
B Reactor Hanford
Explore the B Reactor, the world's first full-scale plutonium production reactor and a key site of the Manhattan Project.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience

B Reactor Hanford
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the B Reactor, the world's first full-scale plutonium production reactor and a key site of the Manhattan Project.
"A must-go for anybody interested in history or science, offering a great learning experience."

🎯 Book Tours Early!
Free tours fill up fast. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking around the historic site.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 156 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The B Reactor Itself
Hanford Site
Step back in time inside the original, largely preserved Manhattan Project reactor. See the historic equipment and understand its pivotal role.

Knowledgeable Docents
Throughout the tour
Engage with passionate guides who share in-depth knowledge of the Manhattan Project and the B Reactor's history.

Manhattan Project History
Visitor Center and Reactor
Gain a profound understanding of this critical period in American history and the science behind the atomic age.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your B Reactor Tour in Advance
Prepare for the Hanford Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Early!
Free tours fill up fast. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking around the historic site.
💧 Bring Snacks & Drinks
None are provided on site, so pack your own for the tour.
⏳ Arrive 15 Minutes Early
Ensure you get a good seat for the introductory video before boarding the bus.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Early!
Free tours fill up fast. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking around the historic site.
💧 Bring Snacks & Drinks
None are provided on site, so pack your own for the tour.
⏳ Arrive 15 Minutes Early
Ensure you get a good seat for the introductory video before boarding the bus.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning images of this historically significant location.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the B Reactor tour for its educational value and the deep historical significance of the site. The knowledgeable docents are frequently highlighted for bringing the Manhattan Project to life. While the building can get warm, the free admission and unique experience make it a highly recommended visit for anyone interested in history or science.
"It is very educational and an amazing experience to visit this historically significant place."
Tom Monaghan
"It was a great learning experience. Everybody there was super knowledgeable and had an answer for every question I could come up with. The building itself is cool and left mostly original and considering the tour was free I would say it's a must-go for anybody. Perfect photo opportunities and great for people who just want to learn about this part of our nation's history!"
alexander elliott
"Our final stop on our tour of the three Manhattan Project sites. Beautiful scenery on the drive. Friendly and knowledgeable docents Jim and Mark were wonderful. Our bus driver Leslie managed the roads like a pro."
Holly Mitchell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The B Reactor is located at the Hanford Site. Tours typically depart from a designated visitor area. Check the official Hanford B Reactor tour website for the most current departure points and directions. The drive itself offers beautiful scenery.
Yes, parking is generally available at the tour departure point. It's advisable to confirm specific parking arrangements when booking your tour.
Travel time can vary depending on your starting point. The tour itself involves a bus ride to the reactor, which is part of the experience.
Access to the B Reactor is typically managed through guided tours. Visitors usually cannot drive directly to the reactor itself but are transported via tour bus.
Public transportation options to the immediate Hanford Site area might be limited. It's best to check local transit schedules or consider carpooling if you're not driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The B Reactor tours are completely free! This makes it an incredibly accessible historical experience for everyone interested in the Manhattan Project.
Absolutely! Tours are very popular and fill up quickly. Booking your free tickets well in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot.
Tours typically run daily during specific hours, often in the morning. It's crucial to check the official B Reactor tour schedule for exact times and availability.
No, access to the B Reactor is exclusively through guided tours. This ensures historical preservation and provides a structured educational experience.
While specific age limits can vary, tours are generally suitable for most ages interested in history. It's always a good idea to check the official tour guidelines for any restrictions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect an educational journey into the heart of the Manhattan Project. You'll see the original reactor, learn about its history from knowledgeable docents, and gain insights into this pivotal era.
The building itself is historic, and while efforts are made for accessibility, some areas might present challenges. Check with the tour operators for specific accessibility information.
The B Reactor building can run warm, but there is one room with air conditioning to help cool visitors.
Yes, photography is generally permitted and encouraged, offering perfect photo opportunities to capture this historic site.
Tours typically include an introductory video and the bus ride to the reactor, followed by exploration. The total duration can vary, but plan for a few hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, food and drinks are not provided on-site during the B Reactor tours. Visitors are strongly advised to bring their own snacks and beverages.
Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks to consume during the tour, especially during the bus ride or any waiting periods.
The B Reactor is part of the larger Hanford Site, which is a bit remote. You'll likely find dining options in nearby cities like Richland, Pasco, or Kennewick after your tour.
📸 📸 Photography
The B Reactor itself offers incredible photographic opportunities, both inside and out. The surrounding Hanford landscape also provides scenic backdrops.
Yes, photography is permitted inside the B Reactor, allowing you to capture the historic machinery and atmosphere.
You can capture the immense scale of the reactor, the control rooms, and the overall historical significance of the site.
While generally allowed at the B Reactor, it's always wise to be mindful of any specific signage or instructions from your tour guide regarding sensitive areas.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit