Indiasky B.

Beautiful evening, great cool weather enjoying several bands at the Levitt Pavilion and lots of food trucks

Really cool and unique attraction that gives a fascinating look into Bethlehem's industrial history. The old steel structures are massive and make for some great photo opportunities, and the area around it is well-kept and easy to explore. That said, I'm taking one star off because I expected this to be the kind of place where you could spend a good chunk of time, but in reality, you'll likely be done in 20-30 minutes unless there's an event going on. It's still worth visiting, but it's more of a quick stop than a full outing. On the bright side, it's completely free, which makes it absolutely worth checking out if you're in the area. Great mix of history, art, and architecture -- just don't plan your entire afternoon around it.

Sara P.

Really neat venue. I love how they repurposed the old Bethlehem Steel Plant and are making it come alive. There are raised platforms that have information markers that tell the story of the old plant and its history and let it come alive as you can look into bits and pieces of the old plant. These are free to access and there are huge lots with free parking. The old plant is also the site of many events during the year. We went at Christmas for the Christkindl markt, but they also advertise a New Years event, summer concerts and a variety of other events. Check out the schedule and stop on by for a fun event with an added historical backdrop and information!

Jak G.

Went in not knowing this whole place is a pioneer in steel making even produced steel for MSG, and Rockefeller, etc. The whole place is awesome. Not sure how long they've been doing Christkindlmarkt but this was our first time and definitely won't be the last.

Eric W.

SteelStacks is a combination historical attraction/music/event venue on the former Bethlehem Steel Plant site. My review will focus on the historical attraction portion of the property. Before visiting, check the SteelStacks website for events that could be using the site. Parking is free in several adjacent parking lots. The visitor's center is very lean with a few displays, courtesy desk, some Bethlehem Steel merchandise for sale, and bathrooms. The main attraction is the still standing blast furnaces, which can be viewed by walking on the Hoover-Mason Trestle, a former small railroad that's now been converted into a walkway. The walking tour is free, self-guided, and there is an elevator for handicap accessibility. Seeing the former blast furnaces up close is an impressive sight. The trestle also has information stops to learn about what happened at Bethlehem Steel. It has also been turned into a greenspace with various plants growing on parts of the structure. The walkway ends at the far parking lot for the Wind Creek Bethlehem casino. Biggest issue is, even though the blast furnaces are impressive, this felt like something that after you see once, you don't have to come back. The walk takes at best an hour and plan to do it on a day that's not hot as there's only limited shade. Plan to pair visiting this with a tour of the National Museum of Industrial History, an event going on at the SteelStacks, a visit to the casino, or some shopping at the The Outlets at Wind Creek. I'm glad I visited the SteelStacks, but I can't say it's worth going out of your way to see.

Maria A.

Art&Entertainment Center Seems like this is the happening place to be, when visiting PA tonight's show (valentine's weekend) Improvise date night, it was a really cute show. No script, They took some ideas from some of the audience, and they put on a cute little play. I love shows like this and if you're in the Bethlehem area, are you looking for some place interesting check SteelStacks they always have something great going on.

L L.

Attended Peepsfest 2021 at SteelStacks. The event ran smoothly and was super fun. But as for the SteelStacks venue, wow, what a neat vision! The preserved old steel mill is at the foot of the valley. Lehigh University climbs the "hill" (more like a mountain) facing the venue, and downtown Bethlehem sprawls in every direction around the stacks. The venue comprises a sort of campus of new buildings, plus a rehabbed stone building attached to the metal plant. A chic new staircase leads up to the height of the machine works, and rail lines that stand over 2 stories off the ground. The concert stage backs into the towering mill, using it as a backdrop for performances. A decent sized lawn is laid out in front of the stage. It's more of a Mann Center feel, than BB&T Pavilion size. For me, I'd love to go back and see a concert there. Bathrooms were clean, and plentiful in the renovated historic stone building. There was also a bar in there, with a good amount of seating. Food was okay. Typical stadium type fare, at typical stadium type prices. The chicken fingers were just 3 fingers on a bed of batter-dipped (yuk) fries, for $10. Lehigh Valley pierogies come 4 for $5, with sour cream. Yuengling 16oz beers in cans were $7. Stacks are lit up with colored spotlights at night. Sound is decent from stage. Pretty white string lights on trees, at least during holiday time. Parking lot was clean, safe, well-lit. Saw a patrol mule cart roaming around if you needed anything. Super cool venue!

LeAn H.

Came to this beautiful location for one of our friend's wedding ceremony and reception. It was so cool seeing this factory getting off our party bus. We were told to go inside first before the ceremony was to start. It was a great idea because it is November.....in PA. You can't imagine how cold it was outside. We got to get a drink inside before being ushered to go outside. Although it was freezing, the ceremony was simply beautiful! Right afterwards we went back inside where we went to the 2nd floor to the reception. The decoration was gorgeous and the food...the servers were on point with those appetizers. Pulled pork, empanadas, egg rolls, and many other dishes I didn't get to try. It was very well decorated and organized. Sadly, the dimmed lighting def caused me to get someone else's jacket. I'm pretty sure that the other jacket owner got my jacket first to where I got hers. Luckily she caught me before the bus left to the casino...and that's another story. haha. Overall, the scenery is gorgeous and I wish we had the chance to tour it (but not in the heels that I was wearing that evening. haha)

Christopher S.

This is a cool place to walk around and learn the history of Bethlehem Steel. I went with family that I was visiting and we all had a great time. There is plenty to look at, easy-to-read signs, and well-cultivated gardens. There are other things to do around the area and this is apparently a venue for events. I was just there for the history and to spend time with my nephew. I would caution that this does involve steps and I am unsure if they have any handicapped accessible ramps or elevators.

Kathy R.

This place was Uber cool. Aside from the steelworks that have been abandoned since the 90s from where this place takes its name, there's also much more to offer. The steel stacks themselves are very interesting, Especially at night when they are lit up like a post-industrial steampunk apocalypse. (I came up with that description all by myself). If you love abandoned spaces that nature is reclaiming you will love this place. There's placards to tell you the history. And some of it is creepy. There have been deaths here due to unsafe working conditions. The unions were formed because of just such conditions. Additionally there's a neat if small playground with spinners and rocks to climb. Once you come down from the steel stacks and the kids need to run off some energy. There are bathrooms that are open at the visitors center even when the center closes. They are updated and large with handicapped and changing tables as well as Ramps to get in for handicapped accessibility. There are outdoor stages where on the weekends they have free concerts. The night we went there were food trucks and kiosks offering food at reasonable prices. There's also an indoor mall but we came too late last time to check it out. I want to go again and see this next time. We did have one incident that happened. As my nine year old son was walking by a lady and her dog the dog lunged forward and bit his leg. We moved away from them and sat down on the curb to make sure he was ok and IMMEDIATELY security and an EMT were there making sure he was ok. They gave him an ice pack, made sure he was ok (bruises no broken skin) and hunted the woman down from the crowd and talked to her and got her info. They got our info and were very kind. They were right on top of things. I might have had a bad visit if it weren't for their intervention but as it was they were super professional. They even talked my husband down who went into papa bear mode when his son got hurt if you know what I mean. I was pleased. And we will be back. Five stars.

Phillip Y.

I just went to the Maroon 5 concert last night at the SteelStack's Sands Steel Stage. It was amazing and even better than the night before at Susquehanna Bank Center. Here are some things to put in to perspective. SEATING We sat in Section 206 which was elevated so you get a great view of the stage rather than peering through people. SOUND Absolutely perfect and not too loud. I found myself loving this venue because everything was crystal clear. We could hear the music and the singing just fine. LIGHTS Wonderful use of lights here. Plus, there is a great skyline of the old relic Steel Furnaces which is cool with those blue and purple colors. SCREENS Even better use of the screens to see the band compared to Susquehanna Bank Park. It was nice to see things up close and also see the whole stage and backdrop. MUSIKFEST AT STEELSTACKS (August 6, 2011) 1. Food and drinks- I spent close to $20 on food and drinks and had to get those stupid food/drink tickets since vendors only took tickets. This was a major drag and had to actually figure out how many tickets to get before going to get food. Some vendors took both cash and tickets so that was better. I had a rautweurst sausage combo with fries and drink which was a total of 20 tickets ($10) plus $2 in change. I had roasted corn on the cob with parm, garlic, and pepper for 8 tickets ($4). A bottle of ice tea was 6 tickets ($3). 2. Free music- The Levitt Pavilion had some free music which was okay. No covered seats except for the ones near the food/drink ticket booth. We grabbed a table with a huge umbrella. My friend had a towel to wipe off the rain water. 3. Ponchos- I went to the ArtsQuest store to get ponchos for my friends. Within 15 minutes, I grabbed 4 ponchos and afterwards went for another which was already sold out. Each poncho will cost you $3 which is decent. I found out later that people were selling them at the Sands Stage later that night. 4. Will Call Tickets- There was a trailer to pick up tickets which was a bit inconvenient compared to the indoors front desk at ArtsQuest. Anyways, people were friendly enough and got my tickets. 5. Merchandise- You will find merchandise sold at each stage location. The one next to Levitt Pavilion is reasonable at $10 for t-shirt but only 1 medium left which was perfect for me. At the Sands Stage, merchandise for Maroon 5 started at $5 for a keychain, $10 for a can snuggie holder, $30 for a t-shirt, and $60 for a hoodie. I checked online and you are paying an extra $6 compared to Live Nation online store. Between the two, I would support the local PA band rather than Maroon 5 which already earns enough from my ticket sale. 6. Parking- You will find lots which will charge you $10 but we found one for free at the Northampton Community College campus just before the SteelStack campus entrance sign. A few cars parked and no signs about parking prohibited. Get there early since it will fill up. Plus, just a short walk to the SteelStack campus through the ArtsQuest and SteelStack staff parking. Follow the pathway through and look for the Steel Furnaces to guide you.

Scott D.

Awesome place!! Very spooky, too... You can only imagine how loud this place was back in the day.. Over 500 people were said to have been killed here during it's operation. Very dangerous work they did here. So, this is a must visit when you're in Bethlehem... Right before you head to the Sands.