A focal point within the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, the Carrie Furnaces National Historic Landmark is a rare example of pre-World War II iron-making technology. A remnant of the U.S. Steel Homestead Works, these blast furnaces are a vestige of Pittsburgh’s 20th-century domination of the steel industry. Discover the technological and cultural stories of the site through a Rivers of Steel tour.
Rivers of Steel also interprets the site as post-industrial space. From Urban Art tours and site-specific art installations to metal arts and photo workshops, inspiration is drawn not only from the historical function of the Carrie Furnaces, but also the cultural traditions of its workforce; the alchemical processes involved in creating iron; and the site’s ongoing transformation.
Included in the tour offerings is a botanist-led monthly tour – the Iron Garden Walk. Discover a dense variety of ecological growth through the diverse, successional plant communities on site. The 35-acre site is carefully edited through an “addition by reduction” approach to working the wild gardens that share this post-industrial landscape. A series of iron-casted plaques, which include botanical illustrations of the local plant community, supplement the experience. Private and group tours available by request.
Carrie Blast Furnaces, Photo by Primetime Shots
Iron Garden Walk Signage at Carrie Furnaces, Photo by Rick Darke
Hours:
Visit riversofsteel.com for hours and information.
Admission:
A full schedule and a list of tour pricing are available at www.riversofsteel.com/things-to-do/events. Contact Stacy Drane or call 412-464-4020 ext. 32 for assistance with scheduling or for more information.
Group Tours:
Group tours are available by appointment. Contact Stacy Drane or call 412-464-4020 ext. 32 to schedule or for more information.
Amenities:
- Free Parking on-site. Bus Parking.
- Portable/Universal Restrooms
- The Carrie Furnaces National Historic Landmark is considered a raw, post-industrial site. The nature of the site limits the accessibility. A signed liability wavier is required for site admission.
Carrie Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Carrie Furnace Boulevard
Rankin, PA, 15104
