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.

Plan a Visit

NPS DesignationNational Historic Site
Park State / Territory MembershipMassachusetts
Current Alerts2
Visitor Centers1
Campgrounds0
Things To Do6

Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.

Weather & Conditions

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,…

NPS Reference Location

Park state / territory membership: Massachusetts. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.

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.

FridayAll Day
MondayAll Day
SaturdayAll Day
SundayAll Day
ThursdayAll Day
TuesdayAll Day
WednesdayAll Day

Activities

Guided ToursJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Current Alerts

Industrial Site Buildings Closed September 26 and 27

The forge, rolling and slitting mill, and blacksmith shop at Saugus Iron Works will be closed on September 26 and 27 due to incoming severe weather. The 10 AM waterwheel demonstration and 2 PM industrial site guided tour are canceled on September 26 and 27. The park grounds, visitor center, museum, and restrooms remain open on their regular schedule.

Waterwheel Extravaganza Program Canceled

The "Waterwheel Extravaganza" program that was scheduled for 11 AM on September 26, which is part of the Trails and Sails program series, has been canceled due to weather. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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

The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.

NPS-Listed Address244 Central St, Saugus, MA, 01906

Topics & Themes

ArcheologyColonization and SettlementEngineeringIncarcerationIndustryLaborer and WorkerReligion and SpiritualitySchools and EducationScience, Technology and InnovationAnimalsTrails

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…

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…

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…

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

Located within the Iron Works House annex is the park's Visitor Center.

Nearby National Park Service Sites

These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.