Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center - Middletown, California

Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center

The Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center is a must-visit destination for those interested in learning about the geothermal power generation process. Located at 15500 Central Park Rd, Middletown, CA 95461, United States, this informative center offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of geothermal energy.

With a phone number of 866-439-7377, the center can be easily reached for inquiries or to book a tour. The official website, geysers.com, provides comprehensive information about the center's offerings and upcoming events.

The Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center specializes in providing visitors with an immersive experience of the geothermal power generation process. The center's key features include a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, making it accessible to all visitors. Families with children will be pleased to know that the center is great for kids, offering educational and engaging activities suitable for the young ones.

With a solid reputation, the Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center has garnered 49 reviews on Google My Business, boasting an impressive average opinion rating of 4.5/5. This suggests that visitors consistently have a positive experience at the center, praising its informative exhibits and knowledgeable staff.

Features and Attractions

• Interactive exhibits showcasing the geothermal power generation process
• Virtual reality experiences allowing visitors to explore geothermal plants virtually
• Guided tours of the nearby geothermal power plant, providing an in-depth understanding of the technology and its environmental impact
• Hands-on activities for children, fostering an early interest in science and renewable energy

Why Visit the Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center

The Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center is an excellent educational resource for individuals of all ages, offering a unique insight into the world of geothermal energy. Whether you are a curious student, a renewable energy enthusiast, or simply seeking a fun and engaging outdoor activity, the center has something to offer.

By visiting the Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center, you will gain a better understanding of the importance of geothermal energy in the fight against climate change and the role it plays in powering our world. The center's commitment to providing an accessible, informative, and enjoyable experience makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in renewable energy and the environment.

👍 Reviews of Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center

bartellj

5/5

Largest of its kind in California, Sonoma County power plant uses volcanic activity and steam to generate electricity. Watch my video.
When early settlers first stepped foot on the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma County, they described it as a gateway to Hell. In a way, they were right.What they were seeing were plumes of steam shooting from the ground, super-heated by the earth below. Today, that steam is put to work at the Geysers Calpine Power Plant--better known as just "The Geysers"--and it's California's largest geothermal electrical generation site. the steam turns giant turbine generators that create electricity day and night. They generate 750 megawatts. That's enough to power the city of San Francisco.The company gives free tours every month, but before the buses and the power plants, this area was a vacation destination. Farison says the geysers were discovered by grizzly bear hunters in 1847. It was believed that the hot waters had healing powers, and that brought in hordes of tourists and eventually led to the construction of a grand hotel and resort. Geysers are super-heated water that shoot out of the earth, but steam is the only thing coming out of the Mayacamas Mountains. Deep below the mountains is a layer of cracked and broken rock which is heated by magma. When groundwater gets into the cracked rock, it turns into steam and escapes through what are known as fumaroles. In the 1920s, it was discovered that the steam could be turned into electricity. Early on, it was used to power the old Geyser Hotel. By the 1960s, large generation plants like the Geysers were built.Today, Calpine Power Company owns around 28 power plants that use the earth's pressurized steam to turn giant electrical generators. Each generator can power about 40,000 homes. Some of the steam is made using treated wastewater from nearby cities that have nowhere to put store it. Calpine pumps that clean, treated water underground, and when it hits the hot rocks it turns into more steam.

Perry M.

5/5

Absolutely a must see your for the new green energy enthusiasts.

erin ?. L.

5/5

I wish they had more charging stations FYI there’s only one 😭

Benson W.

5/5

Probably the best powerplant tour ever. This place is impressive with lots of very knowledgeable people to give you history and answer questions.

becky S.

5/5

Pretty cool. We waited months to get the tour, but worth it. Brian the tour guide was an engineer at the site for about 45 years, so knew more or less everything there was to know about the place.

Roberta M.

5/5

Wonderful group of people handling the tours, answering questions. A must visit. All compliments of CalPine Geothermal.

Julien T.

5/5

Excellent interactive experience for one of the most fascinating clean energy power plant in the country. An absolute must!

George N.

5/5

Very interesting and it is amazing how large the field is. Very cool visuals to explain where everything is located.