Wow, this tour is AMAZING. It starts with a 15 minute video at the visitor center which explains…read morethe background of the geopolitical climate that prompted the construction of the reactor. It is the first large-scale nuclear reactor ever built, taking uranium and converting it into plutonium-239 (used in the Trinity test in New Mexico and the Fat Man bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan). Then there is a 45 minute bus ride to the B reactor itself (try to avail yourself of the restrooms at the visitor center, but there's a tour bus bathroom and port-a-potties at the reactor itself). The bus ride flew by as the docent talked about the area and his own experience as an engineer. Very engrossing. As you enter, there's another short presentation by a docent explaining the physics behind the reactor, and then you're set loose. There are also small docent-led presentations at specified times too if you want to get more into the nitty-gritty of the design and operation of the reactor. I wish I had more time at the reactor, maybe 15 more minutes, since there was so much to see and read. The exhibits were so well done!

Definitely worth a visit, though most of the buildings that once were on the site at the height of…read moreHanford's operations are no longer there. Everything went on schedule as described. The bus is a comfy coach and the 45 minute ride to the actual Reactor B is enlivened by the tour guide's info about the history and geology of the area, as well as providing background on the construction and challenges of putting together the entire site so quickly. Free bottled water is provided at the site, and there's a good mix of short talks by guides (about 15 minutes or so each) and time to walk around, read info on exhibits, and take photos. Visitor Center is clean, with chairs inside for waiting as well as benches outside. Because we'd driven almost 3 hours to the site, we took advantage of a shady bench to have our lunch. The timing of the 11:45am tour means you'll want to get something to eat before setting off, because you won't return to the Visitor Center for about 4 hours (and there is no food to purchase at the Center, and no food allowed inside the Reactor B building). There is, however, a place to eat next door to the Visitor Center (The Dive) where I can at least confirm that the beer and onion rings are excellent. We got lucky and had a relatively cool (80 degrees) day. Bathrooms at the actual park site (the reactor) are limited to portable toilets, but again, all the info presented from registration to the actual tour were clear, informative, and well done.

" Abraham Lincoln would be proud of this Museum "…read more Abraham Lincoln once quoted " American History is not something dead or over, It always is alive, always growing, always unfinished ". My wife and I visited the Franklin County Historical Museum in Pasco, Washington last week and were so amazed at what we witnessed. The Museum was originally constructed in 1910 as part of Andrew Carnegie's worldwide library construction program. A new library was built in 1962, after which the building served several different business concerns, ending in a period of abandonment and neglect. In 1980 the Society was offered the opportunity to use the building as its museum. Between 1980 and 1982, the building was beautifully refurbished by volunteers. It opened to the public as the Franklin County Historical Museum on January 3, 1983. The Museum is managed by Sherel Webb the Franklin County Historical Society Administrator, and after talking with Sherel you can feel her passion and love for the Museum and it's future growth. Sherel pushes hard to follow the Historical Society's mission statement that " we shall preserve and promote the history of Franklin County through educational publications, programs, and the operation of the Franklin County Museum ". The Museum has two levels of exhibits, a gift shop, archives for research, meeting rooms for programs, memorial books, and monthly and quarterly publications. They also have Museum memberships available. Admission is Free, and donations are welcome. The display pieces in the Museum where fantastic, and brought back a lot of memories. It is definitely worth a trip to this small dessert town to see the History, and to learn more about the stories of the pioneers of Franklin County.

From the owner: Franklin County Historical Society and Museum captures the spirit and history of The Franklin…read moreCounty Historical Society shall preserve and promote the history of Franklin County through educational publications, programs, and the operation of the Franklin County Historical Museum.

It was so worth stopping by. I'm glad to learn about the depth of the natural land formations…read moredating back 25+ million years, as well as how the area is involved in the nuclear waste cleanup effort. It was an eye-opening experience for me to learn that the atomic bomb, which was dropped in Nagasaki, Japan, was manufactured in the Hanford Nuclear Plant. It's an eyesore to see how history reveals the human ego repeats. At the same time, it's great to see that there are tons of efforts offered to sustain Mother Nature.

I really enjoyed this museum focused on the natural aspects of the Hanford Reach. Went in looking…read morefor information on one thing, and really explored both galleries. One focused on the geology and natural history of the Reach. Then the transition to the Hanford Project is punctuated with a movie. The second gallery was one focused on developing nuclear energy and the elements needed for nuclear weapons that would be the focus of the Cold War. Really insightful materials about Hanford's role during this period.

Authentic items from the start of aviation in Pasco, especially World War II. Inexpensive and…read morespecial prices for veterans and students.

From the owner: Tri-Cities first aviation museum. Located in the historic NAS Pasco Control Tower building…read more Featuring local aviation history including the beginning of aviation in our community, local commercial Air Mail route #5 , the Navy's flight training base, past and present airline service, Tri-Cities Intl Airshow, and more! Hands on experiences for kids, family friendly, Veterans always admitted free. Watch aircraft arrivals and experience aviation history like never before. "Saving history for the next generation, sharing aviation will all generations, honoring the Greatest Generation."