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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Hopewell Furnace National Historic SiteCast House in Spring
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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.

 
Charcoal wagon used to carry the fuel to the furnace.  

Did You Know?
Charcoal was the fuel used to fire early iron furnaces like Hopewell. Entered along with iron ore and limestone, the burning charcoal inside the furnace produced temperatures as high as 3000 degrees. The resulting hot metal would be fluid enough to pour into sand molds to make "cast iron" products.

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