Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park Greenback Lane Folsom CA

The Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park Greenback Lane is a historical site preserving an 1895 alternating current hydroelectric power station—one of the first in the United States.

This innovative power plant converted natural gravity to high voltage electricity for transmission to Sacramento 22 miles away. Its generating plant was still operational in 1952 and is now preserved. A great place to also visit is!

History

Folsom is a city of history and culture, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, just outside Sacramento’s back door. The area includes two reservoirs – Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma, created by dams on the American River – along with trails for hiking, boating, and other outdoor pursuits.

One of the highlights of the town is Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park, a historical site preserving an 1895 alternating current (AC) hydroelectric power station – the first of its kind in the United States. The plant shipped 11,000 volts AC power to Sacramento, 22 miles away, thanks to four three-phase 60 cycle generators and Stanley transformers.

Parking

The only hydroelectric power station still in operation in California, Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park is an enchanting gem along the American River. The park is an inviting destination with a modern visitor center, several exhibits and plenty of photo ops.

A plethora of outdoor activities are available around the lake including swimming, camping and biking. Folsom also has an extensive network of paved bike and pedestrian trails throughout the city. Browse around this site!

Tours

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park Greenback Lane is an interesting historic site where visitors can see the first AC hydroelectric power plant in the US. Guided tours are available here to help make your visit more informative and enjoyable.

The Folsom Powerhouse is a part of a colorful chapter in the history of California, and its preservation helps preserve this important piece of the state’s legacy. It was built in 1895 by H.P. Livermore and his partners to harness the power of water to generate electricity.

Folsom’s rich history, culture, and outdoor activities merge right outside its backdoor in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Lake Natoma and Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, created by dams on the American River, make excellent destinations for picnicking, hiking, boating, fishing, and other activities.

Exhibits

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park Greenback Lane Folsom CA is a historical site which preserves one of the first alternating current hydroelectric power stations in the country. This two-story Classical Revival-style brick powerhouse was built in 1895.

When it was constructed, this power plant was a revolutionary example of how electricity could be generated and transported to where it was needed. Natural gravity transformed falling water into 11,000 volts AC power that was transmitted 22 miles to Sacramento to power streetcars and factories.

Today, this two-story granite and brick structure remains in full working order. Visitors can walk around the powerhouse to admire its large turbines and cutting-edge 19th century technology. There are guided tours available throughout the week with reservations. You can also take a nature trail to Indian Grinding Rocks or walk the shoreline of Lake Natoma.

Facilities

Located on Greenback Lane in Folsom, this state historic park features one of the nation’s first hydroelectric power stations and massive General Electric transformers. The powerhouse still looks much as it did in 1895.

The powerhouse, built in 1895, incorporated the concept of using part of the American River’s rushing water to turn generators that generated three phase 60 cycle alternating current electricity (AC). It was then converted into 11,000 volts by twelve new Stanley transformers invented in 1895, and transmitted over a 22 mi long distribution line, one of the longest in the country at the time.

In addition to the powerhouse, visitors can tour the nearby Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, a popular outdoor oasis offering boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. The 32-mile Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail also stretches through the park. Click for more info!

Driving Direction from Set Point to Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

Driving Direction from Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park to Maidu Regional Park