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The Powerhouse

456 W 12th St · Durango, CO

Why you should go…

The Powerhouse is a hands-on science museum for children in Durango, Colorado, housed in the former Durango Light and Power Company building, an 1892 hydroelectric plant on the National Register of Historic Places. Exhibits include a kinetic Ball Wall, a Bernoulli air pressure display, a Flight Lab and an augmented reality sandbox, with the original boiler room now serving as the museum's theater. The museum sits along the Animas River Trail and also hosts educational programs and birthday parties.

  • #museum
  • #science
  • #kids
  • #family
  • #history

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to The Powerhouse, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours

    $50+

    Family-run outfitter running whitewater rafting and jeep tours out of Durango since 1983.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Eat & Drink
    Date Night

    Barons Creek Vineyards

    $25–$50

    A downtown Durango tasting room pouring Texas Hill Country wines with charcuterie, pizza and weekly live music.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

    $50+

    Historic coal-fired steam train running 45 miles of scenic narrow-gauge track through the San Juan Mountains.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours

    $50+

    Whitewater rafting and Jeep tours on the Animas and nearby rivers out of Durango, Colorado.

    2.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa

    $50+

    A natural mineral hot springs resort in the Animas Valley north of Durango, with more than 30 soaking pools.

    2.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Salmon Ruins Museum

    Under $25

    An 11th century Chacoan great house ruin near Bloomfield with a self guided trail, heritage park and museum.

    40 mi awayMore like this