Arco: Lava, Local History and Hotels

Arco offers travelers several distinct points of interest: the young volcanic landscape of Craters of the Moon, the historic route of Goodale’s Cutoff, and the history of atomic energy. If you’re looking for a hotel in Arco, these themes can help you decide what you’d like to focus on during your stay. They raise different questions: Would you like to explore volcanic formations, learn about a historic route, or find out more about Arco’s connection to nuclear technology?

Volcanic Landscapes and Trails at Craters of the Moon

The Craters of the Moon Visitor Center is 18 miles southwest of Arco, on US Highways 20, 26, and 93. Craters of the Moon contains the largest young lava field in the contiguous 48 US states. This makes young lava a clear focus for travelers interested in geological formations. The visitor center’s location and the description of the lava field represent two different aspects: its specific connection to Arco and the area’s exceptional size within the contiguous 48 states.

On the trails at Craters of the Moon, visitors can explore young volcanic formations, including cinder cones, ash cones, and lava fields. These formations give your exploration a specific focus: rather than seeing the area as one uniform landscape, you can pay attention to its different volcanic structures. The unique and fragile lava tubes at Craters of the Moon, near Arco, also offer opportunities to explore. These tubes provide a different focus from cones and lava fields; all are among the volcanic features found in the area.

Craters of the Moon received another designation in 2017: it was named an International Dark Sky Park. This dated designation adds a second dimension to its geological description without displacing the focus on its volcanic formations.

Goodale’s Cutoff and Arco’s History

Goodale’s Cutoff was an alternate route of the Oregon Trail and passed close to present-day Arco. The route is visible at many points along Highway 20/26/93 between Arco and Carey. This connects the historical context with a specific point of reference: Goodale’s Cutoff is not only identified as an alternate Oregon Trail route, but can also be seen along this highway corridor. When deciding what interests you, it makes a difference whether you’d rather focus on volcanic formations or traces of this historic route.

Atomic Days is also one of Arco’s recurring events. Held every year, the festival commemorates the fact that Arco was the first city in the world to be powered by electricity from a nuclear reactor. An annual event and a specific historical connection to atomic energy thus go hand in hand. If you plan to travel to Arco for Atomic Days, check the event date before your trip.

The connection to atomic history is also reflected in a city park: the sail of the fast attack nuclear submarine USS Hawkbill (SSN-666), known as “The Devil Boat,” is displayed there. The preserved sail is in Arco, where nuclear propulsion for submarines began. Viewing the exhibit therefore leads to a different aspect of the city’s history than Atomic Days: here, the connection to submarine technology; there, the commemoration of the city’s electricity supply from a nuclear reactor.

Things to Do in Arco

Arco’s Parks and Recreation department provides parks and programs for residents and visitors. The city’s offerings thus include both parks and programs. For visitors, this is another side of the city, alongside its volcanic and historical attractions.

ATOMICADE is an arcade in Arco’s former bowling center. Two different uses come together here: the building was a bowling center, while ATOMICADE is described as an arcade. This contrast adds another topic to explore in Arco, alongside its historical points of interest. Together with the parks and programs, it shows that the city need not be viewed solely through its connection to atomic history or its volcanic landscape.

For a broader travel overview: Butte County.