At the visitor center, there is a film (recommended) that provides a history of the building of the dam. It’s still impressive what they did then in the amount of time they did it. I’d posit there’s no way we could do that today.If you have the chance, I’d highly recommend taking the Shasta Dam tour. We took the mid-morning tour but if you’ve scheduled for an afternoon tour and it is a hot day, be sure to call and verify the tour will occur. On the day we attended, the rangers canceled the afternoon tour because the heat was on - over 108 by tour time. If you’ve obtained a tour time (remember, it’s free – you can’t beat that, especially nowadays) a ranger will give you instructions, along with pictures, of what is allowed in the facility. If you don’t pay attention, you might be refused entry. Remember, the Shasta Dam is considered sensitive infrastructure. When we were readying to enter the facility, the tour guide explained the security check process to enter the facility – as strict as entering an airport. But don’t worry. The small tour size ensures a quick process. Once you take the elevator down, the fun begins. Sabrina (I hope I remember her name correctly) did a great job of giving us the tour and providing background on Shasta Dam. I won’t spoil the tour but you will be amazed, even if you’ve toured other dams. So if you have a chance, make a stop at Shasta Dam and take a tour. You won’t be disappointed.

Even if you don’t want to tour the dam the area is beautiful. Fabulous views. Lots of parking, even for RVs. Nice picnic area. The dam itself is very impressive. Inside the visitor center is a theater with a movie explaining why and how the dam was built. It’s done very well with tons of information. There are also displays, many repeated information that is in the movie. You can tour the dam several times a day. However, you need to get a ticket in advance. They begin giving out free tickets an hour before tour time, only 20 people are allowed at a time. You can walk across the dam without a ticket.

Stopped by for the 11am free tour. Staff are all very friendly. Be warned the tour starts from the 2nd tower on the dam which is a 15 minute walk. Also you can only take a clear bottle of water, mobile phone & car keys - absolutely NO BAGS.Antoinette was our guide - a real character, she was both informative & funny. The tour was so interesting & the building a real marvel of engineering.Spent about 2 hours there in total.

We stopped by real quick. Upon entering the visitor center they offer a 20 minute video of the background of the dam. Well worth it. You can also walk outside along the dam. There are picnic table if you just want to have lunch outside and enjoy the views.

I enjoyed visiting the Shasta Dam. The drive out from Interstate 5 is very scenic and not too long. There is plenty of free parking (no one there on a Friday afternoon). Views of the dam are wonderful. You can also walk right out and over the dam, which gives you lots of additional views and perspectives. I could even see Mount Shasta in the distance.I arrived a few minutes after 4:00 so the visitor center/museum was closed, and was unable to take a tour. But I definitely recommend a visit just for the magnificent beauty of it all.