If Our Building Could Talk…

It would speak of rugged workers who got by on the determination in their hearts, the strength of their backs, and the dirt on their hands. We proudly dedicate every ounce of our beer to those whose efforts have forged the American work ethic.

Want to experience the story for yourself? Explore more than a century of history—and get a behind-the-scenes look at Rusty Rail Brewing Company—with one of our guided tours.

suites

Heart of PA

brews

restaurant

explore our history

Buggy Town Beginnings

1850–1920

Mifflinburg earned its nickname “Buggy Town” in the 1880s, as it was home to over 75 carriage makers. The Silk Mill, just behind today’s brewery, was busy crafting carriage seats, part of a thriving industry that put Eighth Street on the map. Rusty Rail Brewing Company now carries forward that legacy of skill and craftsmanship.

When Iron Took the Reins

1911–1923

The automobile arrived, and Mifflinburg’s carriage makers adapted. The Mifflinburg Body and Gear Company rose in 1911, eventually merging into the Mifflinburg Body Company. This building became a hub of innovation, producing carriage and automobile bodies, gears, and axles. By the 1920s, nearly 300 workers filled the floors, and the company ran its own bus line to bring them in. MBC even offered health and life insurance– decades ahead of its time. When you visit, you’ll see two historic trucks, the 1917 Ford Model TT “Huckster” and the 1923 Ford Model TT “Stake Body,” that stand as living reminders of that era.

Supporting the Troops

1930s–1940s

The Great Depression and the shift to steel bodies changed the game. MBC pivoted to furniture and industrial products, then answered the call of World War II. Among their most important work were the G518 one-ton cargo trailers, shipped worldwide to support the war effort. These walls helped shape history.

From Cars to Cabinets

1950s–2005

After the war, the building quietly outfitted homes across America. Under Mifflinburg Industries and later Yorktowne, it became a center for cabinet manufacturing, wood milling, and kiln-drying. Craftsmanship endured, even as the world outside shifted around it.

A New Chapter Begins

2009–Present

In 2009, brothers Paul and Eric John brought the building back to life. Legacy Crafted Cabinets took the south side, and Rusty Rail Brewing Company opened its doors on the north side in 2013. Today, the brewery celebrates the generations who built Mifflinburg, offering craft beer, chef-created cuisine, and all-inclusive event venues in a space rich with history and community spirit.

WALK THROUGH THE HISTORY

Experience Rusty Rail With a Guided Tour

There’s a lot more to Rusty Rail than what you see from your table.

Step inside our historic Mifflinburg complex for a guided tour that brings the story of the building—and the brewery inside it—to life.

Explore the spaces where generations of Central Pennsylvanians worked, discover how this remarkable property evolved from carriage and automobile production to manufacturing and brewing, and get a behind-the-scenes look at Rusty Rail Brewing Company today.

Along the way, you’ll learn more about the history, equipment, brewing process and people behind Rusty Rail.

Whether you’re a craft beer fan, a history buff or simply looking for something different to do in Central Pennsylvania, our guided tours offer a whole new way to experience Rusty Rail.

Reservation Policy

PLEASE NOTE: Visitors will be touring a functioning production brewery. Close-toed shoes required. Some areas may be hot, wet and/or handicap inaccessible. Please be advised before booking.

Privacy & Cookie Preferences

If Our Building Could Talk…