Things To Do Near Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
The visitors center is a great place to start your visit because you will want to see the museum exhibits, listen to the audio programming, and ask the staff questions. Check the calendar to see what special events and demonstrations will be occurring during your visit. Then, take the self-guided tour of Hopewell. Help feed the farm animals and pick the apples when they are ripe in September and October.
Hiking Trails
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Boone Trail
This trail starts at the Hopewell Lake Boat Launch parking lot. Follow its blue blazes across the rocky terrain at French Creek State Park. Use the short side trail to visit the Hopewell Furnace Visitors Center. This is a loop trail, so it will bring you back to your starting point.
Location
2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, Pennsylvania 19520
Length
6 Miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Six Penny Trail
This trail leaves from the visitor center at French Creek State Park. It crosses hilly terrain to reach the original Six Penny Recreation Area, where you can see the historic dam's ruins. Then, it crosses near the French Creek Campgrounds before joining the Boone Trail.
Location
843 Park Road, Elverson, Pennsylvania 19520
Length
3 Miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Horse-Shoe Trail
Horse-Shoe Trail begins at Valley Forge National Park before following part of the Appalachian Trail that runs on top of Stony Mountain. Eight miles of this trail run through French Creek State Park near Hopewell Furnace Historic Site.
Location
Valley Forge National Historic Park, 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406
Length
130 Miles
Intensity
Strenuous
Sightseeing
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French Creek State Park
This park that borders Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site offers camping, hiking, swimming, and boating. Migratory birds often use their woodlands, streams, lakes, and wetlands. It is also a great place to go wildlife watching, especially if you love seeing deer. There are many miles of hiking trails in this park that connect to Hopewell and a nearby nature preserve, so hikers have lots of options.
Location
1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406
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Crow's Nest Preserve
If you have children along, let them roam on the Natures PlayGround at Crow's Nest Preserve. You will love seeing the dense forest. This venue often hosts special events, so be sure to check their schedule.
Location
201 Piersol Road, Elverson, Pennsylvania
Museums
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The National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum
See the 120-foot rolling steel mill at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum. Many other exhibits to view will help you understand the critical role steel and iron played in the region's and country's history. Visit with the staff to learn about various applications for iron and steel.
Location
50 South 1st Avenue, Coatesville, PA 19320
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Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
See aircraft from different eras at Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, Pennsylvania. Most of the exhibits have a tie to Pennsylvania, either through the manufacturing process or through pilots. Many of the aircraft were flown in World War II.
Location
Reading Regional Airport, 2501 Bernville Road, Reading, Pennsylvania 19605
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Murdough's Christmas Barn
Every day is Christmas Day at Murdough's Christmas Barn, where you will find an astonishing collection of Christmas items from around the world. This store is in a century-old barn. Their wide selection from around the world has been delighting shoppers since 1953.
Location
945 West Penn Avenue, Robesonia, Pennsylvania 19551
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Rodale Institute Garden Store and Visitors Center
For more than 50 years, the Rodale Institute has been studying organic farming practices. Find books, gardening and kitchen tools, apparel, specialty foods, and organic treats in their garden store inside a former one-room schoolhouse. They often host special plant sales and unique holiday programming.
Location
611 Siegfriedale Road, Kutztown, Pennsylvania 19530
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Saint Peters Bakery
Step inside this building that used to be an old general store, and you will feel like you have gone back in time. Choose from a wide selection of artesian breads, including sourdough bread with a starter that is over 100 years old. The menu changes weekly based on the highest quality foods available locally. Be sure to try one of their pies, tarts, or cakes.
Location
3441 Saint Peters Road, Saint Peters, Pennsylvania 19520
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Ice House
Since 1989, diners have been coming to the Ice House to start their day with fresh doughnuts and delicious coffee. Then, they come back later for mouthwatering sandwiches and main-dish entrees. Enjoy pizza or stromboli at the restaurant or delivered to your door.
Location
1 King Street, Pottstown, Pennsylvania 19464