This is one of the finest examples of a rural American 19th century iron plantation. The buildings include a blast furnace, the ironmaster's mansion, and auxiliary structures. Hopewell Furnace was founded in 1771 by Ironmaster Mark Bird. The furnace operated until 1883. Designated Hopewell Village National Historic Site August 3, 1938; name changed September 19, 1985. Boundary changes: June 6, 1942; July 24, 1946. Primarily an area that is significant for its cultural resources, Hopewell Furnace consists of 14 restored structures in the core historic area, 52 features on the List of Classified Structures, and a total of 848 mostly wooded acres.

WELCOME! To Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site's Home Page

VISITATION:

Highest in August and September; lowest in January and February.

ADDRESS:

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
2 Mark Bird Lane
Elverson, PA 19520

E:MAIL ADDRESS:

HOFU_SUPERINTENDENT@NPS.GOV

TELEPHONE:

(610) 582-8773 (Voice); (610) 582-2093 (TDD); (610) 582-2768 (FAX)

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed New Year's Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, President's Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Summers are generally hot and humid, with temperatures occasionally above 100 degrees F. Winters can be cold, with some days below freezing and with occasional snow. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

DIRECTIONS:

From the North: PA Route 422, PA Route 82 South, PA Route 724 East, PA Route 345 South.

From the East: PA Turnpike (I-76), exit 23 Downingtown, PA Route 100 North, PA Route 23 West, PA Route 345 North.

From the West: PA Turnpike (I-76), exit 22 Morgantown, PA, Route 10 South, PA Route 23 East, PA Route 345 North.

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: access by Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) and various federal and state roads; bus and regional airport available in Reading (15 miles from park); Amtrak and regional rail available in Downingtown (20 miles from park); nearest international airport in Philadelphia (45 miles from park).

In Park: walking; wheelchair available for disabled visitors.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

Admission: $4, ages 17 and over; ages 16 and under free. Additional fees charged for educational and interpretive programs. Family Rates and Golden Age, Golden Access, and Golden Eagle Passports are available.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Exhibits and several audio-visual programs provide information on the history of Hopewell Furnace.

Trails, Roads:

The historic furnace complex is toured via a short trail. Additional trails provide recreation and an opportunity to see additional historic features such as charcoal hearths.

Programs/Activities:

Living history programs and molding & casting demonstrations during summer months. Self-guided tours using park brochure, wayside exhibits and audio stations. Guided tours/educational programs available for school groups.

Lodging and camping facilities:

None in park. Campground available at adjacent French Creek State Park, (610)582-9680. Hotels and motels available in immediate area.

Food/supplies:

Restaurants and grocery stores in nearby communities.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and

Opportunities:

Eastern National operates a bookstore in the visitor center.

Accessibility:

Visitor center and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Some historic structures are also accessible. Wheelchair available for use at park. All video programs are captioned for hearing impaired. Written texts of scripts for audio stations available for use by hearing impaired. Large print brochure available for visually impaired. Dedicated TDD line - (610) 582-2093 for hearing impaired.

Special Needs:

Parking available at visitor center.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Audio/visual programs and exhibits in visitor center. Self- guided tours in historic area. Living history programs in summer months.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations for school groups or other educational groups should be made at least two weeks prior to the visit. Regular guided tours, two types of hands-on tours, and self-guided tours are available. Special Use Permits can be arranged for weddings, etc. at Bethesda Church. Filming permits are arranged on an individual basis.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Stay from two to four hours for a visit of historic area.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

Black History Month program in February; Women's History Month program in March; Sheep Shearing in May; Living History program and Molding & Casting demonstrations (June - Labor Day); Establishment Day - crafts demonstrators and charcoal burn (first weekend in August); Apple Harvest Day - crafts demonstrators and living history programs (last weekend in September); Apple Sales (September - October); "They Were What They Ate" -- 19th Century program (October); Iron Plantation Christmas in December. See Calendar of Events for details. Call park headquarters for more information and for specific dates and times for all of the above: (610) 582-8773(voice); (610) 582-2093 (TDD).

VISITOR IMPACTS:

Written information (site bulletins and news releases) about special programs are provided at visitor center. Rangers are available at the visitor center to answer questions and provide emergency assistance.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

French Creek State Park adjacent to Hopewell Furnace, 843 Park Road, Elverson, PA 19520 (610) 582-9680; Daniel Boone Homestead, Route 422, Birdsboro, PA 19508 (610) 582-4900.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write: Park Superintendent, Hopewell Furnace NHS, 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520.

Last Updated:Thursday 12-August-97
http://www.nps.gov/hofu/index.html