blast furnace tour pittsburgh

Touring the Once-Abandoned Carrie Furnace in Pittsburgh

As I walked away from Carrie Furnace, having spent the previous two hours touring this relic of Pittsburgh’s steel industry, I knew I had just been somewhere special.

Without a doubt, Carrie Furnace is a microcosm of the changes that have occurred in Pittsburgh over the last few decades. What’s old is becoming new again. What was once polluted is becoming green. And what was industrial is becoming artistic. If you want to understand where Pittsburgh has been and where it is going, there is no better place to visit than Carrie Furnace.

Located just outside the Pittsburgh city limits, Carrie Blast Furnace was once part of the Homestead Steel Works. The two furnaces that make up the site were built in 1907 by Carnegie Steel and ran almost continuously until 1978.

Pittsburgh is known as “The Steel City,” and for good reason. At its peak in 1910, the steel industry in Pittsburgh produced more than 60% of the total production in the US. The peak period of production at Carrie Blast Furnace was in the 1950s and 1960s, when the seven blast furnaces here were each producing 1,250 tons of iron ore every day.

During the 71 years of operation, changes were made to the blast furnaces, but they remained virtually unchanged after 1936. This outdated technology was one of the chief reasons that furnaces 6 and 7 were the first ones shut down when the complex began to shut down. It was also the reason that these were the furnaces chosen for preservation by Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.

After years of work to preserve the site, tours of Carrie Furnace started running in 2010. Having seen photos of the site when planning my trip to Pittsburgh , I knew that this was somewhere that I had to visit.

My visit started in the site’s visitor center. Currently, the visitor center consists of little more than a sign-in table and a small waiting area. The vast majority of this very large building, which used to provide a massive amount of air to the furnaces, is used for storage for a variety of pieces of machinery and equipment that the site hopes to restore. If you look across the building, you’ll notice a large US Steel safety sign emblazoned with the three hypocycloids that have been made famous by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tours of Carrie Furnace take 1.5-2 hours and are often led by former steel workers. The tour takes visitors throughout much of the site, explaining the Carrie Furnace history, how iron was made here, and how that was turned into steel across the Monongahela River in Homestead.

The highlight of any visit to Carrie Furnace is walking around the furnace itself and learning how iron was made. While certainly on a larger scale, the process of making iron had changed little since the  18th century iron furnaces I’ve visited in eastern Pennsylvania.

While the area has been cleaned up a bit, it is still quite rough around the edges, and really has the feel of exploring an abandoned site. Work continues on the site to improve access and make it safer for visitors. And while this is needed in places, I hope that it doesn’t take away from the very cool urbex feel of the site.

Back outside the furnace, take note of some of the graffiti that is present at the site. It’s not surprising that a place like Carrie Furnace would have issues with graffiti, especially since it was sitting abandoned for many years. To combat this, Carrie Furnace works with the art community and allows sections of the facility to be used by graffiti artists. This cooperation has greatly reduced the amount of unwanted graffiti that occurs on the site and provides a wonderful artistic touch to the harsh metal of the furnace.

Another piece of art on the site is the “Carrie Deer.” Standing 45-feet tall and hidden amongst the structures of the furnace, this deer head is made entirely of pipes and other materials found on site. Constructed by renegade artists between 1997-1998, this piece of art has now been preserved and even has its own documentary.

Those interested in the art and graffiti history of the site can take the Carrie Furnace Urban Art Tour, which covers more than 30 years of art. Carrie Furnace also hosts period art exhibits that are popular with visitors.

Another interesting area is known as the Iron Garden. This area is located where furnaces 1 and 2 once stood. Since the land was used for heavy industry for nearly 100 years, the soil was deeply affected and heavily acidic. Minus some basic maintenance to maintain walking paths, this area has been left to grow back completely naturally.

Ten different signs lead visitors through the Iron Garden and explain how nature is reclaiming the land. I found it very fascinating to see how plants are growing in this area despite the poor soil and large pieces of metal scattered throughout the land. I’ll be very interested to come back in a few years and see how this area has changed.

The Iron Garden is just one example of the environmentally-friendly practices that have been worked into Carrie Furnace. The site also uses solar panels for electricity, goats maintain portions of the land, and waste is composted. While the steel industry was blamed for so much of Pittsburgh’s pollution problems in the mid-20th century, it’s amazing to see the furnace leading the way in Pittsburgh’s green movement today.

I really can’t express how awesome my visit to Carrie Furnace was. Whether you are interested in Pittsburgh’s industrial history , love exploring abandoned places , consider yourself an art aficionado, or just like taking awesome photos, put a tour of Carrie Furnace at the top of your must-do list.

Things Worth Noting Before Touring Carrie Furnace

Carrie Furnace is an industrial site and is still far from pristine. My trip took me up shaking stairs, past rusting metal, and over equipment that hadn’t been moved in decades. All visitors are required to sign a waiver before touring the site. It’s also worth noting that Carrie Furnace is not handicap accessible and only closed-toed shoes are allowed on the tour. Given the nature of the tour, it is not recommended for children under eight.

If you want to learn more about the area’s history, Carrie Blast Furnace is just across the river from the site of the Homestead Strike of 1892. Tucked between the river and a large shopping center, the site features the old Pump House, a large water tower, and several pieces of equipment scattered on the ground.

It was on this site in July 1892 that a battle ensued between striking workers and forces brought in by Carnegie Steel. Several signs on the site tell the story of what happened here.

Also nearby is the Bost Building, which serves as the Rivers of Steel Museum. Further afield is the W.A. Young and Sons Machine Shop and Foundry in Rices Lading.

Note: My tour of Carrie Furnace was hosted by Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. However, the opinions expressed are my own.

Spending more time in Pittsburgh? Check out the Tour-Ed Mine , the Heinz History Center , the Westinghouse Atom Smasher , and the Nine Run Falls Trail .

You can also check out a few of my favorite seasonal museums in PA .

Carrie Furnace

See map below for other area attractions.

Great places to stay in Pittsburgh

• Renaissance Hotel - One of the city's highest-rated hotels on Trip Advisor.
• Residence Inn North Shore - The perfect hotel for sports fans
• Hampton Inn and Suites - The only downtown hotel with free parking
• Hyatt Place - Great value near great attractions
• Find more great places to stay on Vrbo!

Click the map to see more nearby things to do

More nearby places worth exploring

Visiting the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Exploring Vintage Military Airplanes at the Air Heritage Museum

Touring the Historic Allegheny Observatory in Pittsburgh

Exploring the Beauty of Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh

Find more things to do in the pittsburgh region.

Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Based in Carlisle near Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world.

7 thoughts on “Touring the Once-Abandoned Carrie Furnace in Pittsburgh”

Thanks for sharing – I’ll have to check this place out. In addition to the deer, there also was an enormous owl that was created inside one of the buildings… Unfortunately, it had to be dismantled by one of the crews that was brought in to work on the place. Both were the partial works of Tim Kaulen, Pittsburgh sculptor.

Interesting. I hadn’t heard that, but I know that they had to remove some of the art in order to preserve the site itself.

Jim, that looks like a place I could spend days! I’ll certainly plan a visit next time I’m out that way. One quick technical note, from paragraph four: this mill would have consumed 1250 tons of ore, or produced 1250 tons of iron, but it wouldn’t have produced iron ore, that comes from the ground! Thanks again for some great reading.

I was going to point out that the seven blast furnaces “processed” 1250 tons of iron ore per day, not produced…but I see that Jeff beat me to it.

Chris you were right in saying produced 1250 Tons/day. Iron making though is a process that results in the production of 1250 tons of molten iron which is then processed into steel. You may ask “How would this guy know?” Well this guy directed iron making operations for almost 38 years starting with Republic Steel in Youngstown Ohio. Republic Steel recruited me while I was working steady midnights at US Steel in McDonald so I could attend YSU in the evenings. This was around 1970. By the way in Youngstown Ohio within its’ city limits 17 Blast Furnaces operated. Many others operated within 15 miles of Youngstown also. The tragedy is that not one of them is standing. Pity

I’m going to have to take a trip and see these furnaces. Once a Blast Furnace Man always a Blast Furnace Man.

Hard to explain…….probably the only others that would understand were those who worked on Furnaces.

About 38 years ago, I worked for Duqesne Light as a meter reader. Across the Mon from the Clairton Mill Works were semi-abandoned homes right along the river. It was really creepy back then. I can’t imagine that anyone lives there any more. I wish I could give you better directions but I haven’t lived in Pittsburgh since 2001.

You might want to take a drive out and see what’s left.

Right up the street is US Steels Edgar Thomason’s plant that has the last two blast furnaces in PA. They produce over 8000 tons of iron a day.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Sharing is caring.

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!

• Mission and History
• Board of Directors
• Awards and Honors
• Join or renew
• Donate to PGS
• Code of Conduct
• Job postings
• Landslide Field Trip
• Student Night
• 2024 Field Workshop
• PGS Scholarship
• Corporate Sponsors
• Geologic Consultants
• Maps and Diagrams
• PGS Newsletters
• PGS Field Guides
• PALS Brochures
• Geologic Web Links
• Local Geo-Hazards

Carrie Furnace Field Trip Announcement – Saturday, June 24, 2023

Registration form for carrie furnace tour

• Social distancing:   Social distancing is no longer mandatory, but we do ask that you be mindful of the people around you, allowing for a comfortable amount of space when possible.
• What to wear:  The majority of each tour is outside; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended.  Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited .
• Hard hats are required to be worn for the duration of your tour.  If you have a hard hat, please feel free to bring it. For those who need one, a hard hat will be provided and collected after the tour. Hats are disinfected between uses.
• Restrooms & concessions:  The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms and wash stations are available. Food amenities are generally not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography:  Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility:  Handicapped parking is available, but the grounds covered during tours are not wheelchair accessible. There is one spot where the steps are steep, but a handrail is present.
• Liability:  By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors are required to  sign a liability waiver to tour the Carrie Furnace and consent to be photographed . The PGS also will have a liability waiver to sign.
• Bug Spray: We will be outside, so bug spray with tick repellant might be useful.
• Restaurants: A list of nearby restaurants will be made available, if participants would like to eat together after the tour.

Rivers of Steel Heritage Tours

Explore Pittsburgh's industrial roots at Carrie Blast Furnaces.

The Industrial Tour at the Carrie Blast Furnaces

Rivers of Steel’s attractions showcase the artistry and innovation of the Pittsburgh region’s industrial and cultural heritage.

The Industrial Tour at the Carrie Blast Furnaces takes place on the grounds of a vestige of Pittsburgh’s 20th-century domination of the steel industry. Towering 92 feet over the Monongahela River, the Carrie Blast Furnaces are rare examples of pre-WWII iron-making technology. Since the collapse of the region’s steel industry in the 1970s and ’80s, these are the only non-operative blast furnaces remaining in the region. On an Industrial Tour of Carrie, visitors learn about the site’s iron-making technology, its workers, and their culture.

Join Rivers of Steel on board the Explorer riverboat for the Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour. This 90-minute excursion seeks to answer the question “What makes Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh?” Traveling on the Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny Rivers, this tour shares the big stories of our region’s past—along with many lesser-known tales—as it explores a sense of place. Sit back, enjoy the skyline, and see the sights as you discover how Pittsburgh’s unique history shaped the city we have today!

Rivers of Steel Heritage Tours

Rivers of Steel is your resource for one-stop receptive tour services in the Pittsburgh region, in addition to premiere cultural heritage attractions.

As a receptive travel partner, Rivers of Steel works with you to design a customized group tour itinerary that showcases the best of the region. You’ll deal with one person for all billing and logistical details of your tour, and you’ll have the confidence that comes with working with a dedicated nonprofit organization. Each tour package includes a knowledgeable local step-on guide, whether you’re planning a “Pitt Stop” en route to another destination or are spending multiple days in the region.

Some of our most popular tour packages:

Narrated driving tours of Pittsburgh

Babushkas and Hard Hats: The Steel Heritage Tour

Pittsburgh Places of Worship

Pretty as a Picture: An Artistic Exploration of Warhol’s Hometown

Gardens and Glass

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Fred Rogers Tour

Student STEAM and Performance tours

Wright This Way to the Laurel Highlands

The Revolutionary Spirit (French & Indian War and Whiskey Rebellion)

Celebrate the Season

Barn Stars & Covered Bridges: Country Living in Western PA

Jimmy Stewart: A Star is Born

City of Champions (Sports Galore)

We plan for all ages and interests, and look forward to designing a tour for your travelers! When we create an itinerary for your travelers, we do more than plot a route – we tell a story!

Jaimie Hanson 623 East 8th Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120

412-464 -4020 Ext. 246 

j [email protected]

www.riversofsteel.com

Discover the Burgh

Carrie Furnace Tour – Finding the Steel City’s Roots

Published by Jeremy . Last Updated on June 19, 2019.

Disclaimer : Our site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Please check out our Terms and Conditions . Pricing, operating hours, or menus may have changed since our initial visit and may not be reflected in subsequent updates. Please confirm these directly with any business or attraction prior to visiting.

Throughout its history, Pittsburgh has been known for a lot of things. The city was host to George Washington on multiple occasions, the departure point of Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition, home to America's early glass industry, and the world's leading supplier of iron and steel- and that is before even getting to the 20th century.

Although these are all incredible in their own right, it is the steel industry in Pittsburgh that made the city famous the world over.

In its prime, Pittsburgh was producing thousands of tons of steel per day- more than half of the entire output of all factories in the United States combined- and boasted a staggering number of mills located along the city's rivers. But by the 1980s this all changed- the steel industry went bust, nearly all of the factories were shut down, and Pittsburgh went through one of the largest depressions from which it only recently emerged.

Since then, most of the factories have been demolished and replaced with new industries. But a small portion of one massive factory, the iron-producing Carrie Furnaces, was rescued by the Rivers of Steel Heritage Foundation and turned into a historical site for future generations to come and learn about how the Steel City got its name.

The Roots of the Steel City at Carrie Furnace

The decline of the steel industry in Pittsburgh is unique in that it was so recent. Often we look back at fallen industries or historical events and can only turn to books, museums, and documentaries to learn from as the generations who lived through it are no longer with us.

This is not the case for Pittsburgh's steel industry.

Not only does a good percentage of the city remember the steel industry vividly, many worked in it for most of their lives (and have strong feelings on its demise on all sides of the spectrum). This gives the Rivers of Steel Heritage Foundation a unique opportunity when preserving the grounds of the Carrie Furnaces as many of the volunteers  actually worked at the furnace itself.

In fact, this was one of the highlights of the tour for us as our guide shared stories of what life was like working at the furnace in addition to its history- including his daily tasks, why the industry was such a livelihood to the city, and even why the industry ultimately collapsed (hint: they refused to modernize).

For those who love Pittsburgh history and have already learned a bit about the steel industry at the Heinz History Center , Carnegie's business partner Henry Clay Frick at the Frick house , and are looking for more, this 2-hour tour does a great job at filling in the gaps while exploring the hauntingly beautiful grounds of what remains of the once massive Carrie Furnaces.

But in keeping with our habit of not giving everything away when it comes to museums and guided tours, we're going to leave the rest for you to find out for yourself on a visit.

One of the Best Tours in Pittsburgh

Overall, the tour of the Carrie Furnaces is, without a doubt, one of the best tours you can do in the entire city.

The guides do a stellar job of bringing the history of the furnaces alive, and the tour can only be described as being 100% Pittsburgh. So if you want to find out more about why we are known as the Steel City, do yourself a favor and book a tour as soon as possible.

You won't regret it .

The Carrie Furnaces are located southeast of Pittsburgh just outside of Rankin, PA. Tours are available during the summer months on Saturdays and Sundays and require advanced reservations. For those who want more, be sure to head over to Homestead after your tour to explore more historic sites associated with the steel industry, such as the location of the 1892 Homestead Strike.

To learn more about Pittsburgh's steel heritage , why not tour the Frick House or visit the Heinz History Center ?

Find Another Pittsburgh Attraction

Meadowcroft Rockshelter – 19,000 Years of Human History

Thunderbird Cafe is a Hidden Gem for Music in Lawrenceville

Carnegie Museum of Natural History – Full of World Wonders

Find more to do east of pittsburgh.

Harrison Hills Park – Easy River View Hike Near Pittsburgh

Taqueria el Pastorcito Review – Food Truck Turned Restaurant

Blue Dust Review – A Gastropub Celebrating the Steel City

1 thought on “carrie furnace tour – finding the steel city’s roots”.

Very helpful, thank you.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Historic Carrie Furnaces Tour: A Pittsburgh Time Capsule

Disclaimer: This post might contain affiliate links, which means we get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you).

Pittsburgh is known for its industrial heritage. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Pittsburgh was a top producer of steel, iron, and coke and put millions of American-born and immigrant laborers to work. However, much of that history lives on today in museums, while expansive industrial sites have been redeveloped or abandoned. Carrie Furnaces is an exception.

Preserved by the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area , Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark is a 130-acre former industrial site along the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh. It is one of the last remaining sites of its kind in Pittsburgh, and the only one open for guided tours and events. Here at the Carrie Furnaces, you can walk through history as you explore and tour this historic site near Pittsburgh. As a National Historic Landmark , Carrie Furnaces is nationally recognized as one of the last remaining pre-World War II blast furnaces.

Join us in exploring this time capsule of Pittsburgh’s history as the Steel City! The Carrie Furnaces is one of the most unique things to do in Pittsburgh ! In this post, we’re going to share with your our experience touring the Carrie Blast Furnaces in Pittsburgh! 

Touring the Carrie Blast Furnaces, Rivers of Steel

A photo safari tour at carrie furnaces, rivers of steel, history of the carrie furnaces.

Carrie Furnaces is a complex of buildings and structures dedicated to processing iron, a parent material of steel. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, steel was the preferred material for infastructure and machinery because it was lighter, stronger, and less expensive than iron. Still, iron was the base metal for steel and therefore a necessary ingredient. Iron smelting facilities like Carrie Furnaces were needed to extract the pure iron from the raw ore and send it to steel mills for processing.

Built in 1881, the Carrie Furnaces was part of the Homestead Steel Works, a large network of mills and railways that served as the flagship operation for Carnegie Steel Company and later the U.S. Steel Company. The Homestead Steel Works once sprawled across the shore of the Monongahela River, employing thousands of workers, some of whom participated in the famous Homestead Strike of 1892. The steelworks closed in 1986 as part of the collapse of the domestic steel industry.

Read more about unique things to do in Pittsburgh!

Today, Carrie Furnace is one of the few sites that remains of the Homestead complex, as much of it was razed to build the Waterfront shopping plaza and Sandcastle Waterpark. A line of towering chimneys at the Waterfront and the Hot Metal Bridge are among the remnants.

On top of that, what we see at Carrie Furnaces today is only part of once stood. Only furnaces #6 and #7 remain. These furnaces were built in 1907 and ceased operations in 1978. Carrie Furnaces may look run down and abandoned, but it is actually carefully preserved.

Touring the Carrie Furnaces in Pittsburgh

Carrie Furnaces offers a few types of tours and programs. Rivers of Steel, the organization that oversees Carrie Furnaces, is pioneering unique ways to connect with Pittsburgh’s industrial history through guided tours, art programs, concerts, and festivals.

Carrie Furnaces offers a few special tours:

Industrial Tour

The Industrial Tour connects you with the history of Carrie Furnaces through stories of industry, innovation, and the life of workers and their cultures. Learn how the complex operated from a mechanical standpoint while also discovering how the iron produced at Carrie Furnaces contributed to steel production, the economy, and modern technology.

This tour also explores the lives of thousands of workers, including their work in hot, loud, and dangerous conditions, contributions to workers rights and the labor movement, and their daily lives and diverse cultures.

Arts & Grounds Tour

The urban, rugged look of Carrie Furnaces and its rich history has inspired many artists. Sculptors, painters, photographers, landscape designers, and graffiti artists have used the site to create works of art, many of which are incorporated into the site itself. Carrie Furnaces is not only an outdoor history museum but an artist’s playground. The Arts and Grounds Tour shows you works of art around the site that are not on the Industrial Tour.

Iron Garden Tour

It may be hard to imagine nature flourishing where a blast furnace melted metal and coughed smoke. Yet at the Iron Garden, you can see both nature and artists reclaiming the industrial landscape. In the shadow of Carrie Furnace, the Iron Garden’s trails meander through meadows and groves of young trees. Informative signs explain what you see and the many challenges of caring for a post-industrial landscape.

Other Rivers of Steel Tours and Locations

If you want to continue learning about Pittsburgh’s industrial, you can venture off-site and enjoy other tours offered by Rivers of Steel.

Hop on a riverboat and take the 90-minute Intro to Innovation Tour , where you learn about the ever-changing shores of Pittsburgh’s rivers and enjoy views of the bridges and skylines. Watch demonstrations at a 1900 machine shop in Rice’s Landing, about an hour south of Pittsburgh. Gather some friends and book a special tour of the 1892 Pump House , a key location in the Battle of Homestead , where striking workers faced Pinkerton agents sent to suppress them.

Learn more about things to do in Pittsburgh!

Carrie Furnaces Photo Safari Review

We recently attended a Photo Safari at Carrie Furnaces. This art workshop invites photographers to explore Carrie Furnaces from an artistic perspective. We joined a group of about 20 photographers of all experience levels on a cloudy day in October for our Photo Safari.

The Photo Safari allows photographers free time and essentially free rein to take photographs throughout the complex. Of course, not all sites are accessible for safety reasons, but the site is so large that these restrictions are not noticeable. It is important to note that this walk does not include historical background – book an Industrial Tour to get this experience (and we highly recommend both!)

We booked our Photo Safari online through the Rivers of Steel website. When we arrived, we were greeted by a volunteer, who also happened to be a former steelworker. He gave us a brief orientation before walking us through the site and explaining where we could and could not walk. These rules are important to follow as they keep you and the historic site safe.

Afterward, we had 2.5 hours to take photos. We brought digital and film cameras to play with. A tripod or flash is recommended for interior shots since some areas can be quite dark.

Learn More About Visiting Pittsburgh

• Unique Things to Do in Pittsburgh
• Top Things to do in Pittsburgh
• Winter and Holiday Activities in Pittsburgh
• First Time Visitors Guide to Pittsburgh
• Museums in Pittsburgh

What would you like to experience at Carrie Furnaces?

Subscribe to our youtube.

Rivers of Steel

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Rivers of Steel - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• (3.55 mi) The Inn on Negley
• (4.73 mi) Morning Sun Inn
• (0.73 mi) Holiday Inn Express Pittsburgh E - Waterfront Dr
• (3.40 mi) Shadyside Inn All Suites Hotel
• (5.91 mi) Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown
• (0.36 mi) Triangle Bar & Grill
• (0.40 mi) Di Salla's Pizza Parlor
• (0.52 mi) Emil's Lounge
• (2.87 mi) Point Brugge Cafe
• (3.50 mi) Prantl's Bakery

Carrie Furnaces

Basic information for carrie furnaces.

Address: Carrie Furnace Boulevard, Rankin, PA 15104

Phone:  (412) 464-0838

Website: https://www.riversofsteel.com/

Admission:                            Advance*     Door*

Child (17 and under)              $14.00         $17.00

Student (18+ with college ID) $17.00        $20.00

Senior (62 and above)            $17.00        $20.00

General Admission                 $21.00        $25.00

*Tours are limited to 25 participants. We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance as we can not guarantee tickets will be available for walk ups. 

Prices change with changing programing. Check site for more details. 

What to Know Before You Go:

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• What to wear:  The majority of each tour is outside; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited.
• Restrooms & concessions:  The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms and wash stations are available. Food amenities are generally not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography:  Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility:  Handicapped parking is available, but the grounds covered during tours are not wheelchair accessible.
• Liability:  By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors are required to sign a liability waiver and consent to be photographed. 
• Admission:  Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
• Duration:  Allow two hours for your tour.
• Children:  While kids of all ages are welcome, the tour content is recommended for children ages 8+.

About Carrie Furnaces

The Carrie Blast Furnaces were operational from 1884 until 1982.  For every ton of iron that the Carrie Blast Furnaces produced, a four-ton combination of iron ore, coke, and limestone was melted down. To cool down the molten iron, up to five million gallons of water were used daily. Workers had to confront relentless heat and endless layers of filth. They also had to deal with extremely dangerous conditions. With few safety regulations, injury and death were common events at the Carrie Blast Furnaces. The furnaces standing today, Carrie 6 and 7, are the only remaining furnaces of the original site and are the only non-operative blast furnaces left in Pittsburgh.

In 2006, the Carrie Blast Furnaces became a National Historic Landmark, and with the help of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, the site now conducts public tours, as well as concerts and other events, on the historic grounds.

As you drive down Carrie Furnace Boulevard, you’ll surely notice the towering, 92-foot-tall stacks and long warehouses. Be prepared for an exciting tour that includes climbing a series of walkways around these industrial ghosts and into the intimidating interior of the furnace. You’ll learn about the harsh conditions a steelworker encountered, as well as lighter stories about the friendships between workers. As you make your way through the site, be sure to pay attention to the things that may seem out of place in a space known for its great industrial achievements- namely, the many art installations. These include a 40’ tall metal sculpture of a deer along with a significant amount of graffiti created by renowned graffiti artists from across the world.  You will also walk through a garden and learn how indigenous trees and plants have begun to grow and thrive despite significant soil contamination.  The Carrie Blast Furnaces is one of the most unique places to visit in Pittsburgh because of its rich industrial past in addition to incredible artistic and natural features. 

Revitalization of the Carrie Blast Furnaces: The Carrie Deer and Graffiti

As I walked in the shadow of the decrepit, abandoned blast furnaces, I noticed a color-splashed wall. It was covered in graffiti ranging from animated popcorn buckets to steelworkers. Later during the tour, I glanced up and noticed a massive deer head rising above a decaying building. This wasn’t just a dead, abandoned industrial site; it was a resurrected, thriving canvas.

• Read more about Revitalization of the Carrie Blast Furnaces: The Carrie Deer and Graffiti

Memories of Molten Metal

• Read more about Memories of Molten Metal

The Perpetual Pride

• Read more about The Perpetual Pride

The Rusted Monument

• Read more about The Rusted Monument

An Igneous Workplace

• Read more about An Igneous Workplace

Reinventing a Derelict Space

• Read more about Reinventing a Derelict Space

Neighborhood Guides

Get to know the carrie blast furnaces.

🥇   Congrats to Michelle G., Donna W. D., and Emily G.   🥇 for correctly guessing that this United Steelworkers of America metal art is located at the Carrie Blast Furnaces. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)

Have you ever wanted to know what Pittsburgh looked like during its domination of the steel industry in the 20th Century? Get a glimpse of our region’s industrial past at the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark — stretching between Rankin and Swissvale and towering 92 feet above the Monongahela River. The furnaces are a remnant of the legendary U.S. Steel Homestead Steel Works and a rare example of pre-World War II iron-making technology. (While the site is closed for the season, you can bookmark this for something to look forward to when it’s warm again.)

The Carrie Blast Furnace in Rankin. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)

What happens at the Carrie Blast Furnaces now?

• 🛠️ The Industrial Tour takes visitors through the site while explaining iron-making technology.
• 🎨 The Arts and Grounds tour explores how the post-industrial site has become a muse for artists, sculptors, filmmakers, and the like.
• 🌱 The Iron Garden Walk is a botany-focused tour of wild gardens at the site that show how nature has reclaimed the post-industrial landscape.
• 🔥 Every year, Rivers of Steel celebrates industrial arts with the Festival of Combustion featuring hands-on activities, demos, and tours. Mark your calendars for Oct. 7, 2023.
• 📸 In just a few months, you can attend workshops like blacksmithing basics , photo safari , aluminum casting , and graffiti & style writing .
• 📽️ In the summer, the Carrie Carpool Cinema is a truly unique drive-in experience.
• 💕 You can even book the furnaces as the background for your event . A post-industrial themed wedding, anyone?

Share article

Your daily toolkit for getting the most out of the city you love.

Get To Know Morningside

Trek some city steps, grab coffee at Kafair, and more in Pittsburgh's Morningside.

Get To Know Carnegie Borough

Eat, drink, and shop in the borough of Carnegie, home of Pirates legend Honus Wagner!

Get To Know Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Latrobe: home of Fred Rogers, the banana split, and Rolling Rock beer.

Get To Know Polish Hill

Indulge on vegan doughnuts and get ready for fish fry season in Polish Hill.

Get To Know Brookline

Get breakfast at Oak Hill post, paczki at Party Cake Shop, and Mediterranean groceries at Pita Land.

Get To Know Troy Hill

Climb up the fifth steepest street in Pittsburgh for from-scratch food, unique art, and historical relics.

Get To Know Lower Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville is one of Pittsburgh’s oldest and largest neighborhoods.

Get To Know Downtown Pittsburgh: Winter Edition

With festive decor, activities, and shows, Downtown Pittsburgh has always been a magical place during the holidays. Warm up with cozy bites ...

The latest in Pittsburgh

How to get free mulch for your pittsburgh garden.

Residents can pick up mulch on April 20 and 27.

Your 2024 Allegheny County Primary Election Guide

Who and what is on your ballot April 23.

Best Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in Pittsburgh 2024

Plant trees, clean up your neighborhood, and shop sustainably for Earth Day.

Hear the Soulful Sounds of Pittsburgh Jazz Pioneer Mary Lou Williams

The East Liberty native was a jazz piano prodigy.

The Best Pittsburgh Munchies for 420

Under the influence or not, here are Pittsburgh munchies to satisfy your cravings.

Tips for Baby Bird Season in Western Pennsylvania

Make sure baby birds are safe with these tips from the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania.

Apply To Be a Lifeguard at Pittsburgh’s CitiParks Pools

Know someone who needs a summer gig? Help Pittsburgh open more pools by becoming a lifeguard.

Pittsburgh’s Best Plant and Garden Shops

Plants have vast health benefits, from relieving stress to boosting creativity to purifying the air. Check out some of the best places to gr...

• TMS Foundation

November 12–15, 2023

Omni william penn hotel • pittsburgh, pennsylvania, usa, carrie blast furnace historical site tour.

THIS TOUR HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR HEA 2023

Site Tour Location

Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15218 +1-412-464-4020 https://riversofsteel.com/experiences/tours/industrial-tour/

About the Tour Location

Declared a National Historic Landmark in 2006, the Carrie Blast Furnaces or Carrie, as it’s affectionately known, encourage visitors to marvel at the scale and legacy of its industrial might. A remnant of the legendary U.S. Steel Homestead Steel Works, the Carrie Blast Furnaces are a vestige of Pittsburgh’s 20th-century domination of the steel industry. The Carrie Blast Furnaces, constructed of 2.5” thick steel plate and lined with refractory brick, are rare examples of pre-World War II iron-making technology. Following the collapse of the region’s steel industry in the 1970s and 1980s, these remain the only non-operative blast furnaces in the area.

About the Site Tour

Over the course of the two-hour guided tour, attendees will hear stories about the site’s technology (including why it is nationally significant) as well as get to know the culture of its workers. Attendees will also learn a bit about the iron-making process, from the movement of the raw materials to the tapping of the furnaces that produced fiery molten iron.

• Terrain: The outdoor surfaces are grass or gravel. Within the structures, the floors are concrete, brick or steel plate surfaces. There are 3 separate flights of stairs on the tour.
• What to Wear: The majority of the tour is outside; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited.
• Hard hats are required to be worn for the duration of your tour. If you have a hard hat, please feel free to bring it. For those who need one, a hard hat will be provided and collected after the tour. Hats are disinfected between uses.
• Restrooms & Concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms and wash stations are available. Food amenities will not be available.
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available, but the grounds covered during tours are not wheelchair accessible.
• Liability: All visitors are required to sign a liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).

How to Participate

This tour has been cancelled for HEA 2023.

This optional tour will take place on Thursday, November 16, 2023. An additional ticket purchase must be made during your registration in order to participate. The ticket price includes admission to site, tour gear, and transportation to/from. Transportation space is limited and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. TMS reserves the right to cancel due to low registration. Refunds will be provided in the event that TMS must cancel the tour.

Attendees will meet in the lobby of the Omni Hotel at 8:00 a.m. and will return around 12:00 p.m.

For More Information

For more information about this meeting, please complete the meeting inquiry form or contact:

You may not have had a chance to update your society communications preferences yet. Please take a moment now and update your preferences. Opting-in to society communications ensures uninterrupted access to TMS society news - including event announcements, membership news, TMS studies and journals.

Please select one of the options below to confirm your communication preferences with TMS:

• Visitor Center
• Free Things to Do
• Tours & Sightseeing
• Outdoor Adventure
• Arts & Culture
• Health & Wellness
• Pittsburgh Sports Teams
• Casinos & Gaming
• Film Festivals
• Submit Your Event
• This Week in Pittsburgh
• Annual Events
• Holiday Events
• Halloween Events
• Food Festivals
• Marathons, Runs & Walks
• Pittsburgh Celebrates Juneteenth Freedom Day
• Pittsburgh Black Music Festival
• Hotels & Resorts
• Bars & Nightlife
• Pittsburgh Craft Breweries
• Wineries & Distilleries
• Farms & Farmers Markets
• Visitors Guide
• Multi-lingual Brochures
• Beyond Pittsburgh
• Transportation
• Explore Black Culture & Heritage
• LGBTQIA+ Travel in Pittsburgh
• Pet-friendly Travel
• College Visits
• Senior Travel
• Medical Travel
• Accessibility Guide
• Welcome Centers
• Newsletter Signup
• Downtown Pittsburgh
• Strip District
• Mount Washington
• North Shore & North Side
• Lawrenceville
• East Liberty
• Squirrel Hill
• Monroeville
• Meet in Pittsburgh
• Event Services
• Marketing Toolkit
• Show Your Badge
• About SportsPITTSBURGH
• Sports Event Planner
• Sports Facilities
• Calendar of Events
• Sports Event Attendee
• Power of Sports Economy
• Weddings & Reunions

Rivers of Steel Tours

Rivers of Steel's attractions showcase the artistry and innovation of southwestern Pennsylvania's rich heritage.

Hop on Rivers of Steel's Explorer riverboat for the Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour , a 90-minute sightseeing cruise of Pittsburgh's three rivers that seeks to answer the question “What makes Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh?” This tour shares the big stories of our region’s past—along with many lesser-known tales—as it explores a sense of place. Looking for an experience unique to the Steel City? Visit the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark . A remnant of the once massive, U.S. Steel Homestead Works, the Carrie Furnaces are also a vestige of Pittsburgh's 20th-century dominance of the steel industry. Guided tours lead guests though the belly of this industrial beast, highlighting the drama of the iron-making process, while sharing the stories of the site's technology, its workers, and their culture. The Bost Building National Historic Landmark serves at the Visitor’s Center for the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area . Exhibits highlight the region’s steel heritage and the 1892 Battle of Homestead, along with temporary art and history exhibitions. Information about more tours, other attractions, and the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area is available at riversofsteel.com .

Rivers of Steel Tours 623 East Eighth Ave. Homestead, Pennsylvania 15120

Related Stories & Events

NCAA® March Madness® Guide to Pittsburgh

Your companion piece for enjoying the best of Pittsburgh between buzzer beaters

This site uses cookies to enhance your experience.

Quick Search

Location map.

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

Become an FT subscriber

Try unlimited access Only $1 for 4 weeks

Then $75 per month. Complete digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Cancel anytime during your trial.

• Global news & analysis
• Expert opinion
• Special features
• FirstFT newsletter
• Videos & Podcasts
• Android & iOS app
• FT Edit app
• 10 gift articles per month

Explore more offers.

Standard digital.

• FT Digital Edition

Premium Digital

Print + premium digital, weekend print + standard digital, weekend print + premium digital.

Today's FT newspaper for easy reading on any device. This does not include ft.com or FT App access.

• 10 additional gift articles per month
• Global news & analysis
• Exclusive FT analysis
• Videos & Podcasts
• FT App on Android & iOS
• Everything in Standard Digital
• Premium newsletters
• Weekday Print Edition
• FT Weekend Print delivery
• Everything in Premium Digital

Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• Everything in Print

Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

Terms & Conditions apply

Explore our full range of subscriptions.

Why the ft.

See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times.

International Edition

• Student Programs at the Carrie Blast Furnaces

Science & Industry at the Carrie Blast Furnaces

Grades: 4–12 | Program Length: 2 Hours | Cost: $12 / Student

Availability: May–October

While exploring the job roles of former Carrie employees, students discover just what it took to work at a blast furnace. From the science and technology of the iron-making process to the cultural context of the immigrant worker experience, students will gain a firsthand understanding of how the steel industry shaped the history, character, and development of southwestern Pennsylvania.

Student Group at Carrie

Carrie in Context: Graffiti & Postindustrial Arts

Grades: 6–12 | Program Length: 2 Hours | Cost: $9 / Student Availability: May–October

Production may have stopped in 1982, but the era of Carrie Furnaces as an artistic muse was just beginning. Students examine how guerrilla artists, urban explorers, and later, curators and installation artists made creative use of found community space. Students will be challenged to analyze common themes through guided critical and aesthetic response processes. Special focus will be placed on the Carrie Deer sculpture, graffiti artworks, and Alloy PGH, Rivers of Steel’s biennial exhibition of temporary, site-specific collaborative artworks.

Make it a workshop!

Teaching artists guide students in a hands-on graffiti writing experience, giving context to the language, forms, and underground culture of the medium as a creative art form. Add a $3 per student materials fee and an additional half-hour to the program length.

Customize Your Carrie Experience

Many educators prefer to customize their students’ experience—to fit with specific curricula or simply to add an opportunity for a more personal exploration of the site. Consider these popular add-ons!

Program costs and length are adjusted based on the group leader’s request.

Metal-Casting at Carrie

Inspired by the iron-making legacy of the Carrie Furnaces, students create a unique work of art from aluminum. Using everyday materials, they’ll carve a one-sided design in resin-bonded sand and then observe as the artworks are cast from molten metal!

Carrie Photography Safari 

After a guided tour, students explore the site with their own camera. Experienced photographers are available for hands-on assistance, if required.

Iron Garden Walk

Students experience a natural garden, discovering diverse plant communities and how human history shapes our urban environment.

Students carving scratch molds during a metal-casting workshop. 

Book early! Contact us to schedule

Rivers of Steel The Bost Building 623 E. Eighth Avenue Homestead, PA 15120

Tel: 412.464.4020 Fax: 412.464.4417

[email protected]

Get the Latest

Sign up to hear all about upcoming events and recent news from Rivers of Steel.

Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Rivers of Steel. (You can unsubscribe anytime)

© 2024 Rivers of Steel.

• Industrial Tour
• Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour
• The Black Experience at the Carrie Furnaces
• Arts & Grounds Tour of the Carrie Blast Furnaces
• Guided Machine Shop Tours
• The Hardest Working River Tour
• Graffiti Arts
• Photo Safaris
• Professional Development
• Team-Building
• Exhibitions at the Bost Building
• Alloy Pittsburgh
• Gledaj! The Gaze of Maxo Vanka
• In the Wide View
• Mini Greens 2
• Festival of Combustion
• Hammer-In Blacksmithing Festival
• Film Premiere: The Ruins Project
• Bost Building
• Carrie Blast Furnaces
• Explorer Riverboat
• W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop
• Industrial Grit and Graffiti
• Exhibitions
• Mon Valley Creative Corridor
• Student Programs on the Explorer Riverboat
• Residency and Outreach Programs
• Virtual Education Programs
• Heritage Sites
• Preservation Projects
• Thing to do in the Heritage Area
• Rivers of Steel Heritage Tours
• Outdoor Recreation
• Community Partnerships
• Mini-Grant Funding Opportunity
• About the Heritage Area
• Event Spaces