Scranton Iron Furnaces
Explore massive 1840s blast furnaces, remnants of Scranton's iron industry dominance. A free historical park with scenic river views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience vibrant community events
Scranton Iron Furnaces
Best Time
Experience vibrant community events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore massive 1840s blast furnaces, remnants of Scranton's iron industry dominance. A free historical park with scenic river views.
"A nice little piece of Scranton's preserved history, absolutely worth the visit while in the area."
Free Admission & Parking
Enjoy this historic site without an entry fee! Ample parking is available, but avoid large rigs. :car:
Check for Special Events
From music festivals to yoga, the furnaces host unique events. Plan your visit around them! :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Four Massive Blast Furnaces
Main site
Witness the imposing stone structures that once fueled America's iron industry. A true testament to 19th-century engineering.
Historical Interpretive Signage
Throughout the park
Learn about the Lackawanna Iron & Steel Company and the furnaces' crucial role in US industrial history.
Scenic Riverfront Views
Adjacent to the Lackawanna River
Enjoy a pleasant walk with views of the river, adding a natural element to the industrial landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for History & Events
Exploring the Furnaces Safely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission & Parking
Enjoy this historic site without an entry fee! Ample parking is available, but avoid large rigs. :car:
Check for Special Events
From music festivals to yoga, the furnaces host unique events. Plan your visit around them! :calendar: 
Bring Your Pup!
This is a dog-friendly park, perfect for a walk with your furry friend. :dog:
Quick History Fix
Ideal for a short visit, about 30 minutes to explore and read the signs. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission & Parking
Enjoy this historic site without an entry fee! Ample parking is available, but avoid large rigs. :car:
Check for Special Events
From music festivals to yoga, the furnaces host unique events. Plan your visit around them! :calendar:
Bring Your Pup!
This is a dog-friendly park, perfect for a walk with your furry friend. :dog:
Quick History Fix
Ideal for a short visit, about 30 minutes to explore and read the signs. :stopwatch:
Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this historic gem clean by taking your trash with you. :wastebasket: +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Scranton Iron Furnaces to be a cool, historically significant site offering a glimpse into America's industrial past. The free admission and scenic riverfront are appreciated, though some note litter detracts from the experience. It's a quick, educational stop for those interested in history or unique industrial architecture.
"Pretty cool place to visit! Free to enter on the park. Wasn’t there for long but was cool to read about the history and enjoy the area. There was a river so it felt nice out walking in the area. Could use some cleaning up, there was trash in some areas sadly. Saw a train going by for the locomotive event for the weekend. Last picture is from the Eckley Miners Village. It’s about an hour away, they have a museum there and the picture is furnaces in the past."
Lauren
"Absolutely worth the visit while in the area. Such a nice little piece of Scranton’s preserved history. I only wished we could have entered the actual furnaces. A decent amount of litter was noticed as well, which is sad. A lot of money goes into the preservation and upkeep of these special places so they shouldn’t be desecrated or disrespected in this fashion. What you carry in should be what you carry out."
BB Lynn
"This was a pretty cool place. Well worth coming here if you have 30 minutes. You get to see 4 of the old school 1840s giant blast furnaces that are basically giant cylinders made of bricks that are like 60 feet tall that they used to dump the coal into. You can read about a dozen signs detailing the history of the old iron forge."
Daniel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Scranton Iron Furnaces are located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. They are easily accessible by car and have ample parking available. Many visitors combine a trip here with a visit to the nearby Steamtown National Historic Site.
Information on direct public transportation routes can be limited. It's best to check local Scranton transit schedules or consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving.
Yes, the furnaces are a popular stop for those exploring Northeastern Pennsylvania. Cities like Wilkes-Barre and Philadelphia are within driving distance for a day trip or part of a larger itinerary.
Yes, there is ample parking available on-site. However, it's not recommended for large RVs or towable trailers due to space constraints.
Based on visitor feedback, there are no bathrooms or other facilities directly at the Iron Furnaces site. Plan accordingly before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Scranton Iron Furnaces park is free! It's a great way to experience local history without any cost.
The park is generally open year-round, but specific hours can vary. It's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes or event-related closures.
No, visitors cannot enter the actual blast furnaces. The site is preserved, and access is limited to the exterior for safety and preservation reasons.
Since admission is free, no advance booking is required for general visits. However, if you plan to attend a ticketed event, you will need to purchase tickets separately.
While there aren't typically scheduled guided tours for general visitors, the extensive interpretive signage provides detailed historical information. Private tours might be available for larger groups.
📸 📸 Photography & Exploration
The massive scale of the furnaces themselves makes for dramatic photos. Capture them from different angles, especially during golden hour. The riverfront also offers scenic shots.
Absolutely! The furnaces provide a fantastic industrial backdrop. Bands and photographers have used the site for its cinematic and historical appeal.
Besides the main furnaces, you can explore the surrounding park area, read about the history of iron production, and enjoy views of the Lackawanna River.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's recommended to check with local authorities or park management regarding regulations for drone operation before flying.
Numerous storyboards and signs detail the history of the Lackawanna Iron & Steel Company, the construction of the furnaces, and their significance in the American industrial revolution. +1
🎫 🎶 Events & Activities
The furnaces are a popular venue for various events, including music festivals like 'Good Things Are Happening Fest' and 'Arts on Fire,' as well as community gatherings and even yoga sessions.
The 'Arts on Fire' festival is typically held over a weekend in Scranton, celebrating the region's iron and steel heritage and local creativity.
Many of the festivals and events held here are family-friendly, offering a mix of music, food, and activities suitable for all ages.
While not explicitly stated for public rental, the site is used for organized events. For private event inquiries, it's best to contact local Scranton event organizers or historical societies.
This annual festival at the Iron Furnaces celebrates art, music, and community, featuring numerous vendors, food, local beer, and live musical performances.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during a festival if your family enjoys lively atmospheres with music and vendors. It adds an extra layer of fun to the historical exploration. The dog-friendly nature of the park also means you can bring your well-behaved canine companions along for the adventure.
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
+1History buffs will find the extensive interpretive signage incredibly valuable. These signs detail the furnaces' construction, operation, and their critical role in the American iron industry. It's an excellent opportunity to delve into the industrial heritage of Scranton and understand the scale of 19th-century manufacturing. The site is also noted as a potential location for band photoshoots seeking an industrial aesthetic.
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Industrial Legacy of the Furnaces
+1The sheer scale of these furnaces, some reaching approximately 60 feet in height, is awe-inspiring. They were designed to process vast quantities of coal and iron ore, transforming raw materials into the essential metal needed for railroads, bridges, and machinery. The historical signage scattered throughout the park provides detailed insights into the complex foundry process and the technological advancements of the era, making it an educational experience for history buffs and curious visitors alike.
While the furnaces are no longer operational, their preserved structure offers a tangible connection to this significant industrial past. They serve as a monument to the labor, innovation, and economic impact that defined Scranton for decades. Visiting the Scranton Iron Furnaces is not just seeing old structures; it's stepping back in time to understand the very bedrock of American industrial power.
Community Events and Modern Uses
+3These modern uses highlight the site's adaptability and its continued importance to the community. From live music performances that echo through the stone structures to art installations that complement the industrial aesthetic, the furnaces offer a versatile space. Even wellness activities, such as yoga and meditation sessions, have found a home here, offering a peaceful contrast to the site's industrial origins.
The success of these events underscores the community's appreciation for preserving and repurposing historical landmarks. The Scranton Iron Furnaces are more than just relics of the past; they are active spaces that foster connection, creativity, and a shared sense of place, proving that history can indeed be a living, breathing part of a community's present and future.
Visitor Experience and Preservation Efforts
However, a recurring theme in visitor feedback is the presence of litter in some areas. This is a point of concern for those who value the preservation of historical sites, with reminders to 'pack out what you pack in' to help maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the park.
Despite these minor issues, the Scranton Iron Furnaces remain a valuable historical asset. The site's preservation is a testament to its importance, and the ongoing community engagement through events ensures its relevance for future generations. It's a place that offers a glimpse into a powerful industrial past while also serving as a canvas for present-day community life.
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