Attractions and Places To See around Allentown - Top 20

Allentown and its surrounding areas offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore over 18 miles of trails for hiking, walking, cycling, and mountain biking at Trexler Nature Preserve, which also provides opportunities for wildlife observation. Jordan Creek Parkway features trails along Jordan Creek, popular for trail runners and bikers. For more walking and running, Lehigh Parkway offers miles of trails along the Little Lehigh River. You can also find numerous routes for running, gravel biking, and cycling in the area.

Yes, Allentown has several family-friendly attractions. The Trexler Nature Preserve and Trexler Memorial Park are excellent for families, offering trails for walking and opportunities to see wildlife. The Da Vinci Science Center provides interactive, hands-on exhibits for all ages to learn about science, technology, and engineering. The Lehigh Valley Zoo, located within the Trexler Nature Preserve, is home to over 300 animals. Coca-Cola Park, home to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, offers an enjoyable baseball experience for families.

Allentown is rich in history. You can explore the Bethlehem Steel Plant, a former industrial giant now home to the National Museum of Industrial History. The Liberty Bell Museum, located in Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ, showcases Allentown's role in the Revolutionary War. Trout Hall, built in 1770, is the city's oldest house, offering a glimpse into early history. The Lehigh Valley Heritage Center also provides an in-depth look at the region's past.

For walking or running, Lehigh Parkway is a popular choice, offering more than seven miles of trails along the Little Lehigh River, with both crushed gravel and paved sections. Trexler Memorial Park features 2.5 miles of hiking trails, including a mile-long main loop, perfect for shorter walks. Jordan Creek Parkway also provides various loop possibilities along Jordan Creek. For more options, check out the running trails guide around Allentown.

Allentown boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The Allentown Art Museum features a diverse collection of over 19,000 artworks with free daily admission. The America On Wheels Museum delves into the history of transportation, including a significant Mack Trucks exhibit. Miller Symphony Hall is a historic venue for the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and various performances. You can also visit the Museum of Indian Culture and the Mack Trucks Historical Museum for specialized historical insights.

The Trexler Nature Preserve is a significant natural area spanning over 1,100 acres, offering extensive trails and opportunities to see bison and elk. Lehigh Parkway provides a scenic retreat along the Little Lehigh River. Cedar Beach Park and the Allentown Rose Garden offer peaceful green spaces. South Mountain Preserve, near Allentown, features multi-use trails and natural beauty with brooks and potential wildlife sightings.

Yes, the Trexler Nature Preserve is a prime location for wildlife viewing, protecting endangered bison and elk in their natural habitat. The Lehigh Valley Zoo, located within the preserve, is home to over 100 species. South Mountain Preserve also offers opportunities for wildlife sightings along its trails.

The Bethlehem Steel Plant was once the second-largest steel manufacturer in the U.S. and a major shipbuilder, powering the skyscraper boom with its high-grade steel. It was a symbol of 20th-century U.S. innovation. Today, parts of the property house a casino, the National Museum of Industrial History, and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, a vibrant venue for arts and entertainment.

Beyond the well-known spots, Allentown offers some unique attractions. The Albertus L. Meyers Bridge (8th Street Bridge), opened in 1913, was once the longest and highest reinforced concrete arch bridge in the world. Hassen Creek Falls, accessible via the Hassen Creek Nature Trail, is a small, scenic waterfall that's a remnant of the area's industrial past. The Allentown Farmers Market provides a vibrant taste of local culture and artisanal treats.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. The industrial heritage of sites like the Bethlehem Steel Plant is highly valued, as are the extensive trail systems and scenic views offered by places like Trexler Nature Preserve and Trexler Memorial Park. The community also enjoys the diverse cultural institutions and the accessibility of outdoor spaces for activities like hiking, running, and cycling.

Yes, the Trexler Nature Preserve offers over 18 miles of trails suitable for cycling and mountain biking. Jordan Creek Parkway has singletrack trails favored by bikers. For more dedicated routes, you can explore the gravel biking guide and the cycling guide around Allentown, which feature various routes like the Ironton Rail Trail and Saucon Rail Trail.

Lehigh Parkway is a large public park in Allentown known for its extensive network of trails that run along both sides of the Little Lehigh Creek. It's a popular spot for walking, running, and enjoying nature. The park is also home to Bogert's Bridge, which serves as a starting point for the Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour.