As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• What to wear: Clothing you can get dirty. The workshop space is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
• COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies.
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
• Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• Masks: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. Masks are to be worn indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
• Social distancing:  Social distancing is no longer mandatory, but we do ask that you be mindful of the people around you, allowing for a comfortable amount of space when possible.
• What to wear: The majority of each tour is outside; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited.
• Hard hats are required to be worn for the duration of your tour. If you have a hard hat, please feel free to bring it. For those who need one, a hard hat will be provided and collected after the tour. Hats are disinfected between uses.  
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms and wash stations are available. Food amenities are generally not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available, but the grounds covered during tours are not wheelchair accessible.
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors are required to sign a liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
• Duration: Allow three hours.
• Children: While kids of all ages are welcome, the tour content is recommended for children ages 8+.
• Location: The entrance to the Carrie Furnaces is located at Carrie Furnace Boulevard, Rankin, PA 15104. 

• What to wear: Dress for the weather. The building is not temperature controlled. Additionally, the ground and flooring are uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited.
• Restrooms & concessions: The antiquity of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Restrooms are available at the park near the entrance to Water Street. Food amenities are generally not available.
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: This National Historic Landmark is generally not fully accessible, but can meet some patrons’ needs. Contact info@riversofsteel.com to inquire.
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors are required to sign a liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
• Duration: Allow one hour for your tour.
• Location & GPS: The Machine Shop is located at 114 Water Street, Rices Landing, PA 15357. The historic town of Rices Landing is located in a valley where cell service can be limited. You may not want to rely on your GPS.
• Parking: Guests are welcome to park in the parking lot near the entrance of Water Street, on the left side before rounding the bend. From there the walk to the the Machine Shop is 400 feet and has a slight incline. Guest with limited mobility may be dropped off near the front of the building, but please be advised that turnaround space can be limited directly in front of the Shop.  
• Children: While kids of all ages are welcome, the tour content is recommended for children ages 8+.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

Hooks and Hairpins

This three-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create something unique. Participants will learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to create a steel hook or hairpin to take home. These sessions are led by Rivers of Steel staff artist and bladesmith Jared Ondovchik (aka Artifact Metalworks).

Special holiday workshops:

Halloween Date Nights – Get spooky during this three-hour Halloween-themed couples’ workshop and learn the basics of blacksmithing. Bring a friend or significant other and work together to learn the basics of forging steel and using essential blacksmithing tools. Individuals may also attend, couples not mandatory.

October 23, 2025 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. – Create a spooky steel snake!
October 30, 2025 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. – Create your own steel skull!  

Holiday Ornaments –– Get in the holiday spirit by hammering hot metal! This three-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create a unique holiday ornament. Participants will learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to shape the metal into a tree or leaf design to take home. 

November 9, and December 7, 2025 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

By purchasing tickets for a tour or event at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, you consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed which can be found on our website. 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• What to wear: The majority of this program is indoors. However, the Power House is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations, and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
• COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. 
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
  
• Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

This workshop is offered February 18-20 and July 8-10 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily. Workshops include shop time and instruction focusing on the forging techniques needed to produce sharp-edged tools of high-carbon steel. Participants will learn the fundamental skills required to forge a blacksmithing knife with scroll handle from a single piece of steel. These sessions are led by Rivers of Steel staff artist and bladesmith Jared Ondovchik (aka Artifact Metalworks).

By purchasing tickets for a tour or event at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, you consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed which can be found on our website. 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• What to wear: The majority of this program is indoors. However, the Power House is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations, and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
• COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. 
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
  
• Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

This 2-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create something unique. Participants will learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to create a steel hook or hairpin to take home. These sessions are led by Rivers of Steel art staff.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• Maintain social distance: Social distancing is no longer mandatory, but we do ask that you be mindful of the people around you, allowing for a comfortable amount of space when possible.
• What to wear: Clothing you can get dirty. The workshop space is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Public restrooms are available near the parking area at the entrance to Water St. Food amenities are not available.
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: This National Historic Landmark is generally not fully accessible, but can meet some patrons’ needs. Contact info@riversofsteel.com to inquire.
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors are required to sign a liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
• Duration: Please allow two hours for your workshop.
• Location & GPS: The Machine Shop is located at 114 Water Street, Rices Landing, PA 15357. The historic town of Rices Landing is located in a valley where cell service can be limited. You may not want to rely on your GPS.
• Parking: Guests are welcome to park in the parking lot near the entrance of Water Street, on the left side before rounding the bend. From there the walk to the the Machine Shop is 400 feet and has a slight incline. Guest with limited mobility may be dropped off near the front of the building, but please be advised that turnaround space can be limited directly in front of the Shop

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

For more information, contact info@riversofsteel.com.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• What to wear: The majority of this program is indoors. However, the Power House is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
• COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. 
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
  
• Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

• What to wear: Dress for the weather. The building is not temperature controlled. Additionally, the ground and flooring are uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited.
• Restrooms & concessions: The antiquity of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Restrooms are available at the park near the entrance to Water Street. Food amenities are generally not available.
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: This National Historic Landmark is generally not fully accessible, but can meet some patrons’ needs. Contact info@riversofsteel.com to inquire.
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors are required to sign a liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
• Duration: Allow two hours for the workshop.
• Location & GPS: The Machine Shop is located at 114 Water Street, Rices Landing, PA 15357. The historic town of Rices Landing is located in a valley where cell service can be limited. You may not want to rely on your GPS.
• Parking: Guests are welcome to park in the parking lot near the entrance of Water Street, on the left side before rounding the bend. From there the walk to the the Machine Shop is 400 feet and has a slight incline. Guests with limited mobility may be dropped off near the front of the building, but please be advised that turnaround space can be limited directly in front of the Shop.  
• Children: All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

Introduction to Copper Smithing

Learn Copper Smithing with Rivers of Steel! This class is an introduction to the basic methods and hand tools used to form sheet copper into decorative and functional objects. Participants will learn the methods used to create a unique copper tray, dish or bowl to take home at the end of the class. Topics covered will include basic principles for hammer forming and raising sheet metals as well as methods for texturing and coloring copper. All skill levels encouraged. These sessions are led by local artist and metalsmith Glen Gardner (aka GSG Studio) along with Rivers of Steel staff.

By purchasing tickets for a tour or event at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, you consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed which can be found on our website. 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• What to wear: The majority of this program is indoors. However, the Power House is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations, and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
• COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. 
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
  
• Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

Copper Cookware

This two-day intermediate-level workshop is an excellent way to build your copper smithing skills focusing on developing, raising and forging techniques.  Working primarily in copper and steel, participants will explore methods for creating functional copper cooking pots and pans. The project will focus on producing a copper omelet pan with a forged steel handle. Topics covered will include forming and raising copper, forging steel pot handles, riveting and how to tin coat copper surfaces.  Some experience with forging and metal forming is highly recommended. These sessions are led by local artist and metalsmith Glen Gardner (aka GSG Studio) along with Rivers of Steel staff.

A $75 materials fee is included in the cost of registration.

By purchasing tickets for a tour or event at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, you consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed which can be found on our website. 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• What to wear: The majority of this program is indoors. However, the Power House is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations, and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
• COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. 
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
  
• Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

This two-day workshop is offered May 17-18 and June 21-22 from 12-6 p.m. daily. 

By purchasing tickets for a tour or event at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, you consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed which can be found on our website. 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• What to wear: The majority of this program is indoors. However, the Power House is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations, and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
• COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. 
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
  
• Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

Hooks and Hairpins

This 3-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create something unique and handy for your at home gardening projects. Participants will learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to create a steel garden trowel to take home. These sessions are led by Rivers of Steel staff artist and bladesmith Jared Ondovchik (aka Artifact Metalworks).

Special holiday workshops:

Halloween Date Nights – Get spooky during this three-hour Halloween-themed couples’ workshop and learn the basics of blacksmithing. Bring a friend or significant other and work together to learn the basics of forging steel and using essential blacksmithing tools. Individuals may also attend, couples not mandatory.

October 23, 2025 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. – Create a spooky steel snake!
October 30, 2025 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. – Create your own steel skull!  

Holiday Ornaments –– Get in the holiday spirit by hammering hot metal! This three-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create a unique holiday ornament. Participants will learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to shape the metal into a tree or leaf design to take home. 

November 9, and December 7, 2025 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

By purchasing tickets for a tour or event at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, you consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed which can be found on our website. 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• What to wear: The majority of this program is indoors. However, the Power House is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations, and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
• COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. 
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
  
• Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

Forged BBQ Tool - Meat Flipper

This three-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create something unique. Participants will learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to create a steel hook or hairpin to take home. These sessions are led by Rivers of Steel staff artist and bladesmith Jared Ondovchik (aka Artifact Metalworks).

Learn to forge your own BBQ tool with Rivers of Steel!
This hands-on workshop is an excellent way to continue exploring the forging process. Work with hot steel to create your own custom meat flipper tool for your home barbecue! In the process, you’ll hone your metal working techniques and learn new skills in, bending, twisting, punching and other decorative metalworking techniques. At the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a sturdy, handmade barbeque tool of their own design ready for use. Some prior experience with forging is recommended.
These sessions are led by Rivers of Steel staff artist and bladesmith Jared Ondovchik (aka Artifact Metalworks).

By purchasing tickets for a tour or event at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, you consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed which can be found on our website. 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• What to wear: The majority of this program is indoors. However, the Power House is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations, and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
• COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. 
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
  
• Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

Blacksmithing Open Studio

Are you looking to hone your forging and blacksmithing techniques? Open Studio sessions at the Carrie Blast Furnaces provide flexible, self-guided time to build on your skills, test out new ideas, or put those final touches on a previously made piece. Anvils, forges and necessary tooling will be provided, and Rivers of Steel staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide occasional support. Scrap metal of various thicknesses and related materials are provided for practice purposes but supplies are limited so participants hoping to complete a specific project are encouraged to bring their own supplies.

Prior participation in a Rivers of Steel blacksmithing class is required for those interested in joining an Open Studio session.

By purchasing tickets for a tour or event at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, you consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed which can be found on our website. 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• What to wear: The majority of this program is indoors. However, the Power House is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations, and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
• COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. 
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
  
• Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

Custom Cuffs

This 3-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create something unique. Participants will learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to create a steel cuff-style arm band of their own design to take home. These sessions are led by local artist and metalsmith Glen Gardner (aka GSG Studio) and with Rivers of Steel staff. 

Special holiday workshops:

Halloween Date Nights – Get spooky during this three-hour Halloween-themed couples’ workshop and learn the basics of blacksmithing. Bring a friend or significant other and work together to learn the basics of forging steel and using essential blacksmithing tools. Individuals may also attend, couples not mandatory.

October 23, 2025 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. – Create a spooky steel snake!
October 30, 2025 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. – Create your own steel skull!  

Holiday Ornaments –– Get in the holiday spirit by hammering hot metal! This three-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create a unique holiday ornament. Participants will learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to shape the metal into a tree or leaf design to take home. 

November 9, and December 7, 2025 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

By purchasing tickets for a tour or event at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, you consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed which can be found on our website. 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• What to wear: The majority of this program is indoors. However, the Power House is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations, and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
• COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. 
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
  
• Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

Forged Coat Racks

Learn to forge your own coat rack at the Carrie Blast Furnaces!

This intermediate-level, hands-on workshop is an excellent way to continue exploring the forging process. Work with hot steel to create your own custom coat rack and in the process, you’ll hone your hook making techniques and learn new skills in punching, bending, riveting and more. At the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a sturdy, handmade coat rack of their own design ready for use at home or in the office. Some prior experience with forging is recommended.

These sessions are led by Rivers of Steel staff artist and bladesmith Jared Ondovchik (aka Artifact Metalworks).

By purchasing tickets for a tour or event at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, you consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed which can be found on our website. 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• What to wear: The majority of this program is indoors. However, the Power House is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations, and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
• COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. 
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
  
• Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.