Artistry. Industry. Innovation.

Rivers of Steel showcases the artistry and innovation of southwestern Pennsylvania’s industrial and cultural heritage by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences.

Experience Rivers of Steel
A group of tourists in hard hats walk through the ore yard with the Carrie Blast Furnaces behind them.
A multigeneration family tours the machine shop as a guide demonstrates how a machine works.
A woman with a long brown ponytail in a t-shirt takes a photo of a colorful mural.
A multicultural group shows off their aluminum doodle bowls.
A adult woman of Asian decent places her project in the forge.
One black woman photographs another black woman in front of a mural reading "Black Excellence"

Things to Do

Tours, workshops, special events—there is always something fresh to do with Rivers of Steel!

Molten iron is poured from a small ladle into a two-dimensional mold.

Metal Arts Workshops

Inspired by the legacy of iron-making at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, Rivers of Steel’s Metal Arts program offers educational workshops, public demonstrations, and team-building experiences highlighting foundry work.

a cantilevered home over a stream

Explore the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area

Digging into the history of southwestern Pennsylvania and sharing themed itineraries filled with museums, attractions, collections, and sites, Rivers of Steel crafted a series of articles that offer innumerable ways to explore the Heritage Area.

A sign that reads "Safety First" is flanked by a dozen hard hats hung on aluminum fencing.

Visit Safety First

Visit the Bost Building in Homestead to see the Safety First exhibition.

Attractions

Visit, learn, and experience all five of the Rivers of Steel attractions that showcase the artistry and innovation of our region’s rich heritage.

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The Explorer Riverboat

Docked on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, an excursion on Explorer offers unparalleled opportunities to experience the beauty and history of Pittsburgh from its majestic rivers.

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The Pump House

Site of the 1892 Battle of Homestead and a key part of the U.S. Steel Homestead Steel Works

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W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop

This time capsule of America’s industrial heritage embodies the “can-do” spirit of early 20th-century craftsmen.

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Carrie Blast Furnaces

A vestige of Pittsburgh’s 20th-century domination of the steel industry

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The Bost Building

The Bost Building serves as the Visitors’ Center for the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area and offers exhibits on the region’s industrial and cultural heritage.

Two women bikers on a converted rail road bridge with blue skies, puffy white clouds, green hills and a healthy green river.

Rivers of Steel Announces 2025–2026 Mini-Grant Program to Support Heritage and Community Projects Across Southwestern Pennsylvania

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Homestead, PA — October 20, 2025 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Rivers of Steel is now accepting applications for its 2025–2026 Mini-Grant Program, which provides funding for heritage-related sites, organizations,…
Two women bikers on a converted rail road bridge with blue skies, puffy white clouds, green hills and a healthy green river.

Rivers of Steel Announces 2025–2026 Mini-Grant Program to Support Heritage and Community Projects Across Southwestern Pennsylvania

| Newsletters, Press Room | No Comments
Homestead, PA — October 20, 2025 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Rivers of Steel is now accepting applications for its 2025–2026 Mini-Grant Program, which provides funding for heritage-related sites, organizations,…

August “Augie” Carlino Honored with F. Otto Haas Award for Historic Preservation

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On Thursday, October 16, 2025, in front of a crowd gathered at the Carrie Blast Furnaces in Swissvale, Preservation Pennsylvania presented August R. “Augie” Carlino with the F. Otto Haas…