powerhouse and dam tour

Transportation to the powerhouse tour departs from the James A. Gaston Visitor Center. Tour times vary. The current summer schedule was Tuesday thru Friday at 2 p.m. Saturday & Sunday at 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. The tour cost $4 per person. It's best to call ahead as reservations are recommended due to limited space. Pre-registration at the center and valid identification is required. Other restrictions apply; see their website for info about the tour, age limits, reservations, etc. Two friendly and entertaining volunteer guides loaded us in a van, drove down to river level below the dam, through the security gates and into the dam itself for behind-the-scenes look at the operation of the powerhouse. Watching the massive equipment in motion was a little noisy at times but very interesting. One of the huge generators came online while we were there.The visitor center offers a panoramic view of the White River, Bull Shoals dam and the lake. There is a large lobby filled with interpretive exhibits and an exhibit hall containing images of the lake, river and dam. There's a video in the Johnboat Theater about building the dam, the area's history and fishing. There's also a small gift shop.