The Black Experience at the Carrie Furnaces

Join Rivers of Steel this summer for a special tour of the Carrie Blast Furnaces that connects the landmark with the legacy of the Great Migration.

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This one-hour tour sifts through the history of the Carrie Furnaces through the lens of a pivotal resource—the Black migrants who traveled from the South and created a career path for themselves and future generations, amassing seniority and skills in some of the most difficult roles at the mill. Through the stories of changemakers like Cumberland “Cap” Posey and everyday workers like union officer John Hughey, this tour paints a picture of life inside—and outside—the mill in the 20th century.

Hours & Admission*

Tours are offered on Sundays in June, plus once a month in May, July, and August. Private tours are available, as well.

General Admission 

$10

*This tour has limited offerings. 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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Tour guide points to the skip cars on the Carrie Blast Furnaces while a group of 15 look up athe the stove and stack.
A group tours the stove deck as a guide points.
Steel gridwork that looks imposing.
A group of young adults surround a tour guide in the shade of a tree.
A group in hard hats tours the stock house, a dark space with rail tracks beneath the stocking trestle.
Carrie Blast Furnaces
A crowd gathers around a tour guide with a hard hat on.

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 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.