Open House — May 7 and May 14, 2011 at Swan Falls Dam
It’s been called the “grandfather” of Idaho Power Company’s (IPCO) hydroelectric plants. The historic Swan Falls Dam and Power Plant is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year, and May is a great time to invite IPCO customers to tour the museum during Idaho Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month*.
Join IPCO on May 7 and May 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Saturday, as they host an Open House at the museum, recognizing the importance of this project in IPCO’s history.
Located on the Snake River 20 miles south of Kuna on Swan Falls Road, the original plant first began generating electricity in 1901. Changing technology and increasing demands for electricity led to three major expansions of the historic power plant and its eventual replacement by a new powerhouse constructed by the company in 1994.
In conjunction with the celebration, a newly designed Swan Falls brochure will be available, featuring historical and recreational information as well as a new map of the area.
For more information about the Swan Falls events or Idaho Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month, visit the Idaho Power website www.idahopower.com .
*Tours of the Swan Falls Historic Museaum (outside the Open House days) typically are available to the public by appointment only and must be made one week prior to arrival. Call 208-736-3458.
–Article written by Shane Baker, IPCO Senior Archaeologist for the IPCO inhouse newsletter. Permission to copy and place on our BATR website was given on May 5, 2011.
Swan Falls Dam and Power Plant originally built in 1901.