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    Historic Bethlehem River Tours

    4.8 (5 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    SteelStacks

    SteelStacks

    4.2
    (55 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    This experience checked off one of those long-standing "I did this thing!" moments for 2025--and…read moreI'm really glad I finally made it happen. I attended PEEPSFEST, held December 30-31 from 3-6 p.m. at the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem. Tickets are required, with general admission priced at $5, making this a very affordable, family-friendly outing. According to the website, the event features indoor and outdoor fun, live music, PEEPS-themed games and crafts hosted by local nonprofits, interactive shows by the Wildlands Conservancy and the Da Vinci Science Center, and character meet-and-greets. The highlight comes at 5:35 p.m. with the iconic drop of a 400-pound, 4'9" PEEPS Chick, followed by a fireworks display. There were also several thoughtful additions that really stood out. I especially appreciated the PBS39 x PEEPSFEST Friendship Bracelet Creation Station, PEEPS IN THE KITCHEN with Chef Julie of Levy Restaurants, and the sensory-friendly space presented by Good Shepherd Rehabilitation--a wonderful option for guests with sensory sensitivities. Kids 12 and under received a special PEEPS tote bag to collect goodies throughout the event, which was clearly a big hit with families. The event takes place on the SteelStacks campus, and honestly, the setting alone is worth the visit. SteelStacks is the largest revitalized brownfield in the country, spanning 10 acres on the former Bethlehem Steel site. Some quick pre-trip research taught me that for nearly a century, Bethlehem Steel was the economic backbone of the Lehigh Valley and helped build some of the most iconic structures in the U.S., including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Chrysler Building, and parts of the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Alcatraz, and the Hoover Dam. When the plant closed in 1995, it left behind both a massive industrial footprint and a void in the local economy. Rather than demolishing the site, the community chose preservation and reinvention. Through a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district established in 1999, the area was transformed into what is now a thriving hub for arts, culture, education, and community events. Today, the towering blast furnaces--some over 230 feet tall--stand as a powerful reminder of the city's industrial past. From Furnace "A" (dating back to 1915) to Furnace "E," the site stretches nearly a quarter of a mile and once produced thousands of tons of iron daily. The furnaces were last operational on November 18, 1995, but their presence is anything but forgotten. Visually, the SteelStacks campus is absolutely stunning in a raw, industrial way. Standing in the outdoor space beneath the blast furnaces--especially at night--was nearly overwhelming in the best possible sense. The festive, multicolored uplighting against the massive steel structures added a sense of magic and mysticism that photos don't fully capture. Parking is another bonus: free on-site parking is available in multiple lots along First Street year-round (except during Musikfest). Speaking of which, SteelStacks is also home to Musikfest, the nation's largest free music festival--and I'm already scheming a return visit. While PEEPSFEST itself is definitely geared more toward children, it was still a fun and unique way to mark the transition into a new year. It's not something I need to do every year, but I'm genuinely happy to have experienced it. I'd highly recommend it for families with young children, as there's plenty to do, lots of room to roam, and a safe, well-organized environment. SteelStacks is a powerful example of how a community can honor its past while building something vibrant and meaningful for the future--and PEEPSFEST is just one of many reasons to visit.

    What a unique opportunity to visit a factory from times past being used in the present! I had some…read moretime to spare passing thru Bethlehem, and google recommended for me to stop-by at this one-of-kind spot. It was a bit of a maze to find the parking lot (thankfully, FREE), but after that I had a quiet afternoon enjoying the SteelStacks. One of the suggestions I got was to enjoy the walkway --- which is an elevated path along the side of the ol' steel factory. It's odd to walk by a factory that in its glory days had 100's of workers, to now being visited by tourist in a solace stroll. In any case, it's always great to see the birthing place of the steel that has given us so many iconic US landmarks, i.e., like the Chrysler Building and the Golden Gate Bridge. See - bet you didn't know that! If you're ever around this area, take in this one-of-a-kind location, it needs to experienced to be believed.

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    Christkindlmarkt
    Christkindlmarkt
    Christkindlmarkt
    Christkindlmarkt
    Blast furnace closeup.

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    Blast furnace closeup.
    HOOVER-MASON Trestle

    HOOVER-MASON Trestle

    4.2
    (5 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    This reminds me of a NyC attraction called the Highline, except with different views. I can't…read morebelieve that this used to be a working steel factory in the past. There were small signs on the walk which were all numbered which speaks about the various parts of the trestle and history behind it all. It wasn't a great sight to see, but it sure was interesting. It was very clean the pathway so I was very impressed with all of that. Apparently, there are volunteers helping out to make sure the areas clean.

    I didn't know what to expect when we drove here but after doing some research I learned that if you…read morego to hoovermason.com you can access a free audio tour. (The person at the visitor center didn't mention this at all perhaps because they want you to pay for the guided tour) There are markers that you click on each stop along the trestle that explain the steel business, the making of steel, audio clips from the steel workers and the buildings that you see around you. It was a bit sad to see nature starting to take over the steel plant, trees and vines growing where such a thriving business once took place. Steel for such remarkable structures as the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge was made here! But it's wonderful that this trestle was built (and it's handicapped accessible too!) so that you can really get up close to the incredible stacks and this behemoth man made wonder. Take about 2 hours of your day to explore this and learn a bit about the industry that made Bethlehem great in the early 20th century.

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    HOOVER-MASON Trestle
    HOOVER-MASON Trestle
    HOOVER-MASON Trestle

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    Tomb Of The  Unknown Solider

    Tomb Of The Unknown Solider

    5.0
    (3 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    It is truly a gem to stumble upon a tomb of an unknown solider. My husband found this location on…read moreroadsideamerica.com, nestled in a residential area in the town of Bethlehem, Pa, found between 1st Ave & Market St. It is believed that the soldiers buried here fought during the Revolutionary War. The American Revolution took place between 1775-1783. It occurred between the 13 North American colonies and colonial government (who supported the British Crown) and the fight for independence from Britain. A lot of history worthy things occurred from this timeline which included the congress vote to adopt the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Battle of Saratoga (in NY) and the Treaty of Paris. Obviously there was a whole lot more going on during this time period and highly recommend that you do your research and do this war justice in learning the history. After the Declaration of Independence was established, General George Washington (yes that Washington) and his army were driven out of New York by the British, and across New Jersey, into Pennsylvania. Because of that, numerous of hospitals were established in New Jersey and Philadelphia. General Washington moved north to the Lehigh Valley, and so other hospitals had to be established, including a hospital in Bethlehem, which became the main hospital in this area (which now is part of the Moravian College). Bethlehem was the perfect place to set up camp and a hospital as it was far enough from the front lines that was beyond the reach of the British. Unfortunately as wounded soldiers were kept in such close quarters, illness spread. Unfortunately there were many soldiers that did not make it back to Philadelphia and were eventually buried here in Bethlehem. In 1932, a single set of remains was placed here at this site. And then in 1996, three more unknown soldiers were added, as you can imagine that over time, homeowners may discover unknown soldiers when they accidentally dig up remains. On the tomb, a plaque reads "Within this crypt rest the bones of an unknown soldier in the War for Independence. He was one of more than five hundred men who died in the Continental Hospital here at Bethlehem and were buried on this hillside." May the remains of four Revolutionary War soldiers lie in peace.

    This reminded me of the stories my grandpa used to tell of when he fought in the civil war. When I…read moreentered the tomb I couldn't help, but start to cry. I felt the dark spirit of the unknown soldier enter my body and take over my soul and mind. I can still feel him with me today, he guides me. Highly Recommended, great for the kids

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    Tomb Of The  Unknown Solider
    Tomb Of The  Unknown Solider
    Tomb Of The  Unknown Solider

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    Historic Bethlehem River Tours - rafting - Updated July 2026

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