What our visitors are saying.

“A shrine to energy.”
– Duane P., Canada

“A landmark in history that must be honored by future generations.”
– Nathan L., Canada

“A visionary way of thinking and implementation.”
– Zori K., Israel

“Awesome to see what I learned as part of my physics classes!”
– Cyrel T., India

“Incredible facility. It’s great that everything is still so well preserved and interactive.”
– Leon, Illinois

“Love it! Like seeing where humans invented the wheel or fire.”
– Sarah, Virginia

“Amazing! Gives you much greater respect for technology from decades ago.”
– Kyle J., Texas

“Very interesting – I really like the new section on EBR-II.”
– Larry M., Idaho

“Great tour – very easy to understand.”
– Joyce C., Colorado

“What an amazing and educational resource!”
– Jessica F., California

“A hidden gem.”
– Jolie, Oklahoma

“Very informative self-guided tour.”
– Peter L., Australia

“Came in on a whim – so glad we did!”
– Simon M., Scotland

“Extremely fascinating. Great pride that we accomplished this technology.”
– Damon R., Idaho

“Nerdiness at its best!”
– Gary S., Iowa

“This place has taught me a lot about nuclear energy. I’ll definitely tell my friends at school about this.”
– Nick B., Texas

“Really a landmark in history of humankind.”
– Jigur D., India

“Wonderful piece of American history.”
– Alex K., Florida

“Wonderful experience! It’s not every day the public gets to see this kind of thing.”
– Beau H., Utah

“Good that things like this are available to everyone.”
– Allan M., Maryland

“Now I understand much more about nuclear power.”
– Theo L., Switzerland

“Wow! How exciting to see how the nuclear industry began.”
– Gary W., Pennsylvania

“New EBR-II display is a great representation of the original reactor.”
– Amy T., Idaho

“First time back in 25 years – still great!”
– Ken H., Colorado

“A fascinating and unique museum.”
– Joel N., New Zealand

“As a teacher – fantastic!”
– Bob, Oregon

“Clean explanation of atomic energy.”
– Ann S., Florida

“An awesome achievement for America.”
– Bruce K., New Jersey

“As a previous nuclear engineer, I can say your presentation is perfect. Thank you.”
– Lucien P., France

“Awed to be standing where history was made!”
– John R., Texas

“Great exhibition, very educational, learned a lot, a must for every pupil!”
– Vlaus B., Germany

“Amazed and humbled by those who went before us. What courage and intelligence!”
– Shelly R.

Experimental Breeder Reactor No. 1

Have you ever seen a nuclear reactor? Ever wonder how electricity is generated from nuclear energy? Satisfy your curiosity by visiting the Experimental Breeder Reactor No. 1 (EBR-I) Atomic Museum, located on U.S. Highway 20/26 between Idaho Falls and Arco (see map). The facility, a National Historic Landmark where usable electricity was first generated from nuclear energy in 1951, is open to the public from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend — seven days a week — from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. It’s the only place in America you can see four nuclear reactors — including two aircraft nuclear propulsion prototypes, a reactor control room, remote handling devices for radioactive materials, radiation detection equipment, and much more. New in 2011 are colorful, interactive displays that tell the story of EBR-I’s sibling, Experimental Breeder Reactor No. 2 (EBR-II), the reactor that once powered much of the site, operated with a novel closed fuel cycle and demonstrated its inherent safety. You can walk through the museum using the self-guided tour instructions (781KB PDF), or take a guided tour with one of the summer season tour guides.

EBR-I Fast Facts

On December 20, 1951, EBR-I became the first power plant to produce electricity using atomic energy.
EBR-I was the first reactor built in Idaho at the National Reactor Testing Station (forerunner to today's INL)
In 1953, testing at EBR-I confirmed that a reactor could create (or breed) more fuel than it consumes.
This pioneering reactor operated for 12 years before being shut down for the last time in December 1963.
President Lyndon Johnson dedicated EBR-I as a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

More Information

EBR-I Brochure (1.3MB PDF)
Self-Guided Tour (781KB PDF)

Arco	18
Blackfoot	40
Idaho Falls	50
Boise	225

Experimental Breeder Reactor No. 1

EBR-I Fast Facts

More Information

EBR-I Videos