Please contact the park.
Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park
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
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:
Bernard Leach , Folsom Lake Special Events Coordinator
7755 Folsom-Auburn Road
Folsom, CA. 95630
(916) 988-0205
Special Event Permit applications should be submitted 45 days prior to the event date. Late fees will apply to any application received less than 45 days prior to the event date. Applications received less than 30 days prior to the 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
For more information about Granite Bay and Black Miners Bar Group Picnic sites, Activity Center or Powerhouse Visitor Center reservations please contact:
Sheryl Canada
7755 Folsom-Auburn Road
Folsom, CA. 95630
(916) 988-0205
Activity Center Reservation Application
Granite Bay Group Picnic Reservation Application