about
the only tour that goes inside the wind farm's fences and endorsed by the desert wind energy association.
The two hour tour includes...
Our tour takes approximately 2 hours and will take you behind the fences onto our private grounds where no other tour will go. The tour starts at our tour headquarters where you will be given an overview of renewable wind energy, a history of our windmills since the inception in 1982 to today.
Next, a private luxury bus takes you on the tour of the farms off property and ends with a free date shake at the Windmill Cafe.
The windmills are an iconic feature of the area and is educational and fun for the entire family.
The entire tour stops a few times where you can get up close to a windmill to see the majestic size and drives up to a vista for perfect picture taking.
Comfortable shoes, hats and sunscreen are recommended.
A full view behind the fence in an air conditioned luxury bus.
Walk through the implement yard and see the top of the windmill from the ground.
The most knowledgeable and experienced guide in town.
Visits to solar and natural gas facilities.
The most delicious date shake in the valley.
*Except on Sundays, the Windmill Market is closed. You will receive a voucher to visit the market during business hours.
the only tour ENDORSED BY THE DESERT WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION
The only tour in the valley with a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence and 5 Star Yelp rating!
Palm Springs Windmill Tours is located at 62950 20th Avenue, Palm Springs, CA 92258
Heading north on N Indian Canyon drive from Palm Springs, you will turn left onto 20th Avenue just before the ARCO Station. After turning, drive for approximately one mile and you will see the green Windmill Tours building on the right.
GROUP TOURS
For more details on group, private tours, VIP or special requests, please email palmspringswindmilltours.com. Please note: Private Tours vs. Group Tours. Private Tours are for one individual private tour. Group Tours can be 6 or more and join our regular participants on our tour bus. Our bus holds 28 passengers. Prices vary for private tours and group tours depending on time and size of group.
FAQ
How long are the tours?
Our tour is approximately 2 hours long.
What time do the tours start?
Tour times start at 10:00 am and 1:00pm. Call 800-531-5834 for reservations. Private and specific group tours (terms apply) can have optional times planned in advanced.
How much are the tickets?
Adults are $49. Seniors (60+) are $47. Children (8-18) $24, 7 and under (free). Active duty military and reserves $35.
Where do we meet?
Palm Springs Windmill Tours is located at 62950 20th Avenue, Palm Springs, CA 92258
Do we get to touch a windmill?
Yes and no. We have historical windmills that are restored and sitting at ground level for you to touch and enjoy. We do take you close to the newer machines, however there is a safety boundary around the turbines that you will not be allowed to enter.
What do we wear?
There is a small amount of walking involved, please dress appropriately for that day’s weather and wind. We also suggest closed-toed shoes to keep out the sand.
Can we go inside a windmill?
For safety reasons, we cannot allow participants to enter or touch the wind turbines.
What do we do on the tour?
You'll begin by touring the history of the renewable energy industry, enjoying great pictures of the trials and tribulations of early wind power generation in the Coachella Valley. Next we head outdoors to discover the various restored exhibits of historical windmills. Then it’s onto a working wind farm, and through various exhibits you will see the latest technology in wind power generation. During your tour you will experience the windmills, solar generation, and natural gas power plants.
How much walking is there?
The amount of walking is up to you. You do not have to exit the bus for the walking part of the tours if you do not wish. There is a short walk as you traverse through the exhibits before boarding the bus. There is also some walking over at the Windmill Market where we treat you to complimentary date shakes. Please note date shakes are not included as a stop on Sunday's tour as the Windmill Market is closed on Sundays. However, you will receive a voucher to visit the Windmill Market and redeem your delicious date shake.
Can we take pictures?
Yes! Please take as many pictures as you wish. (Videos, too!)
TOur HQ
62950 20th Avenue
Palm Springs, CA 92258
Toll-free: (800) 531-5834
Please sign up for special events and promotions.
aN EXCLUSIVE PEek behind the scenes WITH wander list's Anndee Laskoe.
THE WIND CLIMBER!
"These days, giant wind turbines are supplying more and more of our clean energy. And when they break down, they need to be fixed fast. It's a job only a few people are equipped to handle. Those who are afraid of heights need not apply. Rock climber Jessica Kilroy, for one, loves the challenge of blade repair. And though she makes dangling at dizzying heights look easy, her path to becoming a wind turbine technician has been anything but that. "
THE WIND CLIMBER VIA THEGREATBIGSTORY
Renewable energy 101
A clean future requires renewable and sustainable energy solutions.
WIND
Wind power is the use of air flow through wind turbines to mechanically power generators for electricity. Wind power, as an alternative to burning fossil fuels, is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, clean, produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, consumes no water, and uses little land.
Solar
A solar cell is like a sandwich. The top is for protection, the bottom is its base, but the real action takes place in the middle which is made of silicon. When Photons (the fundamental particle of sun light) hit a silicon atom, they easily break the weak bond between the nucleus and its electrons. Now free, the electrons travel to the top of the silicon layer of the cell where they move in a current along metal conductive stripsa nd along wires to the electrical grid.
Natural gas
The process of producing electricity from natural gas is a two-for-one technology. First, the gas is combined with oxygen to create a fireball that passes through turbines (much like a wind turbine) to create electricity. The exhaust gas is then pumped into another area where it is cooled with water. The steam created then goes through a another turbine to produce even more electricity.
