Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Designation: National Historic Site
Location: Pennsylvania
š Park Overview
Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American landscape of industrial operations from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other iron plantations laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant for the time. The park's 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation.
š¤ Weather Information
Summers are generally humid with daily temps. averaging 83 degrees (F) for a high and 60 degrees (F) for a low. Daily temps. in January average 38 degrees (F) for a high and 20 degrees (F) for a low. Precipitation averages 3-5 inches of rain per month during spring, summer and autumn. During winter conditions can be icy with snow accumulating up to several inches.
š Directions
On PA Route 345, 5 miles South of Birdsboro, Pennsylvania.
Images
A community grew around the furnace, it yielded iron and a way of life.
Credit: NPS Image
Hopewell Furnace's Boarding House housed single men or those living away from their families, who came to work at the furnace.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Cast House was the industrial center of the ironworks. It is were iron ore was smelted into iron metal and products. The smaller blacksmith shop formed iron metal into all kinds of necessary tools and goods used in everyday life.
Credit: NPS Photo
The most notable manufactured product Hopewell Furnace made was its stoves. They were produced by the thousands at Hopewell and other like furnaces in the early 19th century and were transported for sale by horse and wagon.
Credit: NPS Photo
Charcoal was the fuel used to fire Hopewell Furnace and other furnaces of its age. Thousands of bushles of charcoal were made from hardwood trees on the furnace lands and entered into the furnace to keep it "in blast."
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Thursday, Apr 23
Sunny
High: 82.9Ā°F | Low: 47.1Ā°F
Humidity: 63%
Wind: 11.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 6.7
Sunrise: 06:13 AM
Sunset: 07:51 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (38%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 53.8Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Apr 24
Partly Cloudy
High: 59.9Ā°F | Low: 41.8Ā°F
Humidity: 65%
Wind: 6.3 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 2.7
Sunrise: 06:12 AM
Sunset: 07:52 PM
Moon: First Quarter (49%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 43.7Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Apr 25
Heavy rain
High: 45Ā°F | Low: 43.5Ā°F
Humidity: 91%
Wind: 11.6 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 0.5
Sunrise: 06:10 AM
Sunset: 07:53 PM
Moon: Waxing Gibbous (60%)
Visibility: 3 mi
Dew Point: 43.3Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (1)
Special Weather Statement issued April 23 at 8:30AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Effective: Apr 23, 2026 8:30am
Expires: Apr 23, 2026 7:00pm
There is an elevated risk for fire spread today across portions of
eastern Pennsylvania. Minimum relative humidity values will drop
to around 25 to 35 percent this afternoon. This will be
accompanied by temperatures rising generally rising into the 70s
and northwest winds around 10 to 15 gusting 20 to 25 mph. These
conditions could support the rapid spread of any fires that
ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control.
Conditions improve during the evening as the wind diminishes and
the relative humidity increases.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly
extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including
smoking materials such as cigarette butts. Use caution while using
any machinery outdoors, such as lawn care equipment, that could
cause sparks to come in contact with the dry ground.
This forecast considers meteorological, fuel, and land conditions
and has been developed in coordination with state fire officials.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Art in the Park Outing at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Join Park Rangers from Valley Forge National Historical Park as they bring Art in the Park to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site!
Explore Hopewell Furnace and practice your photography, sketching, drawing, or painting in a stress-free, judgment-free environment. Bring your own equipment and supplies. The program is free and advance registration is not required.
This program is free and open to all ages and abilities.
ThisĀ program may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Check back for updates.Ā
Location: Please meet in the parking lot of the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site Visitor Center.
Date: Feb 28, 2026 12:00am to Feb 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Hands-On History: Molding and Casting
Historically, the casting of iron products was an exact craft, and the moulders who practiced it were among the highest paid of ironworkers. It took years to gain the necessary skills, and the craft was often passed from father to son.
During this program, you can try your hand as a Hopewell molder!Ā Experience the hands-on process of making a sand mold. Gain a better understanding of the craft of the molder and how they contributed to the furnace operation.
This program is free and family friendly.Ā
Location: Program takes place in the Cast House within the historic furnace complex.
Date: Mar 1, 2026 12:00am to Apr 30, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Welcome to Hopewell Furnace Walking Tour
What is Hopewell Furnace? Get the inside scoop from a park ranger on this introductory tourĀ ofĀ Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. Explore the historic buildings and landscape. Learn more about the site's history as an iron-making community and beyond, the people who lived and worked here, and how places like this shaped the nation.
Tours startĀ outside the Visitor Center and last approximately 45 minutes. The route will include uphill and downhill stretches, as well as uneven terrain. Restrooms and water fountains are located at the Visitor Center. This tour may be cancelled or modified in the event of inclement weather. For more information, call the Visitor Center at 610-582-8773.
Location: Tours begin outside the Visitor Center
Date: Mar 1, 2026 12:00am to Apr 30, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Watercolor in the Park
See Hopewell Furnace in a new way and captureĀ its beauty in watercolor!
Drop-in between 1 pm and 4 pm to try your hand at plein-air watercolor at an inspirational location in the park. A park ranger will be on hand to assist with watercolor basics and help you bring your vision of Hopewell to life.Ā All you need is your unique perspective and willingness to try something new - we'll provide everything else.
This program is free and family friendly. All levels of talent areĀ encouraged to participate.Ā Find drawing too intimidating?Ā We will also provide outlines you can start from.
Watercolor supplies for this program have been generously provided by the Friends of Hopewell Furnace. The mission of the Friends of Hopewell Furnace is to support the operation, preservation, and interpretation of the resources of Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.Ā Annually the Friends have assisted the National Park Service in carrying out the goals of the park to protect and serve the landscape and to provide for its enjoyment by this and future generations through supporting various activities related to the park.Ā Ā
ĀLocation: Check at the Visitor Center for directions to where we are painting.
Date: Mar 14, 2026 12:00am to Mar 14, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
CANCELLED Hopewell Hikes: Colliers and the Wilderness
This hike will cover approximately 1.5 miles of easy but uneven terrain. Trails are not paved and are not wheelchair accessible. Pets on leashes are allowed. Participants should dress appropriately and wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes. Water and restroom facilities are available before and after the hike at the park Visitor Center.Ā
This hike has been cancelled due to debris on trails.Ā
Date: Mar 21, 2026 12:00am to Mar 21, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Nature Journaling at Hopewell Furnace
Location: Meet at the Visitor Center.
Date: Mar 28, 2026 12:00am to Mar 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Watercolor in the Park
See Hopewell Furnace in a new way and captureĀ its beauty in watercolor!
Drop-in between 1 pm and 4 pm to try your hand at plein-air watercolor at an inspirational location in the park. A park ranger will be on hand to assist with watercolor basics and help you bring your vision of Hopewell to life.Ā All you need is your unique perspective and willingness to try something new - we'll provide everything else.
This program is free and family friendly. All levels of talent areĀ encouraged to participate.Ā Find drawing too intimidating?Ā We will also provide outlines you can start from.
Watercolor supplies for this program have been generously provided by the Friends of Hopewell Furnace. The mission of the Friends of Hopewell Furnace is to support the operation, preservation, and interpretation of the resources of Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.Ā Annually the Friends have assisted the National Park Service in carrying out the goals of the park to protect and serve the landscape and to provide for its enjoyment by this and future generations through supporting various activities related to the park.Ā Ā
ĀLocation: Check at the Visitor Center for directions to where we are painting.
Date: Mar 28, 2026 12:00am to Mar 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Blacksmithing Demonstration
Learn more about the life and trade of a blacksmith with our living history demonstrators.Ā
Location: Blacksmith Shop located near the Cast House.
Date: Mar 29, 2026 12:00am to Mar 29, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
CANCELLED Hopewell Hikes
Date: Apr 11, 2026 12:00am to Apr 11, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Nature Journaling at Hopewell Furnace
Location: Meet at the Visitor Center.
Date: Apr 18, 2026 12:00am to Apr 18, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
š Physical Address:
2 Mark Bird Lane
Elverson, PA 19520
š¤ Mailing Address:
2 Mark Bird Lane
Elverson, PA 19520
š Voice Phone: 6105828773
š Fax Phone: 6105822768
āļø Email: hofu_superintendent@nps.gov