ABOUT TRUST ONLINE

Spokane's Grand Coulee Dam is Fun to See, Day or Night

Added Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012

The Grand Coulee Dam in Spokane, Washington, is a man-made marvel that will be sure to impress guests with its immensity and power. The dam, which is built on the Columbia River, is one of the largest concrete structures in the world. Every summer, guests can enjoy a massive laser light show, displayed right on the face of the Coulee Dam. Whether visitors just want to take a tour of the dam or stick around for the show, the Grand Coulee Dam should be on their list of destinations when they take an Alaska cruise and a tour of the Great Northwest.

Construction of the Grand Coulee Dam began in 1933 and was finished in 1942. The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation claims the entire structure used enough concrete to build a highway from Miami, Florida, to Seattle, Washington. The dam is also nearly four times bigger than the Hoover Dam in Nevada, but rather than being tall, the Grand Coulee's size is all in its length. It's nearly a mile long, but guests don't need to walk its length to get the full effect of its massive size.

In fact, they can see the beauty of the dam from afar, and watch the water cascading from the Columbia River into man-made Lake Roosevelt. After enjoying a serene sunset over the water, visitors can stay to watch the laser light show. The area's Chamber of Commerce uses the face of the dam like a massive screen and presents a show about the history of the Columbia River. Not only do guests get to learn about the area, but they get to see what may be one of the largest laser light shows in the world.

If travelers are into history, nature or science, the Grand Coulee Dam is a destination they'll want to visit. Here, all of these things come together in one picturesque setting where visitors will have plenty of opportunity to snap some photos and create unforgettable memories. The dam is truly a sight to behold and offers plenty for guests to see and do when they stop by.

Previous Articles

Alaska's Inside Passage Provides Serene Backdrop for Cruise Passengers

Trans-Alaska Pipeline: A Shining Example of Human Ingenuity

Katmai National Park: A Bear Necessity on Alaska Tours