Georgetown Energy Museum Tour — Georgetown, Colorado

Discover the Georgetown Energy Museum Tour in Colorado

Visit the Georgetown Energy Museum, a rare, still-operating hydroelectric power plant from the 1900s that continues to generate power today. Located along Clear Creek in historic Georgetown, this charming museum offers a close-up look at early electricity production, vintage machinery, and Colorado’s pioneering engineering history.
Why it’s special:
It is one of the only museums in the United States that still produces electricity with original 1900s hydroelectric equipment, offering an authentic “working time capsule” experience.

History/Story of the Georgetown Energy Museum

Built in 1900 by the United Light & Power Company, the Georgetown Hydroelectric Plant powered homes and businesses across the mining town. While many early hydroelectric stations were decommissioned, Georgetown’s continued to run—making it a rare surviving example of early American energy infrastructure. In the 1970s, it was transformed into a museum while keeping the generator room fully operational.

What You’ll See & Do at the Georgetown Energy Museum

• Watch the original Pelton water wheel and generator still producing electricity

• Explore historic turbine mechanisms and early 20th-century control boards

• Walk past antique meters, gauges, and electrical hardware

• Learn how water pressure from Clear Creek is converted into power

• View exhibits on Georgetown’s mining history and early electrification

• Chat with knowledgeable volunteers who explain operational equipment

Hands-On Elements: Water-flow demonstrations, mechanical component displays, artifact touch tables (in designated areas).
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout the museum; avoid flash in generator rooms.
Souvenirs & Extras: Books, historic postcards, educational materials, small energy-themed gifts.

Pricing of the Georgetown Energy Museum Tour

• Admission: Free

• Donations appreciated

• Self-guided with staff available for explanations

Practical Info for Visiting the Georgetown Energy Museum

Duration: 20–45 minutes
Format: Self-guided, with staff/volunteers available
Schedule & Seasonality: Open seasonally, typically June–September
Working Hours: Usually 10:00 AM–4:00 PM during the open season
Audience: Families, history enthusiasts, engineers, road-trippers, Georgetown visitors
Accessibility: Main areas accessible; some mechanical rooms have uneven surfaces
Safety & Restrictions:

• Stay behind railings in generator rooms

• No touching machinery without permission
  Languages: English
  Group Visits: Groups and school tours welcome; inquire for availability
  What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes; light jacket for mountain weather
  Facilities: Small visitor center, restrooms nearby, street parking
  Closures & Downtime: Closed in winter; water-flow levels may affect demonstrations

Nearby

• Georgetown Loop Railroad

• Hamill House Museum

• Historic Downtown Georgetown shops & cafés

• Guanella Pass Scenic Byway

FAQs About Visiting the Georgetown Energy Museum

Is the power plant still operating?
Yes—this is one of the only historic hydro plants still generating electricity with original equipment.

Can I watch the turbine moving?
Usually—visitors can often see the Pelton wheel and generator spinning, depending on creek flow.

Is the museum open year-round?
No—the facility typically operates only in summer due to high-elevation weather conditions.

Is the tour good for kids?
Yes—children enjoy the moving machinery, though supervision is required in mechanical areas.

Do they offer guided tours?
Most visits are self-guided, but staff are available to explain equipment and history.