Please contact the park.
Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park
This park unit is partially open. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place. - (June 21, 2021)
What is open now?
- Folsom Sector Office
- The park entrance is open to vehicular traffic. The parking lot, day-use facilities and restrooms are open.
- Powerhouse Visitor Center
- Powerhouse Museum
- Group Tours
COVID-19 Guidelines - (January 7, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- Be COVID-19 Safe – State Parks continues to meet guidance from local and state public officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly. Current state guidance requires that masks must be worn in all indoor public settings, such as museums and visitor centers, irrespective of vaccine status through February 15, 2022. Read the latest COVID-19 guidance at COVID19.ca.gov.
Phone Number
(916) 988-0205
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs not allowed in buildings.
Driving Directions to Folsom Powerhouse SHP
The recreation area, located near the town of Folsom, can be reached via either Highway 50 or I-80.Online reservations are not available for this park.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Museums
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Museums
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms
Parking
Restrooms
The Folsom Powerhouse is part of a colorful chapter of Sacramento history and is also an example of the tremendous advance in the commercial application of electricity. H.P. Livermore realized that the water of the American River could turn generators for electricity in Sacramento, 22 miles downstream. With his partners, Livermore built the powerhouse, which still looks much as it did in 1895.
The opening of the powerhouse brought with it a "grand electric carnival" parade through downtown Sacramento and a 100-gun salute from a detachment of soldiers near the substation. Vintage generators are still in place at the powerhouse, as is the control switchboard, faced with Tennessee marble.
Visitors touring the powerhouse can see the massive General Electric transformers, each capable of conducting from 800 to 11,000 volts of electricity, in addition to the forebays and canal system that brought the water from the dam.
Location-Directions
The recreation area, located near the town of Folsom, can be reached via either Highway 50 or I-80.
Group Tours are available throughout the week by special arrangement.
Call 916-985-4843 for more information.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer and spring are warm; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised.
Special Events Information
For more Information about Special Events and or Permit Applications please contact:
Andrew Smith, Folsom Lake Special Events Coordinator
7755 Folsom-Auburn Road
Folsom, CA. 95630
916-988-0205
Special Event Applications should be submitted 45 days prior to the event.
Late fees will apply to any application recieved less than 45 days prior to the event date.
Applications received less than 30 days prior to event may be denied.
Film Permits are arranged on an individual basis through the California Film Commission.
For additional information please call (323)-860-2960