Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

About Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park preserves an 1895 hydroelectric plant near Folsom, one of the oldest facilities of its kind in the world. The plant was among the nation's first power systems to provide high-voltage alternating current to the Sacramento area. Visitors explore the main powerhouse building, which displays the historic control panel and equipment from the era when the facility revolutionized power distribution. The visitor center provides additional context about the site's engineering significance and its role in early electricity infrastructure. The park grounds allow dogs outside buildings. The main powerhouse and visitor center maintain separate schedules, with the visitor center open Wednesday through Sunday and the powerhouse open Wednesday through Sunday with shorter hours on weekdays. The recreation area sits near Folsom and is accessible via Highway 50 or I-80.