The Smelter Experience
Smelter tours have been revamped this year! Join us on a new experience!
Take a tour of the oldest historic smelter site in the world at the Quincy Smelting Works!
Tours take place daily at 12 pm and 2:15 pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day. We also have tours by reservation only through mid-October.
Visitors will explore various buildings and machinery from the 1890s that played a major role in the industrialization of America. The furnaces may be cold and the buildings quiet, but this is a chance to step back in time and see where nearly 1 billion pounds of copper was processed. You’ll learn about the final steps involved in moving copper from ore to finished product, which helped America grow from a largely agricultural nation to an industrial powerhouse. Much of the machinery from the 1890s and earlier is intact, including Corliss steam engines, and a Walker casting wheel. The smelter was a major investment for Quincy, helping the company achieve its reputation as “Old Reliable” in the industry.
Preparing for Your Tour:
- Complete waivers in advance!
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time and check in at office of the Quincy Smelting Works (on Hancock’s waterfront)
- Tours are approximately 1 hour
- Closed toe shoes recommended – you will be walking around an industrial site
- Only task trained Service Animals are permitted on guided tours (we HIGHLY recommend shoes for all Service Animals due to broken glass on grounds)
Tour Cost:
- $20 – Adult
- $15 – College Student/Veteran (ID Required at Check In)
- $15 – Youth (12-17 years)
- $10 – Youth (7-11 years)*
- Free – Active Duty (ID Required at Check In)
- *Youth 6 and under are free (no ticket needed)
