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Top 10 Famous Dams to Visit on Your Next Trip

April 14, 2023

Top 10 Famous Dams to Visit on Your Next Trip

Dams not only serve as a crucial source of hydroelectric power and water storage but they also offer breathtaking views and recreational opportunities. Here is a list of the top 10 famous dams that you should consider visiting on your next trip.

1. Hoover Dam, Nevada / Arizona

Located on the border of Nevada and Arizona, Hoover Dam is one of the most famous dams in the world. Built between 1931 and 1935 on the Colorado River, the dam is known for its Art Deco design and its remarkable role in harnessing the power of the thundering river.

Hoover Dam is open to visitors year-round, and you can take guided tours to learn about the dam's history and construction. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area and Lake Mead, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.

2. Grand Coulee Dam, Washington

The Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River in Washington is one of the largest dams in the world, standing at 550 feet tall and 5,223 feet long. The dam was originally built in the 1930s for hydroelectric power generation, and it played a key role in powering the Allied Forces during World War II.

Today, visitors can take guided tours to learn about the dam's history and see the impressive spillway and pumping station. The dam also offers a variety of recreational opportunities, such as fishing, boating, and hiking.

3. Three Gorges Dam, China

The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China is not only the largest dam in the world by power output, but it is also the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world. The dam was completed in 2012 after 17 years of construction and is an impressive engineering feat.

Visitors to the Three Gorges Dam can take guided tours to learn about the dam's history and construction, as well as enjoy scenic river cruises and hikes in the surrounding area.

4. Aswan High Dam, Egypt

The Aswan High Dam in Egypt is located on the Nile River and was built in the 1960s to control flooding and provide hydroelectric power. The dam also led to the creation of Lake Nasser, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.

Visitors to the Aswan High Dam can take guided tours to learn about its role in Egypt's history and see the impressive spillway and water-release mechanisms. The area around the dam also offers stunning views of the Nile River and the surrounding desert landscape.

5. Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona

The Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River in Arizona is known for its impressive concrete arch design and its role in the creation of Lake Powell, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.

Visitors to Glen Canyon Dam can take guided tours to learn about the dam's history and construction, as well as enjoy recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking in the surrounding area.

6. Itaipu Dam, Brazil / Paraguay

The Itaipu Dam on the Parana River in Brazil and Paraguay is one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world and provides electricity to both countries. The dam was built in the 1970s and 1980s with the help of engineers and workers from both Brazil and Paraguay.

Visitors to the Itaipu Dam can take guided tours to learn about its construction and operation, as well as enjoy scenic boat rides on the river and views of the surrounding area.

7. Bonneville Dam, Oregon / Washington

The Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington is known for its impressive fish ladders that allow salmon and other fish to migrate upstream. The dam was built in the 1930s for hydroelectric power generation and played a key role in the economic development of the region.

Today, visitors can take guided tours to learn about the dam's history and see the fish ladders in action. The dam also offers recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

8. Kariba Dam, Zimbabwe / Zambia

The Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe and Zambia is one of the largest dams in the world by volume, and it provides hydroelectric power to both countries. The dam was built in the 1950s and 1960s and is known for its impressive size and its role in creating Lake Kariba, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.

Visitors to the Kariba Dam can take guided tours to learn about its construction and operation, as well as enjoy scenic boat rides on the lake and views of the surrounding wildlife.

9. Contra Dam, Switzerland

The Contra Dam, also known as the Verzasca Dam, is located in Switzerland and is known for its dramatic bungee jumping opportunities. The dam was built in the 1960s for hydroelectric power generation and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

In addition to bungee jumping, visitors to the Contra Dam can take guided tours to learn about its history and construction, as well as enjoy recreational activities such as hiking and birdwatching.

10. Cahora Bassa Dam, Mozambique

The Cahora Bassa Dam on the Zambezi River in Mozambique is one of the largest dams in Africa and provides hydroelectric power to the country. The dam was built in the 1970s and 1980s with the help of engineers and workers from Portugal.

Visitors to the Cahora Bassa Dam can take guided tours to learn about its construction and operation, as well as enjoy scenic boat rides on the river and views of the surrounding wildlife and natural beauty.

FAQs

What is the main purpose of dams?

Dams are built to serve a variety of purposes, including water storage, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and irrigation.

Are dams safe to visit?

Most dams are safe to visit, but it is important to follow any posted signs or instructions and to avoid restricted areas. It is important to not swim or engage in other recreational activities in the water near the dam as the water currents can be strong and dangerous.

Can you tour dams?

Many dams offer guided tours for visitors to learn about their history and construction, and some also offer recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking.

How are dams built?

Dams are typically built by first constructing a foundation and building cofferdams to allow for construction in the dry. The dam is then constructed by pouring concrete or other materials into formwork and allowing it to harden before removing the formwork and repeating the process until the dam is completed.

What are the benefits of dams?

Dams provide a variety of benefits, including water storage for irrigation and drinking water, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. However, dams also have potential drawbacks, such as disrupting river ecosystems and displacing local communities.

Jason

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I enjoy designing and curating experiences both virtually and in 3-dimensional reality.
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