Industrial Tour of the Carrie Blast Furnaces

Connect with Pittsburgh’s steel industry heritage on this guided tour of the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Tours highlight the site’s iron-making technology, its workers, and their culture.

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Declared a National Historic Landmark in 2006, Carrie, as it’s affectionately known, entices 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.

During this two-hour guided tour, you’ll hear stories about the site’s technology (including why it is nationally significant) as well as get to know the culture of its workers. You’ll 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.

Explore the Steel City by taking a tour of the Carrie Blast Furnaces!

Hours & Admission*

Morning and afternoon tours are offered seasonally from May through mid-November. Check the ticketing page for specific dates and times.

General Admission 

Advance / At-the-Door
$25 / $28

Students (18+ with college ID)

Advance / At-the-Door
$21 / $24

Seniors (62 and above) 

Advance / At-the-Door
$21 / $24

Kids (ages 4 – 17)

Advance / At-the-Door
$16 / $19

*Tours are limited to 20 participants. Tour regularly sell out. We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

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"I cannot say enough about how amazing this place is. You tour through a great portion inside and outside of the facility with an incredible tour guide. Andy was funny, informative, answered every question, and genuinely loves and respects the site. The site is a small piece of history that we can’t forget, and I’m grateful people are willing to preserve it! Can’t recommend this tour enough to anyone!"—Emily DelGiorno, Google Review, August 2021

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Location & Directions

The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley.

The address for the National Historic Landmark is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

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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. Contact info@riversofsteel.com to discuss alternative options.
  • COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. 
  • Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors are required to sign a liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
  • 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+.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

For more information, contact info@riversofsteel.com.

Learn more about the events

such as tours, workshops, and festivals happening at each unique attraction.