Powerhouse Science Center | Durango

Information

Landmark: Powerhouse Science Center
City: Durango
Country: USA Colorado
Continent: North America

Powerhouse Science Center, Durango, USA Colorado, North America

The Powerhouse Science Center is an educational facility located in Durango, Colorado, USA.

It is housed within a historic industrial building that has been repurposed for public engagement with science and technology.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a former power generation plant constructed primarily of red brick. It features large, arched windows and a prominent smokestack. The building's industrial design is evident in its exposed steel beams and concrete floors. The interior has been modified to accommodate exhibits, with open spaces and dedicated areas for interactive displays.

Location & Access Logistics

The Powerhouse Science Center is situated at 151 E 11th St, Durango, CO 81301. It is located approximately 0.5km East of the Durango city center, adjacent to the Animas River. Parking is available in a dedicated lot directly behind the building. Public transport options include the Durango Transit bus system; Route 2 stops within 0.2km of the facility.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was originally constructed in 1927 as the Durango Steam Electric Generating Plant. Its purpose was to provide electricity to the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The plant ceased operations in the 1970s and was later acquired for redevelopment as a science center, opening in its current capacity in 2011.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can engage with interactive science exhibits covering topics such as energy, physics, and biology. The center offers a planetarium for astronomical presentations. Educational workshops and demonstrations are scheduled regularly. Outdoor activities include exploring the adjacent Animas River Trail.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded areas are present in the outdoor exhibit spaces. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the building and surrounding grounds. Food vendors are not located within the science center, but several restaurants are accessible within a 0.5km radius in downtown Durango.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography of the exterior is late afternoon when the brickwork is illuminated by direct sunlight. For indoor exhibits, any time during operating hours is suitable. The facility is open year-round, with peak visitor numbers typically occurring during summer months and school holidays.

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of the Powerhouse Science Center is its preservation of original industrial machinery, integrated into some of the exhibits. For instance, a portion of the original turbine hall remains visible, demonstrating the scale of the former power generation equipment. Local lore sometimes refers to the building's past as a source of "electric spirits," though this is purely anecdotal.