Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site • Massachusetts

Several wooden structures amid green fields and trees under partly cloudy sky and beside river.

Approximately 15' by 15' spoked wooden wheel beside river and under blue sky.

Rectangular wooden structure between orange deciduous trees and wooden bridge with walkway.

In the 1600's, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary happened! Explore the place where European iron makers brought their special skills to a young Massachusetts colony. Saugus Iron Works is a twelve-acre National Historic Site that includes working waterwheels, forges, mills, a historic 17th century home, and a lush river basin.

A view of Saugus Iron Works from the Saugus River
NPS Photo / Don Woods

The forge is where bars of pig iron created at the blast furnace were changed into a new kind of iron that a blacksmith was able to use.
NPS Photo

The blast furnace is where bog ore was smelted to create cast iron "pig" bars.
NPS Photo

Ranger stands in doorway of a large wood-sided structure used to forge iron.

10 Tips for Visiting Saugus Iron Works

Use these insider tips to make the most out of your next national park adventure!

orange sunrise over two wood-sided buildings with paths leading between them

Current Conditions

View current alerts and the operating status of park facilities.

Flowing waters of the Saugus River on sunny day bordered by rocky, tree-lined riverbanks.

Basic Information

Learn the essential information needed to plan your visit.

Building interior with two chimneys, gravel floor, stool, wheelbarrow, and other blacksmith tools

Discover all the places you can go at Saugus Iron Works.

group of visitors watching a waterwheel turn

Explore what you can do at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site!

A wooden badge that says "Saugus Iron Works Junior Ranger"

Become a Junior Ranger

Explore the stories of the Saugus Iron Works with this free, youth-focused program!

Last updated: November 26, 2024

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

244 Central St
Saugus, MA 01906

Phone:

781-233-0050

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