Written by Mikaela Fundaun

The Historic Fall River Hydroplant will open its doors on select dates for this summer season. Located at 1754 Fish Hatchery Road in Estes Park, this plant is a unique site for all visitors. Operating as an interpretive site since 2002, the Historic Fall River Hydroplant will be open every other Friday throughout the summer, June 27, July 11 and 25, and August 8 and 22, from 12:00 — 4:00 p.m. Guided tours will be given at 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m., no reservations are required, and admission is free.

Beginning in 1909, this hydroelectric plant produced electricity for The Stanley Hotel and surrounding areas. Eventually, F.O. Stanley sold the plant to the Public Service Company of Colorado and by 1945, the Town of Estes Park purchased and maintained the facility. The site produced electricity until it was severely damaged in 1982 by the Lawn Lake Flood. Discover the power of early hydroelectricity, the growth and changes of Estes Park, and the devastating disaster that took this plant offline.