Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Things To Do Near Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

This site preserves the history and essence of a bustling ironworks from the early Massachusetts Bay Colony. Visitors can inspect the technology that was used to form the foundations of the American iron industry as well as learn about the lives and stories of workers and their families. Self-paced digital tour experiences are available seven days per week. The Saugus Ironworks National Historic Site has an activity for every visitor, including a nature trail and museum. 

Hiking Trails

• Saugus Iron Works Nature Trail

  Visitors to this park can enjoy a gentle stroll near the Saugus river with superb opportunities for spotting local wildlife. Bird spotting is excellent along the trail, especially in the spring and fall. Wildflowers, trees, and other local flora create a beautiful walking experience. The trail is a short, relaxing respite from the industrial focus of the rest of the site. 

  Location

  Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, 244 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906

  Length

  0.25 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Saugus Iron Works

  The main attraction at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is the reconstructed ironworks facility that represents the buildings and technology used by the ironworks when it was operating at its peak. The original equipment fired up in 1646, and these historically accurate reconstructions display some of the most advanced technology of the time. The Ironworks features a replica blast furnace, forge, rolling and slitting mill, and a blacksmith shop. Self-guided tours are available for each part of the ironworks. 

  Location

  Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, 244 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906

• Iron Works House

  Separate from the reconstructed facilities at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is the Iron Works House, which is the last surviving original building from the founding of the Saugus Iron Works in the 17th century. The first recorded occupant lived in the house beginning in 1681. Over the centuries, the Iron Works House has been expanded and used as a home for mill workers. Visitors can examine the original structure and learn about the historical significance of the house’s former occupants. 

  Location

  Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, 244 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906

• Essex National Heritage Area

  The Essex National Heritage Area is a series of towns, monuments, and other sites of historical significance in the northeast Massachusetts Area. The Essex Heritage headquarters are located just a short drive from the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. Visitors can stop by for boat tours to Bakers Island, educational materials, and guidance on where to visit landmarks relevant to one of the most historically significant areas in the nation. 

  Location

  10 Federal Street, Suite 12, Salem, MA 01970

Museums

• Saugus Iron Works Museum

  The museum at the Saugus Ironworks National Historic Site contains original equipment and artifacts from the ironworks' 17th-century operation. While most of the buildings at the park have been reconstructed, visitors can stop by the museum to see some of the oldest remaining tools and features dating back to the start of America’s industrialization. The grand feature of this collection is the original waterwheel from the blast furnace. 

  Location

  Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, 244 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906

• Boardman House

  Boardman House is an original 17th-century home that has been converted into a museum of 17th and 18th-century construction and architecture. Built in 1692 and last modified in the early 18th century, Boardman House stands as a monument to the techniques that have allowed it to remain unmodified for 300 years. Visitors can expect decorative, ornate examples of past building techniques. 

  Location

  17 Howard Street, Saugus, MA 01906

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Iron Town Diner

  The Iron Town Diner is a hot spot for excellent, affordable food. A classic in the Saugus area, this restaurant offers diner staples alongside vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options. Visitors can expect diner prices to go alongside the diner offerings at Iron Town. 

  Location

  325 Main Street, Saugus, MA 01906

• Turner’s Seafood Grill and Market

  For seafood lovers, Turner’s is a must-stop during a visit to the Saugus Ironworks National Historic Park. Just 10 minutes away, this restaurant and fish market is known for high-quality, fresh seafood and affordable prices. They offer fresh-caught fish that visitors can purchase and take with them to prepare in their mobile kitchen. 

  Location

  506 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176

• Hourglass Gift Gallery

  This store has something for everyone. The wall-to-wall collection of artistic knickknacks, paintings, and handmade curiosities are great for a unique souvenir or thoughtful gift. The Hourglass Gift Gallery features a constantly updated inventory as the owners find new artists and products to bring to the shelves. 

  Location

  458 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176

• Hobby Bunker, Inc.

  This store features a huge selection of tabletop games, trading cards, models, action figures, and comics. Anyone searching for an activity to keep themselves occupied while traveling will find something interesting at Hobby Bunker. The inventory is enormous, and both kids and adults will find something entertaining. 

  Location

  103 Albion Street, Wakefield, MA 01880

How To Get To Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

From Springfield, take Interstate 90 Eastbound to Exit 134 toward Interstate 93 Northbound. After about 2 miles, take Exit 19 toward U.S. Route 1. Follow U.S. Route 1 for 8 miles, and take Exit 43 for Walnut Street. Take a right onto Walnut Street, and drive 2.3 miles to Central Street. Take a right on Central Street, and drive for 1.1 miles. Follow Central Street’s sharp left turn, and the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site will be on the left. 

From Boston, take U.S. Route 1 northbound for about 10 miles, and then, take the Main Street exit toward Saugus. Follow Main Street for 0.8 miles until reaching a traffic circle. At the traffic circle, take the third exit onto Central Street heading north. The park will be on the right in 0.3 miles. 

The Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is open 24 hours per day year-round and is best visited when the weather is mild. The site is large and is rarely crowded.

Address

244 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906

Fee: Entry fee $0

The Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is a must-see for any traveler interested in the history of American industry. Located in the middle of one of the United States’ most historically significant areas, the park is a great stop on a historical sightseeing tour of the early American colonies. An RV trip is a great way to experience the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site and gives visitors the freedom to visit any site of historical significance they choose.