north anna nuclear information center

The tour was conducted by a real professional who knew the technical part of how the plant operates. He was a little loose with the facts with it came to overall safety to humans. Nothing was proposed for the canisters of spent fuel siting out in the open. How long will this go on.

We took visitors to the plant, they were impressed by the displays and talk given at the Visitors Center. Displays described how a Nuclear plant functions to what happens to the used up fuel. Sadly, after 9/11 tours into the plant are no longer given.

Unfortunately, you can't see the inside of the nuclear power plant. What you can see is their small but extremely informative and well-thought out information center. It explains basic atomic theory (where was this exhibit while I was taking college physics?!), how nuclear power is generated and how electricity is generated from nuclear power. There is also a detailed explanation on how a nuclear power plant is constructed, with emphasis of safety. Many of the exhibits are interactive or 3D. The center appears to be constructed more for school groups than for family visitsbut they were very accomodating. It took us about an hour to read and try everything and both kids and I were fascinated. There is also a film explaining how used nuclear fuel is stored - if they don't offer to show it, ask. Although this is slightly off the beaten trek - about 40 minutes from Fredericksburg, the driving is easy and the information center well posted. I would call ahead just to confirm that the center is open if you are coming as a family. They also have very tight security at the gate and we seemed to have been spared this by the center knowing ahead of time of our visit.