South Bethlehem PennsylvaniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
1. SteelStacks
ARTS AND CULTURE CAMPUS
SteelStacks is a vibrant, ten-acre arts and cultural campus set against the dramatic backdrop of the historic Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces. Visitors can enjoy concerts, film screenings, festivals, and family activities, making it a centerpiece for South Bethlehem's creative and community life.
2. Hoover Mason Trestle
ELEVATED INDUSTRIAL WALKWAY
The Hoover Mason Trestle is an elevated pedestrian walkway that weaves through the towering blast furnaces of Bethlehem Steel, offering dramatic views and a unique perspective on the city's industrial legacy. Interpretive signs and striking steel architecture create a memorable historical walk in South Bethlehem.
3. National Museum of Industrial History
SMITHSONIAN-AFFILIATED MUSEUM
The National Museum of Industrial History houses over 200 artifacts tracing America's manufacturing and industrial past, all located within a renovated Bethlehem Steel structure. Exhibits cover machinery, textiles, and steel, captivating visitors with hands-on displays and inspiring local heritage stories.
4. Christkindlmarkt
HOLIDAY MARKET EXTRAVAGANZA
Christkindlmarkt is a celebrated annual German-style holiday market featuring artisan crafts, live music, festive foods, and a magical Nutcracker section, all set within a historic steel plant venue. This renowned event attracts visitors looking to embrace the spirit of the holidays in Bethlehem.
5. Colonial Industrial Quarter
HISTORIC EARLY SETTLEMENT
The Colonial Industrial Quarter transports visitors back to the 1700s with a preserved collection of original industrial buildings, including a grist mill, tannery, and butchery. This area offers a fascinating window into Bethlehem's roots as an industrious Moravian settlement.
6. Moravian Museum of Bethlehem
EARLY AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Moravian Museum of Bethlehem showcases the rich history of the Moravian settlers through period rooms, artifacts, and stories dating back to 1741. Guests can explore exhibits revealing the community's religious, educational, and industrial influence in the city's development.
7. Captured LV Escape Room
IMMERSIVE PUZZLE ADVENTURE
Captured LV Escape Room invites groups to solve puzzles and unravel mysteries during a thrilling hour-long challenge. It's an engaging activity ideal for friends, families, and corporate teams looking for a fun and mentally stimulating experience in South Bethlehem.
8. 1762 Waterworks
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
The 1762 Waterworks, a National Historic Landmark, is recognized as the oldest pumping station in the United States. Visitors can step inside this remarkably preserved site to discover how water powered Bethlehem's early industry and daily life.
9. Wind Creek Bethlehem
ENTERTAINMENT AND CASINO RESORT
Wind Creek Bethlehem is a bustling entertainment destination featuring a casino with table games, slots, a hotel, and a variety of dining and nightlife options. It's a popular spot in South Bethlehem for both gaming excitement and live performances.
10. Moravian Book Shop
AMERICA'S OLDEST BOOKSTORE
The Moravian Book Shop, established in 1745, is recognized as the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the United States. Visitors enjoy browsing books, local gifts, and Bethlehem-themed items in a historic storefront on Main Street.
11. Godfrey Daniels
INTIMATE LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Godfrey Daniels is a legendary listening room and performance space known for showcasing folk, bluegrass, and acoustic music since 1976. The cozy venue offers an up-close concert experience with both national and local artists.
12. 1869 Luckenbach Mill
HISTORIC MILLING LANDMARK
The 1869 Luckenbach Mill is a beautifully restored structure that once processed grain for Bethlehem's community. Today, it serves as a picturesque venue for events and provides engaging historical interpretation for visitors.
13. Star of Bethlehem
ICONIC HILLTOP MONUMENT
The Star of Bethlehem is an illuminated 81-foot-tall steel star that shines atop South Mountain, serving as a beacon for the city. This landmark is especially spectacular at night and during the holiday season, symbolizing Bethlehem's nickname as 'Christmas City.'
14. 1752 Apothecary
COLONIAL-ERA PHARMACY
The 1752 Apothecary offers a glimpse into early American medicine with displays of colonial-era remedies and pharmaceutical tools. Guided tours illuminate the practices and challenges faced by Bethlehem's early pharmacists.
15. 1761 Tannery
HISTORIC LEATHER WORKSHOP
The 1761 Tannery is a rare surviving example of an eighteenth-century tannery, showcasing the traditional process of leather making. Visitors can explore the original stone structure and learn about the craftsmanship that supported Bethlehem's early economy.