6 Reasons Your Family Will Love Spring Break at Purgatory Resort
The Powerhouse Science Center
- 1333 Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301
- Tel: (970) 259-9234
Open year-round, The Powerhouse is Southwest Colorado’s STEAM engine empowering curious young learners through interactive experiences, discovery, and play. We are dedicated to providing innovative learning and empowering you! Located on the banks of the Animas River, right on the River Trail in Durango's nationally historic coal-fired, steam-generated AC powerplant, The Powerhouse is a dynamic place for family adventure, makers and tinkerers, childhood learning, special events, and just a place to relax along the river while downtown. So if you love hanging around by the river, messing around with amazing technology, and seeing a part of our nation's history then drop by.
Check out all The Powerhouse has to offer:
The Powerhouse Exhibit Gallery - Virtually travel to the highest peaks that surround Durango, try you hand at air rockets, experiment with our augmented reality sandbox, or get creative in our TinkerLab. See our nationally historic generators and equipment from the one of the world's first AC power generation plants. 6,000 sq feet of exhibits to explore
Tiny Tuesdays Every Tuesday from 9am-11am in the morning, we have some reserved time where families and toddlers can play, explore, meet others like them, and participate in a short, age-appropriate science lesson.
Carver Family Plaza - come relax down by the Animas River (weather permitting) right along the River Trail. Play with our outdoor games, quench you thirst (non alcoholic as well as full bar) and on Thursday's participate in Durangos most popular trivia night.
For our school and student visitors:
Camp Discovery Get your geek on! Learn to use 3D printers, battle Judo Bots, dissect organs, and become a future botanist by participating in a Camp Discovery session. For ages 3-16.
Field Trips A field trip to The Powerhouse is a fun, memorable, hands-on science adventure that we’re sure your students will never forget.
Science Career Ladder An innovative education and employment program providing fun and meaningful work experience to middle school, high school and college students.
Curiosity Club : Sign up for our after-school STEAM club, featuring hands-on lessons hosted at The Powerhouse for students in grades K-5.
For more information visit our website. www.powsci.org
Summer Hours (Memorial Day - Labor Day):
Open 7 days a week 9:30am-3:30pm
Winter Hours (Labor Day - Memorial Day):
Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri - Open 9:00am-1:00pm
Wednesday - CLOSED
Sat/Sun - Open 9:00am-3:30pm
Admission to the Museum:
Adult $9.50
Children (1-17 yrs) $9.50
Children 2 and under FREE
Members FREE
Museums For All (SNAP benefit holders) $1
Please see our website for more information regarding rates for events, field trips, summer camps, and more.
General Overall
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Complimentary Wifi:
- Military Discount:
- Motorcoach Friendly:
- On Site Parking:
- LGBTQ+ Friendly:
- Autism Friendly Environment:
- Locally Owned:
- General Parking:
General Accommodations
- Air Conditioning:
- Bike Friendly:
- Pets Friendly:
General Accessibility
- Accessible parking:
- Accessible restroom:
Mobility Assistance
- Ramp to main entrance:
- Level access to all public areas:
- Level access from entrance to reception:
Facility Info
- Exhibits Space
- Description The Powerhouse can host parties and meetings large and small. ADA accessible, full AV/Sound/Screen. Built in 1893! Located in downtown Durango, the Powerhouse is comprised of several indoor and outdoor options ideally suited for all of your needs. Historic with a touch of the scientific, the Powerhouse Plaza, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Energy Gallery, and the Boiler Room offer a host of amenities to accommodate large, formal gatherings to casual, cocktail-style events — including weddings and receptions. Overlooking the Animas River, the expansive Plaza easily seats 150 guests, while the indoor Theater and Gallery – equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems – can comfortably hold 30 to 300 guests.
- Exhibits 30
- Floorplan File Floorplan File
- Largest Room 1
- Total Sq. Ft. 3000
- Reception Capacity 200
- Space Notes Historic building with unique exhibits and activities, outdoor plaza. Chairs, tables and linens available. They have their own liquor license but are NOT licensed for catering; all food must come from an outside thrid party
- Theatre Capacity 200
- Banquet Capacity 100
- Number of Rooms 4
- Booths 4
- Classroom Capacity 150
