View of Hercules from Emerald Way. Photo: Joeconsumer, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). Display cropped to fit.
EAST BAY CITIES · CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Hercules
A former explosives company town, now a bedroom community along I-80.
History & Character
Founded in 1881 as a company town for the Hercules Powder Company, once the nation’s largest TNT producer. After explosives manufacturing ended in the 1960s–70s, Hercules redeveloped as a bedroom community along I-80, with Bio-Rad now its largest employer.
Practical Info
Explore More
Useful information for your next visit.
Hercules Library
Address: 109 Civic Drive, Hercules, CA 94547.
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 10 AM–8 PM; Friday–Saturday 9 AM–5 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Phone: 510-245-2420.
Facilities include a computer lab, study and meeting rooms, assistive technology and a homeschool resource center. The lot has 56 parking spaces, including three accessible spaces; additional street parking is nearby.
Information checked September 30, 2026. Holiday closures can differ. Official details and program registration.
Plan the rest of your day
Explore our local stories for background, then use the activity summaries to choose a park, market or gathering. For an event, check the date, start and end times, address, cost and whether registration is needed.
Read local stories → · Explore things to do → · Everyday home guidance →