EBR-1 Atomic Museum Tour — Arco, Idaho

Discover the EBR-I Atomic Museum Tour in Idaho

Located near Arco, Idaho, the EBR-I Atomic Museum Tour offers visitors a guided and self-guided exploration of the world’s first nuclear power plant to generate usable electricity. The Experimental Breeder Reactor No. 1 (EBR-I) site is where, in 1951, nuclear energy first produced electricity to power four light bulbs — marking a milestone in scientific history.

Guests walk through preserved reactor buildings, control rooms, and exhibits explaining nuclear fission, reactor design, and the evolution of atomic energy in the United States.

Why it’s special: The EBR-I Atomic Museum Tour takes visitors inside the historic facility that made nuclear-generated electricity a reality, offering direct access to one of the most important scientific sites in American energy history.

History & Story of EBR-I

Constructed in 1950 and achieving its historic breakthrough on December 20, 1951, Experimental Breeder Reactor No. 1 (EBR-I) was part of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission’s research program. Located in Idaho’s high desert, the reactor demonstrated that nuclear fission could be harnessed to produce electricity.

In 1966, EBR-I was designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, it operates as a public museum managed by the Idaho National Laboratory.

What You’ll See & Do on the EBR-I Atomic Museum Tour

• View the original EBR-I nuclear reactor core
• Explore historic control rooms and instrumentation panels
• Learn how nuclear fission generates electricity
• Discover the story behind the first four light bulbs powered by atomic energy
• Examine exhibits on nuclear research and reactor safety

Hands-On Elements: Interactive educational exhibits; reactor equipment is preserved and not operational.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography is permitted inside museum areas.

Souvenirs & Extras: Educational brochures and informational materials available on-site.

Pricing of the EBR-I Atomic Museum Tour

Adult price: $0 per adult (free)

Admission is free to the public.

Visiting information for EBR-I Atomic Museum Tour

Duration: 60–120 minutes

Age limits: All ages welcome

Accessibility: Accessible museum interior; some historic areas may have limited access

Working Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (seasonal operation typically late May through Labor Day)

Visitors are encouraged to check seasonal opening dates before traveling.

Nearby attractions to EBR-I Atomic Museum Tour

• Craters of the Moon National Monument
• Idaho National Laboratory landmarks
• Arco Historic Downtown

FAQs About Visiting the EBR-I Atomic Museum Tour

Is this where nuclear power first generated electricity?
Yes. EBR-I produced the first usable electricity from nuclear fission in 1951.

Can visitors see the original reactor?
Yes. The original reactor and control room remain on display inside the facility.

Is the museum open year-round?
No. The site typically operates seasonally from late spring through early fall.

Is there any radiation risk for visitors?
No. The facility is decommissioned and safe for public tours.

How far is EBR-I from Arco?
The museum is located approximately 20 miles southeast of Arco in Idaho’s high desert.