Join Rivers of Steel this summer for a special tour of the Carrie Blast Furnaces that connects the landmark with the the lives of women who worked in the mills.
She Worked in a Mill
From Carrie Clark, the woman who lit the first fires of the Carrie Furnaces in 1884, to real-life Rosie the Riveters who powered production during World War II, this two-hour specialty tour set in the Carrie Furnaces follows the lives of women who worked in the mills of the Monongahela River Valley. The tour focuses on the opportunities and challenges of women’s industrial work during the rise of steel manufacturing in the 19th century, and it narrates their indelible influence on mill life all the way through labor contracts won in the 20th century.
For folks looking to learn about the site’s iron-making technology, please select tickets for the Industrial Tour, as that content is not covered during She Worked in a Mill.
Hours & Admission*
Tours are offered on August 3, 8, 10, 17, 22, 24 and 31, 2025. Private tours are available. Contact tours@riversofsteel.com for information.
General Admission
$26
Students (18+ with college ID)
$22
Seniors (62 and above)
$22
Kids (ages 4-17)
$17
*This tour has limited offerings. We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance, as there may not be room to accommodate walk-ups.
"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
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.
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 one hour 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.
