The 10 Best Things To Do in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

By jhenr | Updated July 21st, 2022

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To best experience the beautiful city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, you’ll want to get out and enjoy all that the city has to offer! From numerous historical landmarks to a variety of fun activities, there’s something for everyone in this friendly city. Here are the 10 best things to do in Bethlehem!

To best experience the beautiful city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, you’ll want to get out and enjoy all that the city has to offer! From numerous historical landmarks to a variety of fun activities, there’s something for everyone in this friendly city. Here are the 10 best things to do in Bethlehem!

Illick’s Mill park

Illick’s Mill,Bethlehem

Illick’s Mill Park is a historic grist mill area located in Monocacy Park in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1856 and had four levels to explore.

This park is a great place to take a peaceful walk or brisk jog, or to have a picnic next to the river and listen to the water flow by, maybe enjoy a good book, there is an artificial waterfall. Get a spot next to that to make it a picture-perfect evening.

You can feed the ducks and take in the beautiful sceneries, especially at sunset; if fishing is your thing, you will find perfect spots alongside the quiet river to throw your lines.

This park also has many historical buildings around to see, perfect for everyone to enjoy.

Address: Address: 100 Illick’s Mill Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18017

Moravian Museum of Bethlehem

Bethlehem, PA / USA – March 19, 2020: Artworks and a visitors center welcome tourists at SteelStacks, the 10-acre arts and cultural center on the grounds of the former Bethlehem Steel plant.

If you’re looking for things to do in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, check out the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Moravian people, who founded the city of Bethlehem in 1741.

Take a guided tour to learn more about them and how they came to be the founding fathers of the City of Bethlehem, and how the community lived during those times. Very interesting history.

Address: 1741 Gemeinhaus, 66 W Church St, Bethlehem, PA 18018

The Rise and Fall of Bethlehem Steel – Walking Tour

Bethlehem, PA/USA – July 21, 2019: Rusting blast furnaces of the old, abandoned Bethlehem Steel plant, once the second-largest steel producer in America.

Founded in the mid-18th century, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania’s Steel became an American industrial manufacturing sector and the second largest steel producer. Their steel-made armor plates and large caliber guns for the US Military.

Their steel was also used to make the famous Golden Gate Bridge sections. In the late 1990s, the steel plant closed and is used today as a social structure, fittingly named Steel stacks – A venue hosting many special events and where you can enjoy food and drinks.

Take a ” The Rise and Fall of Bethlehem Steel Walking Tour” with a trained guide to learn about the different parts of the plant and blast furnaces and why the steelworkers needed brass checks to enter the gate each morning.

Presented by Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites

711 East First Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Hoover Mason Trestle

BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA / USA – JUNE 10, 2016: The Hoover Mason Trestle is a walkway that elevates visitors to the shuttered blast furnaces of the former site of Bethlehem Steel.

Hoover Mason Trestle was once used as frame support for moving the coke, limestone, and iron ore from the ore yards to the blast furnaces to make iron.

carrying the coke, limestone, and iron ore

needed to make iron from the ore yards to the blast furnaces.

Since the Company closed, the path is now used as a walkway that connects the visitors center to the Gas blowing engine house.

The trestle is 46 feet high, and 2,000 feet long; provided in their tours are guided headphones with exciting information about the past. A true delight to visit when in Pennsylvania.

National Museum of Industrial History

SCRANTON, PA, USA – AUG 7, 2010: Antique Philadelphia suburban transportation trolley at the platform located in the Electric City Trolley Museum, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA.

Bethlehem is a city rich in history, and the National Museum of Industrial History is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about the area’s past. The museum tells the story of America’s industrial heritage, from the early days of the steel industry to the present day.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy interactive stories of the people, machines and ideas that transformed our nation through a rich collection of rare artifacts including the esteemed 1876 Smithsonian Industrial collection.

There are smaller scaled models showing the entire factory so you can get a good understanding of its operations.

Address: Address: 602 E 2nd St, Bethlehem, PA 18015

Wind Creek Bethlehem

Bethlehem, PA / USA – March 19, 2020: The Bridge, a 72-toot arch welcomes visitors to SteelStacks, a 10-acre campus for music, art and festivals on the site of the former Bethlehem Steel plant.

While visiting Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, one of the most popular spots to stay at is the Wind Creek Bethlehem. They are a top-notch resort with all the modern amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

This casino resort is the perfect place to try your luck at the slot machines or their many tables. They also have top-notch restaurants in the casino where you can choose your favorite type of food and dine in style.

Try their spa for a relaxing massage or mani/Pedi, the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day of touring.

Address: 77 Wind Creek Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18015

Historic Bethlehem River Tours

Hop Hill Brewing Company

Young bearded brewery worker with glass of beer evaluating its visual characteristics after preparation while working in processing plant

Historic Bethlehem River Tours offers a great way to see the city and enjoy the water. This company offers small kayaking groups or small bike group tours.

See some historic buildings and sites along the way with the information provided on sites passed by a very knowledgeable tour guide.

A great way to get a feel of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and plan the rest of your visit. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Historic Bethlehem River Tours is worth checking out!

The Knitter’s Edge

This yarn shop is a must-visit for anyone interested in knitting or crocheting. It is the largest yarn shop in Pennsylvania and the staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable.

They offer a wide selection of yarns and supplies. Plus, they offer classes for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find something to love at The Knitter’s Edge!

Address: 1601 West Broad St, Bethlehem, PA 18018

Kids Quest and Cyber Quest at Wind Creek Bethlehem

If you should need some adult time and are looking for a fun and engaging childcare place, then you must check out Kids Quest and Cyber Quest at Wind Creek Bethlehem.

Kids Quest makes a great first impression by offering a bright, colorful, well-equipped space with arcades and a prize zone filled with great choices.

Professional staff makes every guest visit memorable. Best of all, Cyber Quest games are specifically made to ensure everyone has a fun, delightful and rewarding experience.

Conclusion

Overall, Bethlehem is a great city with plenty to offer. From the arts and culture scene to the delicious food options to diving into the history that is Bethleham, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway or a place to call home, Bethlehem is worth checking out!