No trip to southern Nevada is complete without a visit to the Hoover Dam and the Lake Mead Recreation Area (which happens to be larger than the entire state of Rhode Island). If you are staying in Las Vegas, you can make a daytrip to the dam, or maybe even book a helicopter tour. Alternatively, you might choose to stay closer to the lake, or even at one of the campgrounds.The Hoover Dam is one of the seven manmade wonders of the world, and is the tallest dam in existence. When you see just how massive the dam is, and how much water it is able to retain, there is no doubt that you will be impressed with the engineering marvel it represents. You can take tours of the dam as well.Lake Mead offers campgrounds, marinas, and plenty of fun to be had on the water. If you like water skiing, jet skis, boating, or fishing, you are sure to have a good time at the lake. If you prefer to keep fry, you can explore some of the trials in the area, and maybe even see a mule deer or a bobcat.The dam and the lake have a whole lot to offer the visitor, and you should definitely make time to see them.