Trip Planner: USA / Idaho / Arco / EBR-1

EBR-1, Arco

4.7

Specialty Museum · Museum

Create an itinerary including EBR-1

Experimental Breeder Reactor I (EBR-I) is a decommissioned research reactor and U.S. National Historic Landmark located in the desert about 18 miles (29 km) southeast of Arco, Idaho. It was the world's first breeder reactor. At 1:50 p.m. on December 20, 1951, it became one of the world's first electricity-generating nuclear power plants when it produced sufficient electricity to illuminate four 200-watt light bulbs. EBR-I subsequently generated sufficient electricity to power its building, and continued to be used for experimental purposes until it was decommissioned in 1964. The museum is open for visitors from late May until early September.

By using our Arco trip planner, you can arrange your visit to EBR-1 and other attractions in Arco.
Source

Improve this listing »

Create a full itinerary - for free!

EBR-1 reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

226 reviews

Google

4.8

By mi736

We came upon this museum completely by chance on a road trip through Idaho and boy, talk about a hidden gem!! Aside from the absolutely stunning and incredibly informative exhibits, including the...

We came upon this museum completely by chance on a road trip through Idaho and boy, talk about a hidden gem!! Aside from the absolutely stunning and incredibly informative exhibits, including the... more »
By kevan j

This is a fascinating site! I recommend visiting here on the same trip as visiting Arco as the two are closely linked. Arco was the first town lit up by nuclear power...and that power came from here..... more

This is a fascinating site! I recommend visiting here on the same trip as visiting Arco as the two are closely linked. Arco was the first town lit up by nuclear power...and that power came from here..... more »
By pat l

Disappointing that they close in the winter. We thought we would drive by and see the outside parts as we travelled through the area but felt very unwelcome as a government vehicle came to apparently.... more

Disappointing that they close in the winter. We thought we would drive by and see the outside parts as we travelled through the area but felt very unwelcome as a government vehicle came to apparently.... more »

See more on TripAdvisor ›

Google

By Donna Smith

What an amazing place! We have lived here 15 years and never stopped in to tour this. It is a must for anyone passing through or have just never stopped by. It is free to tour. You can take a self guided tour or a guided tour. There are stairs to all 3 levels. Staff was very nice and helpful. Plenty of parking for vehicles and RVs.

more less
By Bree Kressly

Unbelievable place. I have been coming here since I was 3 years old. I've tried for 3 years to bring my boys here but it was closed cause of Covid. Thankfully it was open this year and my boys got to see a foundation of American history up close! Thank you so much for preserving this for future generations. When I was a kid you used to be able to move the mechanical hands but it was still cool to show my boys that I wasn't making up stories :). Stop by!!!

more less
By Jill Sauls

Very interesting museum but needs a little updating. The self-tour was pretty straightforward. Bathrooms clean. Lots of free parking and the workers were friendly. Just an extraordinary find in the middle of nowhere.

more less
By Stacy WB

Well done museum for all ages. I love that there is a great self guided tour with a pamphlet to go with, or you can download an audio tour, or you have the option of a guided tour! There are great explanations along the way, and lots of real equipment to see and touch- kids are even encouraged to push and pull and twist any buttons or switches or knobs.

more less
By David Ball

This place was very interesting to visit. We stopped on a family road trip to see. The kids enjoyed it too. Definitely a must see I think. Alot of history in such a small building. Listening to the stories and reading the logs makes you feel like the workers were right there beside you.

more less