Bethlehem: Moravian History, Art and Industry

Bethlehem can be explored from several different angles: the city’s history is present in its museums and historic buildings, while SteelStacks tells the story of its industrial past. There are also trails for walking and cycling. When planning your trip, consider whether you would like to focus on culture, industrial heritage, music or outdoor activities—each of these interests offers a different starting point for choosing your vacation rental.

Moravian History and Decorative Arts

The Gemeinhaus is part of the Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem World Heritage Site and is designated a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1741, it is considered the largest continuously used log building in the United States dating from the 18th century. Those interested in Bethlehem’s history can also explore it at the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem: Housed in the city’s oldest building, it presents Bethlehem’s Moravian history.

The Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts offers a different focus. It is housed in three interconnected homes dating from the mid-19th century. Visitors can see changing exhibitions, historic rooms and galleries exploring three centuries of style and design history. The Kemerer Museum is the only museum of decorative arts in Pennsylvania and one of only 15 museums in the United States devoted exclusively to this art form. You can therefore shape your visit to Bethlehem around either the city’s history or the development of design and decorative arts.

Industrial History and Music at SteelStacks

Located on the Bethlehem Steel site, the SteelStacks arts and culture campus is a 10-hectare ArtsQuest campus set against the striking backdrop of the former blast furnaces. The National Museum of Industrial History is housed there in the former Electric Repair Shop. The Bethlehem Steel Plant Site Tour takes visitors across the plant grounds and along the Hoover-Mason Trestle. Tours are led by former steelworkers or guides trained by steelworkers. If you are interested in industrial history, you can plan a tour connected to the former steel plant alongside a visit to the museum.

Musikfest is a 10-day celebration of music, art and community held every August in Bethlehem. If music and community events are important to your trip, this annual event is a special occasion to consider when planning your travel dates.

Walks, Trails and Active Outings

The Old Bethlehem Walking Tour is a 90-minute guided walk through the Historic Moravian Bethlehem National Historic Landmark District. For a walk along a stream, the Monocacy Way Trail runs through Center City Bethlehem alongside Monocacy Creek to the Monocacy Recreation Complex on Illick’s Mill Road, or back from there. The two options differ in focus: one takes you through the historic district, while the other connects Center City and the recreation complex along the creek.

In Southside Bethlehem, the South Bethlehem Greenway offers a walk with various stops along the way, including the skate plaza, exhibitions in the Southside Arts District and play areas. If you are traveling with children, you can include these play areas in your day’s plans. For cycling and walking, the D&L Trail section between Allentown and Bethlehem has a mostly gravel surface and follows the canal towpath.

Sand Island is located in Bethlehem on the Lehigh River and along the D&L Trail. The Sand Island Trail runs through the Delaware and Lehigh Corridor to Allentown or Easton and beyond; along the way, it offers insights into the history of the Lehigh Canal. Bethlehem offers different ways to explore the city and its surroundings: historic walks, trails along waterways and canals, and insights into industrial history. You can choose a vacation rental based on which of these interests you would like to shape your stay.

If you would like to explore other places in addition to Bethlehem, you can also find Easton and Wind Gap here.

For the broader travel overview: Northampton.