Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in Massachusetts.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Become a Saugus Iron Works Junior Ranger (30 to 120 Minutes): Work together or adventure on your own, this youth focused program is your one-page guide to your National Park! The Junior Ranger Guide can be completed in-person, online, or by using the National Park Service App.
• Visit Broadhearth Visitor Center (30 to 60 Minutes): Located within the Iron Works House annex, Broadhearth serves as the park visitor center. Books and souvenirs can be purchased inside at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site Park Store.
• Take an Industrial Site Tour (1 to 2 Hours): This guided tour begins at the Visitor Center and stops at three significant locations. At each, there is a mechanical demonstration using historic replicas of water wheels that would have been used in the original iron works.
• Attend a Blacksmith Demonstration (1 to 2 Minutes): Blacksmithing demonstrations are one of the most popular programs offered by the park. Visitors will get to observe staff create various metal objects and ask questions about blacksmithing.
• Watch Iron Works on the Saugus (1 to 12 Minutes): The Saugus Iron Works official park film provides an overview of the creation, operation and historical significance of Saugus Iron Works in the 17th century.
• Become a Saugus Iron Works B.A.R.K. Ranger (5 to 120 Minutes): Hello four-legged friends! Do you want to explore Saugus Iron Works with your leash-holding companions? Interested in getting your very own B.A.R.K. Ranger dog tag? We made it easy for your human to help you get one. Just follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger principles!

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. All outdoor spaces including the grounds and walking paths are accessible 7 days a week. Please check the visitor center hours to learn more about which facilities are open.

Getting there

The park is accessible via Interstate 95 (Walnut St.) and Route 1 (Main St. / Walnut St.). Public transportation options are available through the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:30AM - 4:00PM; Thu 9:30AM - 4:00PM; Fri 9:30AM - 4:00PM; Sat 9:30AM - 4:00PM; Sun 9:30AM - 4:00PM. Open Wednesday-Sunday May 7 through October 31

Weather

New England weather is unpredictable year-round. Monthly averages, in degrees Fahrenheit, are: January: 37 high, 20 low February: 40 high, 23 low March: 47 high, 30 low April: 57 high, 38 low May: 67 high, 48 low June: 76 high, 58 low July: 82 high, 63 low August: 80 high, 62 low September: 73 high, 55 low October: 62 high, 45 low November: 52 high, 37 low December: 42 high, 27 low

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Acadia, about 191 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.