If visiting the historic Swan Falls Powerhouse Museum is on your list of things to do this summer, time is running out! The museum at Idaho Power’s oldest hydroelectric plant is open for free self-guided tours for the next two Saturdays, Aug. 23 and 30, before closing for the season.

The museum was recently revamped with updated exhibits and interactive displays that will appeal to young visitors and seasoned history buffs. Located south of Boise, the Swan Falls area also includes a day-use park, boat ramps, fishing access, and free camping. Interpretive panels outside the historic boardinghouse and in Swan Falls Park describe what life was like for the people who built the original dam and powerhouse as well as those who operated the facility once complete.

Swan Falls became the first hydroelectric dam on the Snake River when it started generating power in 1901 for the mines in Silver City. It remains an important part of Idaho Power’s hydroelectric system. The company built a new powerhouse in the mid-1990s, and the old plant now houses the museum. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

For directions and additional information, visit idahopower.com/swanfalls.

Brad Bowlin
Communications Specialist
bbowlin@idahopower.com
208-388-2803