Overview

Arco was put on the map in 1951 when it was the first community in the world to be run on electricity generated by nuclear power. Although its link to nuclear power is controversial with environmental groups, Arco does serve as a gateway to the Lost River Valley and is located near the Craters of the Moon National Monument. In town, the most striking physical feature is Number Hill, a rocky hill with numbers painted all over it. Butte County High School has a tradition of each class since 1902 painting its graduation year on the face of hill.

Location

Arco can be found at the junction of Highway 20/26 and Highway 93 in southeastern Idaho.

Services/Amenities

This small town has several places to “spend the night” and several spots to satisfy your appetite.

Activities

Fishing in the Big Lost River and Mackay Reservoir, hunting for deer, elk, and other game animals in the foothills, and snowmobiling up Antelope Canyon or the Copper Basin are just a few of the activities available. Hang gliders launch off of mountain slopes, campers head for the forest, and hikers take off on trails into alpine lakes. All of this is available within a short distance of Arco.

Attractions

• EBR-1, the reactor that first produced atomic energy on December 20, 1951, is now a national historic site
• The Craters of the Moon National Monument offers views of incredible volcanic features including the Great Rift, a 62 mile long crack in the earth's crust.
• King Mountain offers Hang Gliding as well as Paragliding. Each of which have their own challenges. The launch site is located in nearby Moore, ID. There are three launches, two upper and one lower.

Getting Here

To travel to Arco from Sun Valley, Idaho travel south on Highway 75 to Highway 20. Travel east on Highway 20/26 to the junction with Highway 93. On the way you will pass the Craters of the Moon National Monument. You may want to schedule enough time on your excursion to take in all the fascinating sights at the Craters of the Moon.