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Science Vacation at Idaho’s Experimental Breeder Reactor

by Mary Jo Manzanares on February 28th, 2008

Vacations are not always about fun and games.  Sometimes its also about culture and education.  If you’re a fan of history and science, head off the beaten path to a little town in the Idaho desert by the name of Arco.

Arco is less than a square mile in size, with a population just over a thousand, but it made its mark on the world as the first city to be lit by nuclear power.

About 18 miles southeast of Arco is a deactivated research reactor.   In 1951, Experimental Breeder Reactor I (EBR-1) became the world’s first nuclear power plant to generate electricity.  Although its first efforts produced only enough energy to light four 200-watt light bulbs, the output increased to eventually power the building and the nearby town. 

The reactor was instrumental in a variety of experiments during the 1950’s, despite a partial meltdown in 1955.  The plant was repaired and continued to be used for additional experiments until it was deactivated in 1964.  About a year later it was declared a national historic landmark.

EBR-1 is open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9 am - 5 pm.  Guided and self-guided tours are available through the site and exhibits.  Minimum age requirement for tours is 16, and all tour participants must be U.S. Citizens. There is no charge for admission.

For more information contact the EBR-1 Public Affairs Office:  (208) 526-0050 or (800) 708-2680.

NOTE: Tours may be available at other times during the year by appointment.

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POSTED IN: Things to See & Do