Hanford B Reactor Tour — Richland, Washington

Discover the Hanford B Reactor Tour

Visit the site where the nuclear age began with a guided tour of the Hanford B Reactor, the world’s first full-scale plutonium production reactor. Located on the historic Hanford Site near Richland and now part of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, this tour offers rare access to a landmark of science, engineering, and global history. You’ll explore preserved reactor spaces while learning how this facility helped shape the outcome of World War II and the modern world.

Why it’s special:
B Reactor was the first industrial-scale nuclear reactor ever built. The plutonium produced here was used in the Trinity Test and the Nagasaki atomic bomb, making this one of the most historically significant industrial sites in the United States.

History / Story of the Hanford B Reactor

Constructed in extraordinary secrecy between 1943 and 1944, B Reactor was a central component of the Manhattan Project. Engineers and scientists designed an entirely new type of facility capable of producing plutonium at an unprecedented scale. After operating for decades, the reactor was shut down in 1968 and later preserved as a National Historic Landmark. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of scientific innovation, wartime urgency, and the ethical questions surrounding nuclear technology.

What You’ll See & Do on the Hanford B Reactor Tour

• Travel by guided bus from the Hanford Visitor Center to the reactor site

• Take a docent-led walk-through of the original B Reactor facility

• View the reactor face, control room, and preserved auxiliary spaces

• Learn how nuclear fission was harnessed to produce plutonium

• Hear personal stories about the workers, scientists, and engineers who operated the reactor

• Explore the broader historical context of the Manhattan Project and Cold War era

Hands-On Elements: Guided interpretation, historical explanations, and Q&A with expert docents.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography is allowed in approved areas; follow all instructions from tour staff.

Pricing of the Hanford B Reactor Tour

Price: Free
All official B Reactor tours are offered at no cost.

Practical Info for Visiting the Hanford B Reactor

Duration: Approximately 4 hours total, including round-trip bus transportation
Format: Guided bus tour with walking segments inside the reactor
Tour Season:

• Offered seasonally, typically spring through fall

Reservations:

• Advance reservation required due to limited capacity and high demand

Audience: Teens, adults, history enthusiasts, science and engineering learners
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible buses and interior routes are available with advance notice
Safety & Restrictions:

• Valid government-issued photo ID required

• Secure federal site access with strict supervision

• Closed-toe shoes recommended
  Languages: English
  Group & School Visits: Group tours available with advance coordination
  What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water
  Facilities: Restrooms and parking available at the Hanford Visitor Center (departure point)

Nearby

• Hanford Reach National Monument – Preserved Columbia River landscapes

• Manhattan Project National Historical Park Visitor Center – Exhibits and orientation

• Tri-Cities Area – Museums, dining, breweries, and riverfront parks

FAQs About Visiting the Hanford B Reactor

Do I need a reservation?
Yes. All tours require advance booking, and spots often fill weeks or months ahead.

Is the tour appropriate for children?
Yes, but the tour is long and content-heavy. Children should be closely supervised and comfortable with several hours of structured touring.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The tour includes moderate walking on flat industrial surfaces and standing during explanations, along with extended bus time.

Can I take photos inside the reactor?
Photography is allowed in most areas, but some spaces may be restricted. Follow guidance from tour staff at all times.

Can I explore the Hanford Site on my own?
No. The B Reactor and most Hanford facilities are located on secure federal property and can only be accessed through official guided tours.