In the realm of cool attractions or activities, visiting a nuclear power plant may not top your list – but think again. Duke Energy’s dazzling World Of Energy visitor center turned 50 last year and, in that time, has seen more than three million visitors.

When the World of Energy visitor center first opened in 1969, it was simply an exhibit to allow local residents to learn more about the new nuclear facility being constructed on the shores of the newly formed Lake Keowee.
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In that first year, more than 250,000 people came to see and learn more.
And by 1972, World of Energy was so popular, it received the President's award as the Number One Tourist Attraction in South Carolina.
Duke Energy/Illumination Blog
Over the years and decades, the original visitor center has evolved and grown to live up to its name, World of Energy. Not only does the center offer a wealth of knowledge about nuclear energy, but also about renewable energies — and soon, natural gas exhibits will also be added.
Duke Energy/Illumination Blog
As one of the very first nuclear power plants built in the U.S., Duke's Oconee Nuclear Station is still a marvel to witness. Large windows and even an outdoor observation deck give visitors to the center an upclose encounter with the site's three nuclear containment buildings.
TripAdvisor/MissMinnow
Seeing the three nuclear containment buildings is a startling experience. They stand 19 stories high and seem so close you may want to turn on heels and run. But don't.
Back inside the World of Energy, you'll find an exhibit showing a cross section of the wall of each of the containment structures and it's very impressive, if not simply reassuring.
TripAdvisor/JBChipper
Each of the walls is nearly four feet thick and is supported with steel bars as big as your wrist (approximately). An additional steel liner is found at the inside edge of each structure.

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In 2012, the World of Energy was the top educational attraction in the Palmetto State.
TripAdvisor/JBChipper
Children and adults alike walk away with a world of information from the many exhibits and interactive displays.
Visitors learn all about the life cycle of nuclear energy. And what better place to do so than at Duke's very first nuclear power plant?
TripAdvisor/JBChipper
And amidst it all is one thing you'd never expect to find at World of Energy: a butterfly garden... overlooking the nuclear containment buildings. It's a bit of softness most visitors appreciate.
TripAdvisor/JBChipper
After all, who wouldn't want to see such delicate new life flourishing within steps of one of the largest nuclear power plants in the country?
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Duke's World of Energy celebrated 50 years last summer. Have you discovered this hidden gem in the Palmetto State yet?
Duke Energy/Illumination Blog

World of Energy is open five days per week, year-round (with the exception of a few holidays). The hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Learn more about it at this link on Duke Energy’s official website.

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