Discover one of California's most impressive engineering marvels and learn about the history that shaped Northern California
Daily 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
16349 Shasta Dam Blvd, Shasta Lake, CA
602 feet tall
Free tours available
Shasta Dam stands as one of the most impressive engineering achievements in California history. Completed in 1945, this massive concrete arch-gravity dam rises 602 feet above the Sacramento River, making it the second-tallest dam in the United States and the ninth-tallest in the world.
The dam was constructed as part of the Central Valley Project, a massive water management system designed to provide irrigation water, flood control, and hydroelectric power to California's Central Valley. The project employed over 4,700 workers at its peak and required 6.27 million cubic yards of concrete.
Today, Shasta Dam creates Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir, which holds 4.5 million acre-feet of water. The dam's powerhouse contains five generators that produce enough electricity to power approximately 500,000 homes.
The Shasta Dam Visitor Center offers free guided tours that take visitors inside the dam to see the massive generators and learn about the dam's construction and operation. The tours include a trip to the top of the dam for spectacular views of Shasta Lake and the surrounding mountains.
The visitor center features interactive exhibits about the dam's history, the Central Valley Project, and the importance of water management in California. Educational programs are available for school groups and organizations.
Capture stunning views of the dam, lake, and surrounding mountains. The visitor center deck offers excellent photo opportunities.
Learn about dam operations, hydroelectric power generation, and California's water management system.
Enjoy panoramic views of Shasta Lake and the Cascade Mountains from the dam's observation areas.
Whether you're organizing a group tour, educational visit, or special event near Shasta Dam, we provide reliable portable restroom rentals to ensure your guests' comfort.
