Hopewell Furnace
2 Mark Bird Lane Elverson, PA 19520
Wednesday-Sunday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Closed Monday and Tuesday
$
outdoor-adventures, parks
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Hopewell Furnace is a National Historic Site located next to French Creek State Park in Pennsylvania, about an hour northwest of Philadelphia. The park is the site of Hopewell Furnace, an iron furnace and company town, that operated from 1771-1883.
The historical site includes many well-preserved buildings original to the town, including the furnace, sheds, housing, a company store, blacksmith, and the Iron Master’s mansion. Visitors can also see the barn and a few animals that would have been kept on the land when it was in use, including sheep and a horse! Each of the buildings includes period items that would have been present during the town’s operational years.
Our group visited during the Coronavirus pandemic and buildings were closed. At that time, we were able to peek through the windows to see inside. Under normal circumstances, the buildings are open to the public to explore. A visitor’s center where you can learn more about the furnace and its history is also normally available. Additionally, Hopewell Furnace offers a Junior Ranger book and badge for little ones that are interested in learning more about the site and becoming Junior Rangers.
If you’re looking for recreation, the site is also home to several trails. The Horseshoe Trail is a flat, packed gravel trail that is perfect for an easy walk or bike ride through the woods. (Please Note: Bikes are not allowed to be ridden through the village, so you’ll need to push your bike a short way, down a hill, in order to access the trail head.)
While my kids don’t normally love historic sites, the care and detail that was taken to make visitors feel as though they have stepped back in time made this spot a hit with my little ones. Park Rangers were also stationed throughout and happily answered any questions that the kids had.
Hopewell is a great size for families with children. There is just enough to see to keep kids entertained, but not so much that it’s overwhelming. Families should plan to spend about an hour, give or take, to explore the site.
The park does have bathrooms that are open to the public, but no food is available. Visitors are welcome to pack a snack from home. While the walking trails are easily navigable by foot, there are some steps and/or steep hills that must be traversed. Families with pre-walkers will be better off babywearing than using a stroller.