Entry No. 78 — the Durango file — filed under: after-dark
The Powerhouse Dark Sky Celebration
The Powerhouse is a hands-on science center inside Durango's historic 1893 coal-fired power plant on the banks of the Animas River. Tied into Durango's Dark Sky efforts, it has teamed up with Visit Durango and Dark Sky Colorado on a family-friendly Dark Sky Celebration featuring talks on light pollution and the traveling 'Sun, Earth, Universe' space exhibit. Day to day it's the indoor, science-forward counterpart to a night under real stars.
The story
In 1893, workers were shoveling coal on the banks of the Animas River to blast Durango with early electric power. Today, that exact high-ceilinged brick shell at 1333 Camino Del Rio has flipped the mandate: now it's focused on teaching people how to turn those lights off. Operating inside the city's old coal plant, The Powerhouse functions as Durango's hands-on science museum, but its Dark Sky Celebrations turn the industrial relic into an ground zero for celestial preservation.
You didn't hear it from us, but if you want to understand the Southwest Colorado night sky without freezing on an exposed mesa at 9,000 feet, this is the warm-up. Teamed up with Dark Sky Colorado and Visit Durango, the venue brings in experts on light pollution alongside the traveling 'Sun, Earth, Universe' exhibit—a series of hands-on NASA-developed modules. You get to manipulate optics, learn how light bleed disrupts local wildlife, and analyze space weather indoors before stepping out onto the river trail to inspect the real horizon.
What it's like
Expect a mix of historic industrial architecture—exposed brick, soaring rafters, and riverfront air—packed with interactive science stations. During Dark Sky event nights, families and astronomy buffs fill the hall, so show up right when doors open if you want uninterrupted hands-on time with the space exhibits. Note that these celebrations are periodic pop-up events rather than a nightly routine, so double-check powsci.org before making the trip.
The move: Catch a Dark Sky Celebration evening at the riverside power plant, exploring hands-on space exhibits and a talk on light pollution before stepping outside to scout the night sky.
📍 Before you go The Dark Sky Celebration is a periodic special event, not a nightly offering; check powsci.org for the next date.
- 📍 Durango (downtown, Animas River)
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 1333 Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- White Rabbit Books & Curiosities — This tiny bookshop sits right along the Animas River Trail behind the Powerhouse building, making it an easy pitstop before heading inside.
- Fort Lewis College Observatory — Pair the Powerhouse's indoor space exhibits with actual rooftop stargazing through a 14-inch telescope up on the college mesa.
- The Subterrain — Trade scientific dark skies for an entirely hand-painted, immersive underground art bar located four blocks away in downtown Durango.
Good to know
Is the Dark Sky Celebration a nightly offering?
No, it is a periodic special event held on select dates throughout the year. Check powsci.org for the current event schedule.
Where is the venue located?
The Powerhouse is located at 1333 Camino Del Rio along the Animas River in downtown Durango.
What kind of exhibits are included during the event?
The celebration features the traveling 'Sun, Earth, Universe' exhibit, interactive science stations, and talks focused on light pollution and dark sky conservation.
Is this event strictly for kids?
While family-friendly, the dark sky conservation topics, historic building setting, and astrophysics modules offer plenty of substance for adults.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: powsci.org · durango.org · nisenet.org
last checked: 2026-06-23