National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Hopewell Furnace National Historic SiteCast House in Spring
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Plan Your Visit

If you have one to two hours:

  • Explore the park visitor center/museum which features audio-visual programs, exhibits, and a bookstore.
  • View the 11 minute theater program that presents a history of the Hopewell Furnace community.
  • Take a self-guided walking tour of the historic community.  Enter the historic buildings where interpretive recordings and text will tell you the story of each.
  • Experience living history programs and demonstrations presented during the summer season (late June through Labor Day) that show the work and lifestyles of Hopewell's inhabitants.

If you have more time:

  • Walk (by trails) or drive to historic Bethesda Church (1 mile) and visit this corner of Hopewell's history.
  • During apple harvest season (early September through October) pick your own apples from the park's orchard of historic varieties (a charge per pound is collected for the apples).
  • Hike the park's trails to outlying areas of the park and other public use lands beyond.
  • Attend special events that occur throughout the year.
  • Visit neighboring French Creek State Park and enjoy the many recreational opportunities it offers.

 

Artist's rendering of a Filler adding charcoal into the furnace.  

Did You Know?
Men known as "Fillers" worked 12 hour shifts 7 days a week entering 400 - 500 lbs. of iron ore, 30 - 40 lbs. of limestone and 15 bushels of charcoal every half hour into Hopewell's furnace to keep it in "blast".

Last Updated: April 23, 2007 at 15:32 EST