| Encompassing 1.5 million acres is Lake Mead National | | | | 7 to 8 million visitors annually, making it one of the most |
| Recreation Area. The area features two reservoirs: | | | | popular National Recreation Areas. It is open |
| Lake Mohave and Lake Mead, the largest man-made | | | | year-round at all hours of the day and charges a |
| body of water in the United States. Located on the | | | | low-cost admission fee per vehicle. A wide array of |
| Colorado River, it is located about 30 miles southeast | | | | activities are offered, including water skiing, swimming, |
| of Las Vegas, Nevada. It holds about 28,500,000 acre | | | | fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. |
| feet of water and stretches for 110 miles behind the | | | | The huge lakes cater to boaters, fishermen, and |
| dam. It covers approximately 247 square miles and | | | | sunbathers while the desert caters to hikers and |
| covers 550 miles of shoreline, when the lake is full. | | | | sightseers. There are currently eight marines that offer |
| Both the Hoover and Davis Dam create Lake Mead | | | | boat slip, boat, and house boat rental services to locals |
| and Mohave. Originally named Boulder Dam Recreation | | | | and visitors. There are about 8 campgrounds, 5 |
| Area, Lake Mead was named after the commissioner | | | | recreational vehicle campgrounds with hookups, and a |
| of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Elwood Mead, who | | | | few motels. For those who prefer taking the scenic |
| served on the board from 1924 to 1936 during the | | | | route, the North Shore Road is the way to go. |
| Boulder Canyon Project. The creation of Lake Mead | | | | The scenic drive is 40 miles long and starts at Lake |
| forced residents out of communities, and the last to | | | | Mead Blvd. and ends at Overton Beach. The drive is |
| leave home was a resident in St. Thomas, Nevada in | | | | breathtaking, with views of the desert and the large |
| 1938. When Lake Mead's water level drops below | | | | lake. There is also a museum called the Lost City |
| normal, the community's debris can actually be seen. | | | | Museum, which houses exhibits of the Virgin Anasazi |
| Naturally, a body of water of this size receives about | | | | Native American group. |