The Powerhouse
OUR EXPERIENCES
The Powerhouse is Southwest Colorado’s hands-on science center, housed in Durango’s restored 1893 hydroelectric power plant on the Animas River. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we offer walk-in family admission year-round — interactive STEAM exhibits, Four Corners paleontology, and rotating national traveling exhibitions, plus discounted group sessions for 16–30 and venue rental in a historic riverfront building. Earned revenue underwrites $2 Museums for All admission and sliding-scale early childhood care for local families.
ABOUT US
The Powerhouse is Southwest Colorado’s STEAM engine, empowering curious young learners through interactive experiences, discovery, and play.
IMPACT
Our exhibits and lessons are built around what is specific to this place: the paleontology of the Four Corners, the hydrology of the Animas River, which runs past the building, and the mining-and-hydroelectric history that brought the power plant here in 1893. A visitor leaves understanding something about Southwest Colorado, not just about science in general. Programming is delivered by educators, not signage; staff and volunteers work the galleries to turn exhibits into conversations.
The 1893 power plant is an adaptive-reuse project: rather than being lost, a piece of Durango’s industrial infrastructure was restored and given a public purpose. We are on the National Register of Historic Places or a local historic register, and the structure’s history is interpreted for visitors through self-guided exhibits.
DETAILS
To learn more, contact: info@powsci.org
What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?
1–175
Do you require visitors to pre-book?
No. Walk-in family admission is available year-round. Pre-booking is available for group sessions.
Do you have group rates?
Yes
Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?
No
What languages do you offer your services in?
English
When are you open?
Year-round, Monday–Sunday. Closed on Wednesdays. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?
Our venue is ADA accessible with no need to use stairs and elevator, or chair lift. Main restrooms are ADA accessible. For events, staff ask for advance notice so the floor plan can be set to preserve wheelchair access. We are an autism-friendly environment. We have complimentary WiFi and are bike friendly.
