Step into America's industrial history at Sloss Furnaces, a National Historic Landmark located right in Birmingham, Alabama. Operating as a pig iron-producing blast furnace from 1882 until 1971, this remarkable facility made history as the first and only blast furnace in the United States to be preserved and restored as an interpretive museum of industry for public use. Today, you can explore this massive site free of charge to witness the towering Whitwell-type furnaces, historic blowers, and innovative engineering achievements that helped power Birmingham's rise.
Head over to the 16,000-square-foot Visitor and Education Center, opened in 2016, where you will find compelling educational exhibits detailing the site's rich past, alongside administrative offices and multi-purpose spaces. Beyond its deep roots as a pig iron producer, Sloss Furnaces now serves as a dynamic community hub. You can experience hands-on metal arts programs, attend lively food festivals, watch concerts, or participate in Historic Night Tours.
Don't miss seeing the historic SLSF 4018 steam locomotive on-site, which was relocated to Sloss in 2009. Whether you are walking through preserved industrial landmarks or taking part in educational programs, Sloss Furnaces offers you a unique look into industrial heritage and modern creative reuse.
What to see at Sloss Furnaces
- Tour the nation's only preserved 20th-century blast furnace museum site.
- Explore educational exhibits inside the 16,000-square-foot Visitor and Education Center.
- See the historic SLSF 4018 steam locomotive relocated to the property.
- Experience live concerts, metal arts programs, and Historic Night Tours.
Visiting tips
Take advantage of free museum admission to explore the historic industrial site and educational center.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Sloss Furnaces is easy to reach on Birmingham’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Birmingham Museum of Art and Cathedral of Saint Paul. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Birmingham travel guide.
See the full Birmingham travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.