Discover the Roebling Museum & Historic Steel Mill Tours in New Jersey

The Roebling Museum brings to life the history of the Roebling steel mill and the company town that produced the wire rope used in some of America’s greatest engineering marvels — including the Brooklyn Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, and countless industrial projects. Visitors explore the site’s preserved buildings, learn about steel production, and take guided tours through the historic mill complex.
Why it’s special: This is the birthplace of the wire rope that shaped modern American infrastructure, and the museum offers rare access to a nationally significant industrial site.

History/Story of the Roebling Steel Mill

Founded by the Roebling family in the early 1900s, the mill produced steel wire and cable essential to bridges, elevators, ships, and wartime manufacturing. The company built an entire town around the plant — including housing, a general store, a firehouse, and community buildings — creating one of the most iconic American company towns. After the mill closed in 1974, community preservation efforts transformed the site into a museum dedicated to engineering, labor history, and industrial innovation.

What You’ll See & Do

• Explore the Roebling Museum galleries and exhibits on wire rope engineering

• Take a guided tour of the historic steel mill site led by expert docents

• Learn how wire rope was manufactured, tested, and shipped worldwide

• View artifacts, tools, blueprints, machinery, and historical documents

• Walk the preserved company town streets surrounding the museum

• Watch videos and interactive displays that highlight the Roebling family legacy

• Visit the gift shop for books, souvenirs, and Roebling memorabilia

Visiting Information

Hands-On Elements

Visitors can handle sample wire rope, examine historic tools, interact with engineering exhibits, and see cross-sections of cables used in major bridges. Some tours include demonstrations of testing equipment and mill technologies.

Photo/Video Policy

Photography is allowed in most museum and exterior areas. Some archival materials or restricted spaces may limit flash or videography.

Souvenirs & Extras

• Books on engineering, steel history, and the Roebling family

• Wire rope samples and industrial-themed gifts

• Apparel, hats, postcards, and historical memorabilia

• Special events such as walking tours, lectures, and engineering days

Practical Info

Site tours follow outdoor walkways and uneven historic surfaces; comfortable shoes are recommended. Many programs occur outdoors or in semi-covered spaces, so weather may affect operations. A typical visit lasts 60–90 minutes, longer for full mill site tours.

Pricing

• Museum Admission: ~$8–$10

• Guided Mill Site Tour: ~$10–$15 (separate or combined pricing depending on event)

• Special Programs: Additional fees may apply

• Children under 6: Free

Nearby

• Roebling’s historic company town streets

• Bordentown restaurants and shops

• Burlington County historical sites

• Delaware River waterfront

FAQs

Are mill site tours offered daily?

No. Mill site tours are offered on select dates and special events. Reservations are recommended.

Is the museum good for families?

Yes — exhibits on engineering and industrial history appeal to both kids and adults.

How long is the mill site tour?

Typically 45–60 minutes, depending on group size and weather conditions.

Can I explore the company town?

Yes — visitors can walk the preserved streets surrounding the museum before or after touring.

Is the museum indoors?

The museum building is indoors, but mill site tours take place outside across historic industrial grounds.