Sloss Furnaces

Activity Overview

Come to Sloss Furnaces for a glimpse of history from the industrial era. Birmingham became the main industrial center of the South, thanks to the railroading, iron, and steel industries. Sloss Furnaces is a major contributor to Birmingham's foundation as a city. Built in 1881, Sloss Furnaces sold tons of iron throughout the years until 1971. Due to its significance to America's rise during the industrial era, the place was named as a National Historic Landmark. Sloss Furnaces now serves as a museum of old furnaces and an events place for conferences, concerts, and exhibits.

Things to Do

• Bring the family on a weekend if you wish to take a guided tour of the place. Guided tours are held at 1PM, 2PM, and 3PM and lasts approximately an hour. Self-guided tours are allowed anytime during the operation hours. For self-guided tours, don't forget to visit the Gift Shop to watch a short film and get a brochure and map. Most areas are open to the public so take the time to explore the machine rooms, structures, basement, and water tunnels.
• Learn about metal arts and attend workshops and exhibits. Visit the events page for more details about programs such as creative welding and blacksmithing.
• Drop by during Halloween. The place transforms as a giant, haunted place which makes for a fun and eerie Halloween activity.

Sloss Furnaces Insider Tips

• Admission is free.
• Note that the tunnels and towers are old and rusty so take caution when touring the complex.