Interesting history. Our guide Michael, brought the past to light with an in depth discussion of the mill operations and daily life as it applied to the operations of the furnace.
We had attended Cabin Fever in the morning, also in Lebanon.
Historical mostly original some restoration was needed and looks historical— If you are curious and like to know “how did they do this”. This is a good place to take a tour - our guide was fantastic
We took the tour of the furnace and it was so much more than we expected. The furnace opened in 1742 prior to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. With 4 ingredients, charcoal, limestone, iron, and air, they created the iron that was used in building America.
Clean and well lighted!! Unlike some other PA historical sites, Cornwall was easy to get around and VERY interesting. Many of the historical machines were still operational for demonstration. Unlike McConnell Mills, Cornwall is well suited to walk through viewing.
The tour here was very thorough. The tour guide seemed to have some kind of preoccupation with the “industrialists” who built the place. Seemed like an odd thing to be so passionate about. Anyway, plenty of history, architecture, and economic history here. The gift shop is very nice, lots of books that looked cool and useful items like cast iron products.
We came here in March on Charter Day and got a grand tour. I had been here 3 times previously but this was the first time that I was here during their normal (limited) business hours. I recommend coming here when the site is fully open and taking a guided tour. They will take you through the various buildings/floors and explain the entire iron making process. The site is wonderfully preserved, which is very rare for the old iron furnace sites. This was once the largest and most important iron furnace in America. The staff here are outstanding.
Wow! This place is a must stop. The tour was so informative, and to see an iron Furnace in its original condition is quite the treat. Loved this place, and our young man tour guide was a well of knowledge.
It was time well.spent. The Saturday tour guide (retired teacher) gave a tour more as a reenactor. It was time well spent, and you could imagine yourself as an apprentice just getting your feet wet in the furnace. Liked it so much, I came back the next day to do the tour again, this one from a more factual museum-type tour. Both tours gave me a very good feel for work in the furnace. Check it out, folks ?
We went on Charter Day. What fun it was! The guides were all very pleasant, accommodating and knowledgeable. They had many of the buildings open this time and it was very neat to see the opulence of the 18th and 19th centuries. Would LOVE to go again!
Incredible experience! This complete Forge is well preserved and is a treasure of Pennsylvania and United States history. Volunteer tour guides are excellent. Visiting on Charter day for free was smooth and enjoyable despite the crowds. Thank you for providing this low-cost opportunity for the general public to enjoy this gem!
This is a great piece of local iron history. The tour staff were very knowledgeable about the history of this iron furnace. It has a small but great museum.
Extremely interesting place for history buffs , which I am. We had called to book a tour time but this may not have been necessary.Not too crowded. There is a small entrance fee - well worth it. Our guide was very informative and the place has been well preserved . The process and history of the furnace is fascinating and the old buildings of the local red stone are very cool . Staff was very friendly and helpful with nearby lunch place suggestions. An easy drive from Harrisburg and set in the beautiful countryside. Made a nice day trip.
This place is amazing! You need to go on the tour inside the furnace building to see the huge geared wheel and how everything ties together. It is chilly in the winter since the building is not heated, but there is a visitor center/museum that is. The staff is passionate about the place and very helpful answering any questions. Pair this with a trip to see the snow geese at Middle Creek in March and you have a great day trip!
Unfortunately they were closed due to COVID when I visited but you could walk around the exterior. Looks like one of the best maintained iron furnaces I have seen. The buildings have a gothic styling with slate roofs and ornate doors and windows. Will hopefully return someday to see the interior of the buildings.
Our family had previously visited Hopewell Furnace so, visiting Cornwall Furnace was a real treat. It was nice to see a furnace much like it was when it was in production. We learned a lot about the area and the iron ore industry that was so important to early settlers.
Was a beautiful place to visit, not what I was expecting. The entry fee was cheap and our tour guide Karin was great! Very knowledgeable and made the whole group feel welcome! Definitely planning a return visit!
