Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park
*HEAT ALERT: With temperatures set to exceed 110 degrees throughout much of the state this week, California is urging everyone to take extra precautions as they celebrate the Fourth of July. Governor Newsom has directed the Office of Emergency Services to activate its State Operations Center. Read about how California is preparing for this heatwave. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of California from 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, through Sunday, July 7, at 8 p.m. PDT. Please be sure to take extra precautions when heading outdoors and know before you go by checking the park’s webpage ahead of time. Visit our safety tips webpage and get the latest on the weather at weather.gov.
The Park is currently OPEN.
Passes Information
Park Facilities
Parking
Restrooms
Restrooms
The Folsom Powerhouse is part of a colorful chapter of Sacramento history and is also an example of the tremendous advance in the commercial application of electricity. H.P. Livermore realized that the water of the American River could turn generators for electricity in Sacramento, 22 miles downstream. With his partners, Livermore built the powerhouse, which still looks much as it did in 1895.
The opening of the powerhouse brought with it a "grand electric carnival" parade through downtown Sacramento and a 100-gun salute from a detachment of soldiers near the substation. Vintage generators are still in place at the powerhouse, as is the control switchboard, faced with Tennessee marble.
Visitors touring the powerhouse can see the massive General Electric transformers, each capable of conducting from 800 to 11,000 volts of electricity, in addition to the forebays and canal system that brought the water from the dam.
Location-Directions
The recreation area, located next to the Historic Folsom District, can be reached via either Highway 50 or I-80 off of Greenback Lane.
The recreation area, located next to the Historic Folsom District, can be reached via either Highway 50 or I-80 off of Greenback Lane.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer and spring are warm to hot; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised.
Group and School Tours
Available by special arrangement. Please complete the following Google Form at least 2 weeks in advance of desired tour date: https://forms.gle/mdyM3YpKLPkNmL5K8.
Our team will be in touch with you within a few days after completing the form. Requests made on Sunday - Tuesdays may not get a response until Thursday.
Other Interpretive Programming
Folsom Lake SRA and Folsom Powerhouse SHP have many guided events every month!
Events are posted regularly on our Facebook page @Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and our monthly newsletter.
Sign up for the newsletter here: Newsletter Sign-up form
Questions about our programming? Feel free to email us at folsomlake@ports-ca.us
Special Events Information
For more information about Special Events and or Permit Applications please contact:
Bernard Leach, Folsom Lake Special Events Coordinator
7755 Folsom-Auburn Road
Folsom, CA. 95630
(916) 988-0205
Special Event Permit applications should be submitted 45 days prior to the event date. Late fees will apply to any application received less than 45 days prior to the event date. Applications received less than 30 days prior to the event may be denied.
Film Permits are arranged on an individual basis through the California Film Commission. For additional information please call (323)-860-2960
For more information about Granite Bay and Black Miners Bar Group Picnic sites, Activity Center or Powerhouse Visitor Center reservations please contact:
Sheryl Canada
7755 Folsom-Auburn Road
Folsom, CA. 95630
(916) 988-0205
Activity Center Reservation Application
Granite Bay Group Picnic Reservation Application
