Sloss Furnaces

GO SEE SLOSS FURNACES!!! We weren't expecting this stop to be one of our family's most favorite stops on our road trip. My husband and I are history buffs and we thought this would be a good "kill an hour" stop on our way back home from our road trip. After 2 hours, we had to almost drag our children (ages 9 and 7) away due to the late hour. It's hard to imagine how an abandoned furnace could be so interesting but I will endeavor to communicate how it captured our attention. For those who like history or learning about the background of something, this place definitely is a vast well of information. We enjoyed learning about the role Birmingham played in the iron industry nationally and even internationally. We also enjoyed learning about how iron was produced. For those who enjoy getting to experience history in a hands-on manner, this place also checks that off the list. This vast property is almost entirely open for exploration. There are sections of the factory that are gated off for safety reasons (usually at a certain point on some stairs when it gets high off the ground), but my curious children never once complained or felt constricted by availability to explore. They (and my husband and I too!) loved getting to touch, climb, and walk around a place with such incredible history. We loved how they have not tried to shine this place up or restore it to "its glory days." Rather, they have worked to keep it safe but present it in its abandoned state. It gave it a very cool, unique vibe. We loved going in the old engine room with the original panels and levers still there and getting to even push the levers up and down. For those who want to just check out a cool, artsy environment, there are plenty of wonderful photos just waiting to happen as you can see. To this day, my children still tell others about the cool furnaces they got to go see. It is a wonderful learning experience that allows a lot of hands-on opportunities which is great for the kids. Also, it's totally free. No charge. Just a donation if you want. :)