Name: Blacksmith 101
Start: 2025-09-27T12:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-09-27T16:00:00-04:00
Location: 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, United States, Michigan 49504

Join us in the forge to learn how fire, metal and a hammer come together to create a functional item or a work of art! Our experienced blacksmith will teach you a few tricks of the trade in this introductory blacksmith class. Topics covered will include forge safety, tools, and fire building, and you will have an opportunity to work on a first project. No experience necessary! Blandford Nature Center will provide safety equipment, including gloves and ear and eye protection.
Pricing:
Member: $100
Non-Member: $120
By attending our Community Programs, you are supporting BNC’s mission of connecting the community to our natural world. We look forward to getting outside with you!
Please Note: This program is only for ages 18 and up. Pre-registration is required. Online pre-registration closes at 12pm the day before the program date. If this program is sold out, please complete online registration to be added to the waitlist. You will not be charged to be added to the waitlist. We will contact you if spots become available. This program will be held indoors; however, please dress for the weather as our forge is inside an unheated, drafty building. Long shirts, pants and heavy duty, closed-toe shoes are also recommended for your safety. We suggest non-synthetic clothing for protection from sparks. If you do not have non-synthetic clothing, we can provide a leather apron. Please also bring a water bottle with you.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation requests received at least 7 days before the scheduled program are eligible for a 50% refund of the total registration cost, not including the credit card processing fee. Due to administration costs, full refunds are not available. Cancellation requests received within 7 days of a program are not eligible for a refund. Please come prepared for the elements as refunds are not available for weather-related conditions except in the case of severe weather. If Blandford cancels a program due to severe weather, you will have two options: transfer your registration to the reschedule date or donate your registration fee. In the event we are unable to reschedule the program, full refunds will be available. All community programs will have a registrant minimum. If the minimum is not met, you will be contacted by Blandford Nature Center and notified of your refund options.