Attractions and Places To See around Bethlehem - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, offer a blend of industrial heritage and natural landscapes. The region is characterized by its historical significance as a former steel manufacturing hub and its diverse parklands. Visitors can explore sites reflecting the area's industrial past alongside scenic trails and waterways. The landscape features river valleys, greenways, and historical structures.
Best attractions and places to see around Bethlehem
- The most popular attractions is Bethlehem Steel Plant, a man-made monument that was once a major steel producer and a symbol of 20th-century U.S. innovation. Today, parts of the property host cultural venues and a museum.
- Another must-see spot is Saucon Rail Trail, a 7.5-mile paved trail. This trail follows the path of the former North Pennsylvania Railroad, offering a route for cycling and walking.
- Visitors also love Stone Bridges of Lehigh Parkway, a public park with a loop trail along Little Lehigh Creek. The park features crushed gravel paths and several stone bridges.
- Bethlehem is known for its historical industrial sites, scenic trails, and natural park areas. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from historical monuments to outdoor recreation.
- The attractions around Bethlehem are appreciated by the komoot community, with 16 upvotes and 15 photos shared.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Bethlehem Steel Plant
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Jordan Creek Parkway
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Stone Bridges of Lehigh Parkway
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Bogert Covered Bridge
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Malcolm Gross Rose Garden
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Bethlehem Steel was once the second-largest steel manufacturer in the U.S. and a major shipbuilder and powered the skyscraper boom with its high-grade steel. The company went bankrupt in 2001 due to shifts in construction methods. Today, a casino owns the property, and the National Museum of Industrial History occupies several buildings. Visitors can also explore the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, a vibrant venue hosting films, concerts, and art events.
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Jordan Creek Parkway is a park situated around Jordan Creek. The trails in the park cross over the water in a couple different spots and offer different loop possibilities. The Jordan Creek Greenway runs through the middle of the park and is definitely the widest and smoothest trail in the park. The other trails are more singletrack oriented and are favorites among trail runners and bikers.
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Malcolm Gross Rose Garden is a quiet park with lots of beautiful roses and other flowers, a reflecting pond and a gazebo. It's a great place for leisurely walks and bike rides and offers plenty of opportunities for taking photos. The park has two walking loops, with the inner loop featuring ten wellness stations if you want additional exercise while visiting this lovely spot.
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This historic bridge, constructed in 1841, is the oldest in the county and stretches 145 feet across the creek. It is a fantastic old bridge, and it is worth a detour to take a walk inside to admire the interior beams and capture some photos. If you want to shorten your hike, you can cross here and head back to the North Side Path.
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Lehigh Parkway is a huge public park in Allentown. It is technically a loop trail that travels on both sides of Little Lehigh Creek, and it is split up into a “North Side Path” and a “South Side Path.” Both sides of the trail are pretty similar, being mostly crushed gravel with a handful of paved parts.
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Bogert's Covered Bridge is a 145-foot-long bridge constructed in 1841. It is the oldest bridge in the county. It is still open to traffic, so it is a nice detour off of Oxford Drive.
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Lehigh Parkway is a huge public park in Allentown. It is technically a loop trail that travels on both sides of Little Lehigh Creek, and it is split up into a "North Side Path" and a "South Side Path." Both sides of the trail are pretty similar being mostly crushed gravel with a handful of paved parts.
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Once the pinnacle of American steel dominance and manufacturing leadership, Bethlehem Steel Corporation operated for over a century before closing in 2003. Headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, this industrial titan was one of the world’s largest steel producers at its peak, a symbol of 20th century U.S. innovation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of attractions can I find around Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of industrial heritage sites and natural landscapes. You can explore historical monuments reflecting its past as a steel manufacturing hub, alongside scenic trails and park areas. The region features river valleys, greenways, and historical structures, providing a variety of experiences from cultural exploration to outdoor recreation.
Where can I learn about Bethlehem's industrial history?
To delve into Bethlehem's industrial past, visit the Bethlehem Steel Plant site. Once a major steel producer, parts of the property now host cultural venues like SteelStacks and the National Museum of Industrial History. You can also walk the Hoover Mason Trestle for elevated views of the former blast furnaces.
Are there good places for walking or cycling in Bethlehem, PA?
Yes, Bethlehem offers several excellent options for walking and cycling. The Saucon Rail Trail is a 7.5-mile paved path perfect for both. The Jordan Creek Parkway features the wide and smooth Jordan Creek Greenway, along with singletrack trails for runners and bikers. Additionally, the Stone Bridges of Lehigh Parkway offers a loop trail along Little Lehigh Creek with crushed gravel paths.
What unique historical landmarks can I visit in the area?
Beyond the industrial sites, you can visit the Bogert Covered Bridge, which is the oldest bridge in the county, constructed in 1841 and still open to traffic. The Colonial Industrial Quarter also offers a glimpse into the early industrial sites of Historic Bethlehem's settlers.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in Bethlehem, PA?
Many attractions in Bethlehem are family-friendly. The Saucon Rail Trail, Jordan Creek Parkway, and Stone Bridges of Lehigh Parkway all offer accessible paths suitable for families. The Bethlehem Steel Plant area, with its museums and cultural campus, also provides engaging experiences for all ages.
Can I bring my dog to attractions or trails in Bethlehem, PA?
Yes, several trails and parks in the Bethlehem area are dog-friendly. The Jordan Creek Parkway, Stone Bridges of Lehigh Parkway, and Bogert Covered Bridge are all welcoming to dogs. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them.
What natural parks or green spaces can I find in Bethlehem, PA?
Bethlehem is surrounded by natural beauty. You can explore South Mountain Park for woodland hikes, Sand Island Park along the Lehigh River for water activities, and the Monocacy Nature Center, which features meadows, woodlands, and hiking trails. The Jordan Creek Parkway and Lehigh Parkway also offer extensive green spaces with trails and river access.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Beyond visiting the attractions, you can engage in various outdoor activities. There are numerous running trails, such as the Monocacy Way Trail and the D&L Trail, which you can explore further in the Running Trails around Bethlehem guide. For cycling, consider routes like the D&L Trail: Bethlehem-Easton Loop, detailed in the Cycling around Bethlehem guide. Gravel biking options are also available, including routes on the Saucon Rail Trail, found in the Gravel biking around Bethlehem guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Bethlehem, PA for outdoor activities?
The spring and fall seasons are generally considered the best times for outdoor activities in Bethlehem, PA. The weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring the parks. Autumn also offers beautiful foliage, enhancing the scenic trails.
Are there any museums in Bethlehem, PA that showcase local culture?
Yes, Bethlehem has museums that highlight its unique heritage. The National Museum of Industrial History, located on the former Bethlehem Steel plant site, showcases America's manufacturing heritage. The Moravian Museum of Bethlehem (1741 Gemeinhaus) offers insights into the town's Moravian founders and early history.
Can I find places for entertainment and dining near the attractions?
Absolutely. The SteelStacks cultural campus, built on the former Bethlehem Steel plant, hosts concerts and festivals, and offers various dining options. Wind Creek Bethlehem (formerly Sands® Bethlehem) also provides casino action, dining, shopping, and entertainment, making it a hub for leisure activities.
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