Explore the place where European iron makers brought their special skills to a young Massachusetts colony. Saugus Iron Works is a twelve-acre National Historic Site that includes working waterwheels, forges, mills, a historic 17th century home, and a lush river basin.
Photo: NPS Photo / Don Woods
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
In the 1600's, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary happened!
- LocationSaugus, MA
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now70°F Overcast
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Archeology
- Colonization and Settlement
- Engineering
- Incarceration
- Industry
- Laborer and Worker
- Religion and Spirituality
3 more topics
- Schools and Education
- Science, Technology and Innovation
- Trails
Things to Do
6 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Attend a Blacksmith Demonstration
Blacksmithing demonstrations are one of the most popular programs offered by the park. Visitors will get to observe staff create various metal objects and ask questions about blacksmithing.
Learn more about Attend a Blacksmith Demonstration on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Become a Saugus Iron Works B.A.R.K. Ranger
Hello four-legged friends! Do you want to explore Saugus Iron Works with your leash-holding companions? Interested in getting your very own B.A.R.K. Ranger dog tag? We made it easy for your human to…
Learn more about Become a Saugus Iron Works B.A.R.K. Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Become a Saugus Iron Works Junior Ranger
Work together or adventure on your own, this youth focused program is your one-page guide to your National Park! The Junior Ranger Guide can be completed in-person, online, or by using the National…
Learn more about Become a Saugus Iron Works Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Take an Industrial Site Tour
This guided tour begins at the Visitor Center and stops at three significant locations. At each, there is a mechanical demonstration using historic replicas of water wheels that would have been used…
Learn more about Take an Industrial Site Tour on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Visit Broadhearth Visitor Center
Located within the Iron Works House annex, Broadhearth serves as the park visitor center. Books and souvenirs can be purchased inside at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site Park Store.
Learn more about Visit Broadhearth Visitor Center on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Watch Iron Works on the Saugus
The Saugus Iron Works official park film provides an overview of the creation, operation and historical significance of Saugus Iron Works in the 17th century.
Learn more about Watch Iron Works on the Saugus on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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All 6 activities in the park
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Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
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Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Located within the Iron Works House annex is the park's Visitor Center.
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, Saugus, MA (978) 740-1650 Directions
Details
Located within the Iron Works House annex is the park's Visitor Center.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Park Grounds
Hours details
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Park GroundsOpen 24 hours, daily
All outdoor spaces including the grounds and walking paths are accessible 7 days a week. Please check the visitor center hours to learn more about which facilities are open.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
70°F
Overcast · feels like 68°
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Today
86° 64°
Overcast52% rain -
Tomorrow
69° 56°
Sunny7% rain -
Sunday
62° 52°
Overcast32% rain
Updated 2 hr ago
WeatherSmall Craft Advisory Details
Small Craft Advisory issued October 2 at 11:38AM EDT until October 2 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Boston/Norton MA
* WHAT...Southwest winds 10 to 15 kt, with gusts up to 25 kt.
Waves 1 to 3 feet.
* WHERE...Boston Harbor.
* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
WeatherSmall Craft Advisory Details
Small Craft Advisory issued October 2 at 11:38AM EDT until October 2 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Boston/Norton MA
* WHAT...Southwest winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 25 kt near
shore. Seas 2 to 3 feet.
* WHERE...Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay.
* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
What to expect by season
New England weather is unpredictable year-round. Monthly averages, in degrees Fahrenheit, are: January: 37 high, 20 low February: 40 high, 23 low March: 47 high, 30 low April: 57 high, 38 low May: 67 high, 48 low June: 76 high, 58 low July: 82 high, 63 low August: 80 high, 62 low September: 73 high, 55 low October: 62 high, 45 low November: 52 high, 37 low December: 42 high, 27 low
Upcoming Events
3 coming up-
Industrial Site Guided Tour
About
Join a Park Ranger and explore the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site buildings to learn about the iron making process. Learn about the daily lives of the workers in the 1600s. Watch as waterwheels operate specialized machinery at the iron works.
This free tour lasts 60 minutes. No reservations are required.
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Iron Works House Guided Tour
About
Join a Park Ranger and explore the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site Iron Works House and learn about the people who lived here for centuries before the house became managed by the National Park Service. This guided tour brings you into the first and second floors of a historic 1680s house.
Tours last 30 minutes and are limited to 8 visitors. No advanced reservations are available. The tour is first come, first served.
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Waterwheel Demonstration
About
Learn how waterpower drove the early iron works along the Saugus River. Join a park ranger for a 30-minute program focused on the waterwheels at Saugus Iron Works. Watch as waterwheels turn industrial machinery.
This free program meets at 10 AM at the tactile model overlooking the Iron Works.
Photos
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The blast furnace is where bog ore was smelted to create cast iron "pig" bars. — NPS Photo
Getting There
Saugus, MA 01906
The park is accessible via Interstate 95 (Walnut St.) and Route 1 (Main St. / Walnut St.). Public transportation options are available through the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
Mailing address: 244 Central St, Saugus, MA 01906
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