The Powerhouse

Did you know that in the USA, there is a place where the history of the industrial revolution meets the cutting-edge technologies of the future? The Powerhouse is not just a science center, but a living monument to innovation, located in the building of the oldest coal-fired alternating current power plant in the country, built back in the late 19th century in the city of Durango.

Today, this complex serves as an inspiring venue for family leisure and learning through play. Inside the historic Spanish Mission style building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you'll find modern interactive galleries dedicated to energy, mechanics, ecosystems, and space. This is a place where you can literally touch science with your own hands.

The Powerhouse is especially valued for its atmosphere: original generators and vintage brickwork sit alongside 3D printers and VR technologies. For tourists, it’s not only a chance to learn about the energy history of the Four Corners region but also an opportunity to spend time in one of Colorado's most creative spaces.

To plan your visit to this unique science center, it is worth saving its main details in advance. Below is up-to-date information to help you contact the administration or clarify details for upcoming events.

At this center, visitors can look forward to total immersion in the world of experimentation: here you can launch air rockets, explore topography in an augmented reality sandbox, or take a virtual climb to the mountain peaks surrounding the city of Durango. Every zone of the museum is interactive, allowing guests of all ages to feel like real explorers.

Of particular note is TinkerLab—a creative space where you can build mechanisms or participate in scientific experiments. For adults, the center offers its own formats, such as trivia nights on Thursdays or special Maker Mingle events, where you can work with professional equipment ranging from laser cutters to industrial sewing machines in the inventors' workshop.

Beyond the indoor galleries, it's worth checking out the original boiler room, converted into a theater that hosts spectacular demonstrations of physical phenomena. After an action-packed visit, it’s pleasant to step outside for a walk along the riverfront, enjoying the views of the Animas River which flows right at the foot of this historic fortress of science.

The science center is located at 1333 Camino Del Rio in Durango, right on the scenic banks of the Animas River. Thanks to this location, it is very easy to reach on foot or by bike via the popular Animas River Trail if you are staying in the historic city center.

For those arriving from outlying areas or the Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), the drive takes about 30 minutes via US-550. There is parking provided for visitors near the building, making a trip by rental car or taxi very convenient. Uber and Lyft services also operate within the city.

If you prefer public transportation, you can use local shuttles or take a short walk from the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station, which is within walking distance. During the warmer months, many tourists choose cycling along the riverfront to combine active recreation with a museum visit.

The building that houses the center today was constructed in 1892–1893 for the Durango Light and Power company. At the time, it was one of the world's first coal-fired power plants to operate on alternating current (AC). Remarkably, thanks to this facility, the streets of small Durango were lit with modern streetlights earlier than the streets of New York or Chicago.

The architecture was designed in the Spanish Mission style—the first example of such design in Colorado. For decades, the station served as the heart of the region's energy system, embodying the triumph of innovation during the "War of Currents." However, by the mid-20th century, it was abandoned and stood empty for a long time until local activists saved the historic building from demolition in the 1990s.

Following a massive restoration that carefully preserved the original boiler room, an interactive museum opened its doors here. Since 2011, the venue began operating as the Durango Discovery Museum, and in 2015, it underwent a relaunch to become the modern The Powerhouse Science Center, with an emphasis on STEAM education and maker laboratories.

To leisurely explore all the interactive exhibits and soak in the history of the old power plant, it typically takes 2 to 3 hours. This is usually enough time to see the main exhibition and participate in a few experiments.

If you plan to attend a workshop in the maker lab or are traveling with children who will likely want to test every single mechanism, you should budget about 4 hours or even half a day for your visit. Also, don't forget to leave some time for a stroll along the adjacent Animas River Trail.

The Powerhouse welcomes guests year-round, though its schedule may vary depending on the day of the week. On most weekdays and Sundays, the museum is open from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, visiting hours are extended until 05:00 PM, which is convenient for those who want to spend more time at the interactive stations. Please note that the center is usually closed on Wednesdays.

Since the museum frequently hosts private events, team-building sessions, or special educational camps, it is highly recommended to check the official website before your visit to confirm the current schedule for your specific date.

The museum's riverside location and proximity to the historic center make it easy to combine scientific exploration with visits to other interesting spots. The surrounding area offers a great selection of leisure options, from cozy breweries to unique historical monuments and parks for active recreation.

Exploring the neighboring streets will enrich your experience in Durango, allowing you to feel both the Old West atmosphere and the modern rhythm of the city.