Hidden In A Lush Pennsylvania State Park, This Historic Site Preserves America's Earliest Industrial Heritage

Have you ever wondered how America became a world-recognized industrial giant? Pennsylvania is one of the best states to uncover this history. Just outside of Philly, you'll find a riverside Pennsylvania borough with industrial roots. Meanwhile, the birthplace of the oil industry is another Pennsylvania city with historic train rides. You get the idea — American industrialization began right here and became a crucial cog in the country's machine. You can learn all about it at the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, where an unassuming iron plantation and its residents played a significant role in shaping the industrial history of the U.S. between 1771 and 1883.

This rich history is preserved throughout the 14 lovingly restored buildings within the site. As you explore the structures and the pathways connecting them, either on a self-guided or guided tour, you may feel transported back in time to this integral part of America's past. The unmanicured terrain, 19th-century facades, and peaceful sounds of nature from the surrounding French Creek State Park all help to transport you to a simpler, though no less arduous, time.

The buildings in question range from a barn and blacksmith shop to a charcoal storage house, church, and multiple furnaces. One of the highlights is the Ironmaster's Mansion, where 19 rooms span four floors. You also shouldn't miss seeing the famous cold-blast charcoal furnace, which was integral to the life and work here. It's a massive furnace and it will teach you about the iron production process, which required the labor of every man and woman in the plantation. You can use a map to navigate the 848-acre site or join a one-hour guided walking tour on weekends during the summer to learn more about the history and community.

Along with walking tours, Hopewell Furnace offers a range of programs and events that provide an even deeper immersion. If you're someone who prefers to get hands-on with history, you should try molding and casting with sand and plaster. If you enjoy stretching your legs in nature, consider joining a guided history hike that reveals much about the people and the land. Apple picking is also available in the orchard during certain seasons, but you will have to pay for any apples you want to keep ($1 per pound, as of this writing).

The historic site also hosts events throughout the year. The spring and summer charcoal-burning sessions will demonstrate how villagers used to make charcoal in the 19th century. There are usually volunteers on site during this event who can share more information about the process and the trade of a collier (someone who produces charcoal). You can also time your visit for the annual sheep shearing day, lantern tours, or Independence Day celebrations.

French Creek State Park surrounds Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, offering excellent hiking and nature trails. So, if you're not into all that history, you can still find plenty to do with some walking boots and sticks. The Lenape Trail to Mill Creek Trail Loop is one of the most popular hikes, thanks to its dense maple and oak forests, rock formations, and tranquil brook. Another crowd pleaser is the French Trail, a loop trek that takes about three hours to complete and includes views of the Schuylkill River valley. Many hikers complain about bugs along these trails, so be sure to pack bug repellent.

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is located about a 1.5-hour drive from Philadelphia, where you can fly into Philadelphia International Airport from many U.S. cities. Your best option is to first drop in at the visitor center, where you can watch a 15-minute film about the historic site and browse other exhibits. The park is only open from Wednesday to Sunday each week and is closed on most seasonal holidays.

Hopewell Furnace is a working farm and has farm animals around the place, so you'll need to leave your pet on a leash as you explore. Most dogs aren't allowed inside the historic buildings either. Unfortunately, you can't catch any public transport to the historic site, so you'll need to rent a car if you're flying from out of state. If you do fancy extending your time in the state, you might want to check out this otherworldly Pennsylvania state park with scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountain views.