Entry No. 120 — the Denver file — filed under: history

Georgetown Energy Museum

Tucked at the end of a Georgetown side street sits a hydroelectric plant that's been spinning since 1900 and still feeds power to the grid. A small nonprofit leases part of it from Xcel and runs a free museum inside, so you can stand a few feet from 125-year-old water-driven generators that are actually running, not roped-off relics. Early-electricity exhibits and antique appliances fill out the rest. It's one of the oldest continuously operating hydro plants in the country, and almost no one on I-70 detours the few blocks to find it.

The move: Detour off the interstate into Georgetown, wander the free plant together watching the century-old turbines spin, then stroll the historic Victorian main street for coffee or a bite.

📍 Before you go From I-70 take Exit 228 and follow signs into downtown Georgetown; the plant sits at the east end of 6th Street where it meets Griffith, an easy walk from the historic core. Parking is limited parallel spots along 6th Street, with an overflow lot near Strousse Park and Guanella Pass Brewery (a good warm-up or wind-down stop). It runs as a warm-season operation, generally late spring into early fall, with off-season visits by appointment only — dates shift year to year, so check ahead. Mountain mornings are cool and the floor can be loud with the generators turning, so dress for it.

• 📍 Georgetown
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 600 Griffith Street, Georgetown, CO 80444 (inside the operating 1900 Xcel Energy hydroelectric plant)

Hours: Open to visitors roughly June 1 through early October: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun noon-4pm. Weekdays by appointment in the off-season. Admission free (donations welcome). Confirm seasonal dates before going.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Official site · city-data.com · ethw.org

last checked: 2026-06-07