Eureka is a wonderfully whimsical town that makes for a great day trip destination. There’s a lot of odd attractions to visit and plenty of natural beauty to keep you entertained for an entire day, if not more. However, most visitors don’t realize that there is a real, working blacksmith shop in the town and you can even take a tour of it. If you’re looking for something unique to do the next time you’re in the area, you’ll definitely want to check it out. This place is a true hidden gem with tons of neat treasures just waiting to be discovered.
Tucked away in an often unnoticed region of Eureka is Blue Ox Millworks Historic Park. Most people simply stumble on it by surprise and are pleasantly surprised by the unique and whimsical attraction hiding underneath their noses.
Blue Ox Millworks is a working blacksmith and woodworking shop that looks like something straight out of a different century. Lacking any modern machinery, this place is a historic gem that is dedicated to preserving the crafstmanship techniques of the past.
Visitors who end up at Blue Ox should definitely consider taking the full tour of the shop. They offer both self-guided and fully guided tours where you can explore the woodworking building, lathe room, blacksmith shop, and even see an incredible demonstration of Victorian-era human powered tools.
Blue Ox gradually came to be ever since Eric Hollenbeck founded a logging company in 1973. Over the years, Hollenbeck began collecting antique woodworking tools and giving tours and workshops related to Victorian-era blacksmithing, ceramics, printing, and woodworking.
Definitely plan to partake in one of the Blue Ox's workshops if you can. Led by professional instructors, they offer workshops in a variety of activities such as basic woodworking or silk printing.
The workshops are located within these incredibly old buildings that are packed to the gills with different tools and creations. Here you'll find all sorts of neat collections such as the world's largest collection of molder knives and a historic craftsman's apothecary. You could spend all day looking over each and every object.
Be sure to stop by the gift shop on the way out and take a look at the one-of-a-kind items for sale. All of the items are special in their own way since they are created by workshop students at Blue Ox.
This place is doing amazing things when it comes to preserving an incredible piece of history. With all of the modern machinery that is available these days, you just don't see craftsmanship like this anymore. If you love history, crafts, and working with your hands, then Blue Ox Millworks is a must-visit!
You'll find Blue Ox at 1 X St, Eureka, CA 95501. For more information, you can visit their website here.
Have you visited this quaint and quirky blacksmith shop? This place is so eclectic, it’s hard to even describe it! If you enjoy exploring our state’s odd spots then be sure to take a look at our list of the 11 Weirdest Places You Can Possibly Go In Northern California.
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