Bethlehem Pennsylvania ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
1. SteelStacks
ARTS AND CULTURE CAMPUS
SteelStacks is a dynamic ten-acre arts and cultural campus set in the shadow of the iconic blast furnaces of the former Bethlehem Steel plant. The venue hosts concerts, festivals, community events, and art exhibitions throughout the year, drawing visitors of all ages. With its striking industrial backdrop, SteelStacks offers a unique blend of history and modern culture.
2. Hoover Mason Trestle
ELEVATED INDUSTRIAL WALKWAY
The Hoover Mason Trestle is an elevated walkway that winds through the towering blast furnaces at Bethlehem Steel, offering dramatic views and interpretive displays. It provides a fascinating look into the city's industrial past and is often compared to New York City's High Line. Visitors can stroll the length of the trestle to experience the scale and legacy of Bethlehem's steel industry.
3. National Museum of Industrial History
SMITHSONIAN AFFILIATE MUSEUM
The National Museum of Industrial History showcases more than 200 industrial artifacts inside a restored Bethlehem Steel building. As a Smithsonian affiliate, the museum explores America's manufacturing heritage with engaging exhibits for all ages. It provides a deep dive into the innovations and workers that shaped the nation's industrial landscape.
4. Christkindlmarkt
FESTIVE HOLIDAY MARKET
Christkindlmarkt is a renowned seasonal market held annually on the historic SteelStacks campus. The market features artisan crafts, live music, holiday decorations, and delicious seasonal treats, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors. It has become a signature event in Bethlehem, often called 'Christmas City USA.'
5. The Banana Factory
ART GALLERIES AND STUDIOS
The Banana Factory is a vibrant arts center featuring galleries, artist studios, and community art classes. It serves as a creative hub for local artists and hosts regular exhibitions, workshops, and family-friendly events. Visitors can explore contemporary art and even watch artists at work in their studios.
6. Wind Creek Bethlehem
CASINO AND ENTERTAINMENT
Wind Creek Bethlehem, formerly Sands Bethlehem, is a large casino and entertainment complex situated just south of downtown. Guests enjoy a wide variety of gaming, dining, shopping, and live events in a modern setting. The venue offers both nightlife and family entertainment, making it a local hotspot.
7. Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center
GATEWAY TO HISTORY
The Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center provides an excellent starting point for exploring the city's rich heritage. Staff members offer maps, self-guided tour information, and insights into the area's museums and historic architecture. It is conveniently located downtown, making it easy for newcomers to orient themselves.
8. Moravian Museum of Bethlehem
EARLY MORAVIAN HERITAGE
The Moravian Museum of Bethlehem is housed in the 1741 Gemeinhaus, the city's oldest building. The museum explores the early years of the Moravian community, which helped shape the city's unique culture and architecture. Guided tours showcase period rooms, artifacts, and the stories of Bethlehem's founders.
9. Colonial Industrial Quarter
HISTORIC INDUSTRY DISTRICT
The Colonial Industrial Quarter offers a glimpse into Bethlehem's roots as a colonial center for industry. Visitors can explore original 18th-century structures including a miller's house, butchery, and oil mill, all set along the picturesque Monocacy Creek. The site captures the city's entrepreneurial spirit and early innovation.
10. Godfrey Daniels
LEGENDARY MUSIC VENUE
Godfrey Daniels is a renowned live music venue that has hosted folk, blues, and acoustic acts since 1976. The intimate listening room environment makes every performance feel personal and engaging. It is a favorite spot for both local musicians and national touring artists.
11. Captured LV Escape Room
INTERACTIVE ESCAPE EXPERIENCE
Captured LV Escape Room offers immersive and challenging escape adventures for groups of friends, families, or coworkers. Teams work together to solve puzzles and unravel mysteries within themed rooms before time runs out. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a fun group activity.
12. 1752 Apothecary
HISTORIC PHARMACY EXHIBIT
The 1752 Apothecary is a small museum highlighting early medical practices and pharmaceutical history in Bethlehem. Visitors can see period artifacts and learn about colonial-era remedies and treatments. The site is part of the city's recognized Moravian World Heritage Site buildings.
13. The Bookstore Speakeasy
PROHIBITION-THEMED COCKTAIL BAR
The Bookstore Speakeasy is a stylish bar and restaurant inspired by 1920s-era speakeasies and hidden behind a discreet façade. Guests enjoy handcrafted cocktails, upscale small plates, and live jazz in an ambiance filled with vintage décor. Its unique atmosphere and inventive drinks make it one of Bethlehem's most notable dining and nightlife spots.
14. Donegal Square
CELTIC RETAIL SHOP
Donegal Square is a beloved local shop specializing in Irish, Scottish, and Welsh goods, from clothing and jewelry to foods and gifts. Located in the historic downtown, the store is a go-to for authentic Celtic merchandise and holiday specialties. It offers a charming shopping experience and a touch of European heritage.
15. Dutch Springs
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARK
Dutch Springs is an aqua park and adventure center known for its spring-fed lake, inflatable water attractions, and scuba diving facilities. Guests of all ages enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, and aerial obstacle courses in a family-friendly setting. The park attracts outdoor enthusiasts from across the region each summer.