The best camping near Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

The birth of American iron began here in 1646. See the colonial forge in action on the free daily tour, including working water wheels, a blast furnace, and blacksmith demos.

In the mid-1600s, it took over two months to ship a horseshoe to America from England. This integrated ironworks was the colony's first successful attempt at producing its own nails, weapons, and cookware. The mill harnessed the water power of the Saugus River to fuel the furnace. The Europeans had to improvise, too. Lacking limestone for flux, the colonists mined gabbro instead to purify the ore.

The 9-acre National Park is best seen with a tour guide who can explain the equipment and cool old tools, including a 500-pound hammer. But visitors are free to visit the museum or explore the nature trails on their own. A colonial home shares the grounds, with free tours covering the 1680s construction and daily life in the house. A 17th-century herb garden in back includes plants that the household depended on for medicine, cooking and textile dyes. Check the calendar for the autumn iron pour--the one day a year that visitors can see the hot stuff in all its molten glory.