can walk to tours, the gift shop, and the cafe.

• The food here is great! It puts you in the mood for a classic hamburger and fries, and they do it right. We sat at outdoor tables under retro metal shades.

• It's free to visit, walk across the dam, and enjoy the views. If you'd like a tour, you can purchase tickets in advance online.