Saugus Iron Works
Saugus Iron Works
4.5
About
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. This nine-acre National Park includes working waterwheels, hot forges, mills, an historic 17th century home and a lush river basin.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
154 reviews
Excellent
108
Very good
39
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
0
M.Sue
92 contributions
Aug 2019
I took the tour and was highly impressed with the amount of information and history strewn throughout the tour and the location.
Great for adults or kids.
The iron mill was my favorite part but being able to explore the property after the tour was just as wonderful!
Great for adults or kids.
The iron mill was my favorite part but being able to explore the property after the tour was just as wonderful!
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alicia_JA
Chicago360 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
I could not believe how quiet and beautiful this NPS site was, especially given the traffic and busyness of nearby Saugus. The grounds are well kept, the displays are educational, and the preservation of history here is fabulous. The grounds are easily walkable with some fantastic views. The park ranger in the gift shop was very nice and helpful. I am so happy pieces of our country's history is protected here.
Written 5 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveltheworld012
Rochester, MN16,978 contributions
Jul 2021
I have a relative who lives in Saugus and it was her suggestion that we visit here. It is a fascinating place with working mechanisms, water wheel, and where centuries ago hundreds of men labored to produce iron. The original buildings are long gone but they have been rebuilt to show how much work it was in those early settler days. Most of the laborers here were Irishmen serving prison terms in Ireland, then brought here to do slave labor. It is an amazing place and the park ranger did a wonderful job of telling the stories and demonstrating the mechanics and what types if iron was made. Anyone who enjoys learning history, this is a great do not miss visit. Definitely a hidden gem.
Written 23 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy D
59 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Planned for 2 hours stayed 6. We loved this! Such an amazing part of history. The park rangers are willing to discuss any and all questions about the property. We stayed for the house tour and then the mechanical tour. Both are worth it!
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rgh4
Dublin, OH20 contributions
Aug 2011
We arrived at 2:00 and were fortunate enough to be there for the only tour of the day at 2:15. The ranger did a great job of explaining the history of Saugus Iron Works. The best part of the tour was that the live demonstration of the water wheels, the 500 lb. hammer and forging nails. The whole family enjoyed the tour and my 7 year old son really loved it! The ranger gave him a nail from the demonstration and he received a book about iron forging when he completed the Junior Ranger program. Overall, an awesome place that I would definately visit again!
Written 6 September 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeckyS4444
Boston, MA166 contributions
Aug 2020
Took my mom and brother during a visit and it was both educational but a nice outdoor activity without any heavy duty cardio for my mom who is getting a little less athletic but still very active.
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bostonian
Boston, MA11 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Besides its historical importance, Iron Works is a worth to visit place. Your kids will like there. And if you catch a good weather, bring some food and snacks to have a picnic with the family.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryan W
Ottawa, Canada529 contributions
Aug 2019
We did not go on a guided tour, but still found the site fascinating and worth stopping in. The museum is a little dated looking, and probably would have been better with a guide, but the history of the site makes up for it.
Written 26 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MORaggs
Boston,Ma38 contributions
Aug 2016
A beautiful half day especially in the fall.Great place for a picnic lunch by the river.
Authentic history.and a look into life as it once was.Wear your walking shoes!
Authentic history.and a look into life as it once was.Wear your walking shoes!
Written 26 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlwaysForever
Pennsylvania, Usa349 contributions
May 2011
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site offered very interesting insights into early colonial iron making processes. The visitor center offers an introductory film about the site and has a small museum. The site was reconstructed, but the rangers offer an authentic tour of the processes employed during the use of the site. While we were there, rangers demonstrated the making of nails in the blacksmith shop and the effective use of hydropower to power the facility. The site is a hidden gem, worthy of a bit of time while in the Boston/Salem area.
Written 27 June 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the best way to get there from the Holiday Inn Saugus? We won’t have a car since we are part of a tour group.
Written 9 September 2019
I suggest a ride sharing company. As Karen, above, mentions, it's not that easy.
Written 10 September 2019
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