Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

The Park is currently OPEN.

Please check the hours of operation.

Contact Number

  • (916) 985-4843

Park Accessibility Information

Park Hours

  • Visitor Center
    Wed.
    Noon to 4:00pm
     
    Thurs. - Sun.
    9:00 am - 6:00 pm
     
    Main Powerhouse
    Wed. - Fri.
    Noon to 4:00pm
     
    Sat. and Sun.
    9:00am - 4:00pm

Park Activities

Yes
Dogs not allowed in buildings.
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Museums

Park Facilities

e-bike icon E-Bike Locations
EV Charger Icon  EV Charger Locations
Parking
Restrooms

Brochures

Park Directions

Get directions through Google Maps

The recreation area, located near the town of Folsom, can be reached via either Highway 50 or I-80.

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 next to the Historic Folsom District, can be reached via either Highway 50 or I-80 off of Greenback Lane.
 

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer and spring are warm to hot; fall and winter can be cool.  Layered clothing is advised.

Group and School Tours

Available by special arrangement.  Please complete the following Google Form at least 2 weeks in advance of desired tour date: https://forms.gle/mdyM3YpKLPkNmL5K8.
 
Our team will be in touch with you within a few days after completing the form.  Requests made on Sunday - Tuesdays may not get a response until Thursday.

Other Interpretive Programming

Folsom Lake SRA and Folsom Powerhouse SHP have many guided events every month!
 
Events are posted regularly on our Facebook page @Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and our monthly newsletter.
 
Sign up for the newsletter here: Newsletter Sign-up form
 
Questions about our programming?  Feel free to email us at folsomlake@ports-ca.us 

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

Bernard.Leach@parks.ca.gov

(916) 988-0205

To obtain a Special Event permit, submit an inquiry to the Special Event Coordinator below, once submitted you should receive a response within 1-5 business days. Special Event Permit inquiries should be submitted 45 days prior to the event date. Late fees will apply to any inquiry received less than 45 days prior to the event date. Inquiries 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

 

Blackout dates for Special Events:

Memorial Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend

Fourth of July

 

For more information about Granite Bay and Black Miners Bar Group Picnic site reservations please contact:

Folsom Lake SRA
7755 Folsom-Auburn Road
Folsom, CA. 95630 

FolsomLake.SRA@parks.ca.gov

(916) 988-0205

 Granite Bay Group Picnic Reservation Application

Black Miners Bar Picnic Reservation Application

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