About this city
Also known as: The Atomic City
Arco is a historic high-desert city and the county seat of Butte County, Idaho, beautifully positioned along the Big Lost River at the intersection of three major scenic highways. Originally established as a pioneer junction town known as Root Hog, it entered the global history books on July 17, 1955, by becoming the first community in the world entirely powered by nuclear energy generated at the nearby EBR-I reactor. Nestled beneath the steep jagged peaks of the Lost River Range, it serves as the ultimate modern basecamp for exploring the volcanic wilderness.
Location & Administrative
Transportation & Accessibility
Weather & Timing
Economics & Local Vibe
Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 1–2 days
Explore the bizarre dynamic lava tubes and volcanic craters at Craters of the Moon National Monument, view the historic decommissioned EBR-I atomic reactor facility, photograph the historic high school graduation years painted on Number Hill, and trout fish the Big Lost River.
