Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu (a Native American word meaning blue water) is located 160 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Lake Havasu City, Arizona, started in the early 60s, when tycoon Robert McCulloch moved his chainsaw factory from Tucson. Today's population is 45,000.

The 45-mile long artificial lake, created by Parker Dam on the Colorado River, is called the "personal watercraft capital of the world." Many national and international events, including the annual World Racing Finals, take place here.

One famous tourist attraction is the London Bridge, originally built over the river Thames in 1830s. It was later widened, and in 1962 it was put up for auction as a new bridge, necessary for increased traffic, was to be built. Robert McCulloch won the bid for $2,460,000 in 1968. He spent another $4,500,000 to transport the bridge to Lake Havasu City and have it rebuilt. The bridge was dedicated on October 10, 1971, with 50,000 spectators attending the ceremony.