experimental breeder reactor no. 1 (ebr-i) atomic museum

redwolf275

As someone who has worked in the nuclear industry, this site was a must see for me. I was not disappointed. Seeing how a nuclear plant was operated at the dawn of the industry was fascinating and educational.We arrived at 4:20 in the afternoon, and the site is only open until 5pm in the summer months only (memorial-labor day). Due to our arrival time, we could only take the self guided tour. This is still quite encompassing and covers everything from how nuclear fission works to how it is controlled and how it is used to make electricity.I got mixed reviews from the teens. They liked the secret cubbyholes in the museum even if they didn't fully appreciate the significance of each location. They also liked the hands on displays - there was an area where they could try to use remote manipulators to pick up small objects and another area which was a mock up of a real control room - visitors can try to get the plant running and generating electricity.Depending on your level of interest you can spend 1-2 hours visiting, and the staff are friendly, accessible and outstanding. And it's free too!

Dave97210

There is not much to see in Arco, but if you are driving through this is worth the stop. Arco was the first town "atomic powered" town and the history is well presented at the museum. You can wait for a tour or walk yourself through and they do provide a nice opportunity to explore after the tour.It is open daily - but ONLY Memorial Day to Labor Day

CintiKidCincinnati

To see the proposed (and built) reactors for atomic airplanes that JFK wisely cancelled before flying was quite educational. A part of US atomic history not well known to most of us

vitaly_khozyainov

I must admit my bias toward all nuclear research facilities - physics and radiation all safety was my university major, although I never worked in that field after graduation. EBR-I offers an insight into technology used at the dawn of nuclear era. It is amazing how little, in modern sense, is needed to operate the reactor and to conduct research. A look at that old technology teaches not to over complicate engineering design, and rely on basic physical principles rather than complex control systems (take a closer look at EBR-II exhibit).Do not miss a large device near the parking lot - this is a real operating nuclear jet engine! It was oversized for planes of its age, so it was only tested on the ground for over 180 hours.

coalminersboy

I was a Radiation Safety Officer and Nondestructive Test Technician for many years, so touring the reacrtor brough back many memories for me.We were led on a guided tour by an intern called Payton, and she was professional, knowledgeable and entertaining during that tour. We also had time to explore on our own, and had time to play with a mockup of the EBR-II control panel.

Chuck52310

This is a wonderful side trip of the main road. The EBR-1 is the first breeder reactor (nuclear power plant) in the world that produced electricity (to the nearby town of Arco). It is open to the public for no fee. Everything is labeled and well explained in the brochure. I loved it.

csquared2014

There's not much in the Idaho desert- but there is EBR1 ! It's a surprisingly well done little museum, with ample information, and a multitude of displays. We stopped without planning to spend a lot of time there, but I wish we did, there was a lot to see and read- especially if you're interested in science.

tech5709

It's not too often that you have the opportunity to see a nuclear reactor up close. This one may be a little old but it's very interesting to see what they were able to accomplish back then. This was the very first reactor to provide power in the world. Make time to see this for sure.

LorrindaK

Wonderful display of the first nuclear reactor to produce electricity. The experimental nuclear jet engines were really cool. I highly recommend this for the science and history crowd.

891cg

This museum was one of the highlights of our trip. They have done a very nice job of preserving the place and explaining how the nuclear reactor works. You get a bit of propaganda with your visit, so do your homework. All in all, I highly recommend a visit to this museum. We all enjoyed it.

Roderick19

Located near Arco, Idaho, EBR-I Atomic Museum, a National Historic Landmark, recounts the history of the world's first electricity generating nuclear power plant and a successor project, EBR-II. An orientation video relies on interviews with EBR-I engineers and workers to place EBR-I in historic context. Exhibits describe how the facility was commissioned, built and operated and how EBR-I contributed to further developments related to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. An exhibit in the EBR-II section provides a control panel for hands-on experience in running a nuclear power facility. Another exhibit discusses the geology of southern Idaho and attempts to explain why a nuclear reaction was build over a major aquifer in a volcanic region. Use the available brochure to take the self-guided tour, or sign up for a guide-led tour. Highly recommended. Free. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. If time allows, a quick trip through nearby Atomic City, might be interesting. This once bustling town is now almost a ghost town, but it shows traces of its past ties to the nuclear power industry.

LynneS102

Imagine building a nuclear reactor at a place where underground water flows into the Columbia River?!! We stopped in Arco where they were having "Atomic Day" celebrations, yet didn't have directions to this place. Self guided tour puts you back in time to heady days of thinking this kind of power would be the solution to energy needs. Control room a little like Star Trek. Manipulator arms interesting to use. Free. Great bathrooms.

thesteevesgroup

We were on our way to Idaho Falls after leaving Craters of the Moon and we saw this site was open for free so we stopped in. What a great little find and piece of history. This building is the site where they first was able to make energy using the Atom. I recommend this quick stop.

bcreff

Saw signs for this as the wife and I were driving across Idaho, to go to Craters of the Moon. Then I realized that the Idaho National Lab, was "The Site", outside of Blackfoot, where the Navy did its Secret Nuclear Research. I saw the turn off for the EBR 1 Complex, and its Free Tour. I made the turn and followed it to the complex. I went in and took a self guided tour. This is a very impressive facility and well worth your time. This is better than the Titan Missile Museum in Tucson, AZ. The only downside of this tour is that you will glow in the dark for awhile due to the extra radiation that you will be exposed to. Not a whole lot, but be aware of it.Also do not miss the engines for the B-54 Bombers! They were suppose to be Nuclear Powered.

KUssery

Exciting to imagine the 50's and 60's era, and the birth of nuclear energy in this form. Well laid out. Much to be gained by taking the tour which explains a lot, but the self guided option also gives you time to really examine things. Guides will take as much time as you need.@PopTopBob - you need to understand that this is a small establishment. The government didn't even allow them to display one of the original 4 lightbulbs that were powered by the first successful experiment on 12/20/51. All 4 were whisked away to be displayed at more "important" facilities. A bad review is not the way to help EBR-I be open Labor Day Weekend, or even more frequently. I hope you make it back there - it was great.