In addition to the self guided tour that goes through our Earthship Visitor Center daily, we also have 2 kinds of guided tours. Guided tours are generally reserved for groups of 10 or more, however, we can accommodate a smaller group.
Earthship Tour - Heritage Inspirations
Greater World Earthship Community
Greater World Earthship Community Vacation Rental
An Earthship is a type of passive solar house that is made of both natural and upcycled materials such as earth-packed tires, pioneered by architect Michael Reynolds.
The Earthship architecture concept began to take shape in the 1970s. The architect Michael Reynolds wanted to create a home that would do three things: first, it would utilize sustainable architecture, and material indigenous to the local area or recycled materials wherever possible; second, the homes would rely on natural energy sources and be independent from the "grid"; thirdly, it would be feasible for a person with no specialized construction skills to build. Eventually, Reynolds's vision was transformed into the common U-shaped earth-filled tire homes seen today.
An Earthship addresses six principles or human needs:
Arrive at any time during business hours and you will be greeted by one of our friendly staff members. The self-guided tour through this gallery-style Education Facility allows you to experience a fully-functioning Earthship that combines passive solar architecture, thermal mass construction, renewable energy, integrated water systems that include indoor food growing, and the use of natural and recycled materials.
We recommend you allow about an hour to see everything; there are media rooms and a gallery with exhibits, as well as outdoor pathways so you can get a better look at the ongoing construction projects. As you walk through the building and the surrounding outdoor area at your own pace, signs, displays, information binders, videos, and slideshows will educate you on different aspects of the Earthship concept. Please note that the Visitor’s Center is an Earthship designed to educate the public and is not set up as a fully-furnished home.
Discounts available for students, teachers, current military and veterans, and seniors. Children under 12 get in free.
Summer hours are Memorial thru Labor Day, everyday, from 9am -5pm. Fall/Winter/Spring hours are Labor Day thru Memorial Day, everyday, from 10am - 4pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.