Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Several wooden structures amid green fields and trees under partly cloudy sky and beside river.
A view of Saugus Iron Works from the Saugus River
Approximately 15' by 15' spoked wooden wheel beside river and under blue sky.
The forge is where bars of pig iron created at the blast furnace were changed into a new kind of iron that a blacksmith was able to use.
Rectangular wooden structure between orange deciduous trees and wooden bridge with walkway.
The blast furnace is where bog ore was smelted to create cast iron "pig" bars.
Photos: National Park Service

About Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

In the 1600's, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary happened! 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.

Quick Facts

State Massachusetts
Designation National Historic Site
State Code MA
Weather 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,…

Location & Map

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is located in Massachusetts.

Operating Hours

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.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

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).

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 244 Central St, Saugus, MA, 01906
Phone 781-233-0050

Topics & Themes

Archeology Colonization and Settlement Engineering Incarceration Industry Laborer and Worker Religion and Spirituality Schools and Education Science, Technology and Innovation Animals Trails

Things To Do

Become a Saugus Iron Works Junior Ranger

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…

Perspective Junior Rangers receive their official Junior Ranger badge and utilize The Junior Ranger Guide to create their own adventure…

Visit Broadhearth Visitor Center

Visit Broadhearth Visitor Center

Located within the Iron Works House annex, Broadhearth serves as the park visitor center. Books and souvenirs can be purchased…

Take an Industrial Site Tour

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…

Attend a Blacksmith Demonstration

Attend a Blacksmith Demonstration

Blacksmithing demonstrations are one of the most popular programs offered by the park. Visitors will get to observe staff create…

Watch Iron Works on the Saugus

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…

Learn about the history and development of Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in the 12-minute official park film.

Become a Saugus Iron Works B.A.R.K. Ranger

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…

Once you learn the principles of B.A.R.K., find a park ranger to receive your very own B.A.R.K. Ranger dog tag!

Visitor Centers

Broadhearth

Located within the Iron Works House annex, Broadhearth serves as the park visitor center.

Hours: Open Wednesday-Sunday May 14 through October 31st (as staff are available).

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