Rivers of Steel: Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark — Attraction in Swissvale

The Carrie Furnace offers a fantastic tour for anyone interested in the steel industry, American industrial history, the history of Pittsburgh, or an experience off the usual path. The tour guides are the real heart the site and the tour, being very knowledgeable. They bring the life to the site.

I worked in an iron & steel mill during my summers in college, so I came to renew those memories, expose my adult son to a part of my life, and to learn something. I accomplished all three.

Some "do's" and " don'ts" that might help your experience: Do wear walking shoes. Do dress for the weather...the tour is mostly outside. Do follow safety instructions and your guide's directions. Do ask questions! Do use the restrooms at the start of the tour...these are the only restrooms. Do anticipate some mild exertion...This is a 2 hour WALKING tour with some stair climbing.

Don't think of this as a "theme park"...it is more like an interactive museum. Don't bring small or unmotivated children...The site suggests the tour information is appropriate for children 8+. I would say mature children who follow directions and who show and can maintain interest for 2 hours. Don't stray or wander...this is an industrial site with all the dangers. If you follow directions and keep up, you will be fine. Also you will miss the lecture part of the experience.

In short, this is one of the best things you can do for two hours. The iron & steel industry was once the manufacturing backbone of the US economy. This tour helps bring that...

A Must-Do Tour in Pittsburgh!

What a treat! My partner and I recently went on this incredible two-hour tour—be prepared because it’s long, but totally worth it.

My tips before you go on the tour: Eat before Use the restroom before Wear comfortable shoes

We learned so much about the steel industry and America’s industrial growth in the early 1900s. Walking in the footsteps of America’s steel giants and seeing how the industry shaped not only Pittsburgh but the entire nation was a powerful experience.

Now, let me tell you about our tour guide, Keith. What a guy! Keith worked in the steel industry, so he’s knowledgeable about everything and anything related to it. Hearing his stories brought the history to life, and I realized how rare it is to meet someone with firsthand experience in this field, as many of those who worked in the industry are no longer with us. Having a tour guide like Keith was truly special. If you’re like us and into history, and you want to hear it from someone who actually lived it, ask for Keith. While on the tour, I also googled some old photos so I can see what it looked like back then.

It was the highlight of our weekend in Pittsburgh—and we even went to a Steelers game! But hands down, this...

I had the privilege of talking my son to Carrie Blast Furnaces for their 2025 Intercollegiate Iron Pour. We were able to spend two days learning the ins and outs of forging our own knives, and then participate in the iron pour the next day.

All three days, the team was absolutely spectacular.

The instruction for the knife making was informative and up-beat. They would demo the skills, but then take the time to ensure that we all understood and could demonstrate our understanding. Additionally, creativity and exploration were encouraged at every step of the process.

On Saturday, during the iron pour, the entire team was so great to work with, and encouraged anyone who was interested in participating, to get hands on with helping out. They did an amazing job of ensuring people felt supported and included.

My son and I can't wait to go back! My daughter was bummed out that she wasn't old enough, but as soon as she saw the bottom drop at the end of the pour she made me promise to take her as soon as possible.

It doesn't matter if your a novice or a seasoned iron worker, if you are drawn to the glow of hot iron, or the smell of grinding steel, this is the...