Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park is an early electric power station in Folsom, California, that converted the flow of the American River into electricity. The facility contains two separate powerhouses with four massive turbines and generators housed within historic brick and stone buildings.

This power station opened in 1895 during California's rapid industrial growth and need for reliable electricity sources. It became a testing ground for new electrical technologies, particularly alternating current systems that would soon transform power generation worldwide.

The site shows how early hydroelectric systems turned water power into electricity through simple but effective machinery. Visitors can see the massive turbines and generators that made this conversion work on a scale never attempted before in the region.

The park sits along the riverbank and is easily accessible by car with free parking available on-site. Wear comfortable shoes since exploring both powerhouses and the grounds involves considerable walking through the historic buildings and outdoor areas.

The electricity produced here was transmitted to distant cities using methods that were revolutionary for the time. This successful demonstration of long-distance power transmission proved the technology could work at scale and changed how energy systems would be built elsewhere.