Allentown is the third largest city in Pennsylvania, after Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. It lies along the Lehigh Valley’s winding river. It was once an industrial hub, but it’s been reinvented in recent years. The city is now well-known for its amusement parks, sporting events, and family-friendly attractions.
It was one of the first American cities to declare support for independence. However, the city ended up hiding Liberty Bell from British forces during the American Revolutionary War. The Queen City was transformed into a manufacturing and mining hub thanks to the Lehigh Canal’s opening. This helped America’s Industrial Revolution.
The city was hit hard by deindustrialization in the 1970s, but the hugely successful revival of the Central Business District, which took place in 2014, did much to turn the tide. Visitors will have plenty to do today in Allentown, with its beautiful history and outdoor spaces, and the top-class concerts and sporting activities at its new PPL Center.
14. Liberty Bell Museum
The Liberty Bell Museum offers a wealth of information about America’s history. The museum houses a exact reproduction of the famous bell and enthralling exhibits that explain how it was hidden beneath the floorboards in the building during the Revolutionary War.
The museum is located in central Zion. It occupies the area of Zion’s United Church of Christ, where the British stole the bell in 1777. You can also find interesting information on subjects such as freedom, liberty and colonialism.
Along with memorabilia from Pip, the Mouse puppet, old flags, uniforms, and hand-painted wall murals will be on display. After taking photos of the bell’s iconic sound, visitors can actually hear the sound echo around the room by ringing it.
13. Mack Trucks Historical Museum
Lehigh Valley/WikipediaMack Trucks Historical museum is a great place to visit if you are interested in vintage cars. The company’s southwest corner location allows you to explore old equipment, artifacts and vintage trucks.
The massive manufacturer company has an insignificant presence in Allentown. However, the headquarters of its manufacturing division were located here for just more than a century. Visitors have had the opportunity to see thousands of old photos, as well as learn about the many makes and models that it produced since 1984.
It is worth the effort to wander around all of the semi-tractors and shiny trucks, as well as artillery models, open-air buses and artillery models. Its excellent audio guide, as well as tours led by retired engineers and mechanics will provide additional information about the impressive trucks in front of you.
12. Allentown Art Museum
Allentown Art MuseumThe Allentown Art Museum is another cultural institution worth visiting. It is located right near downtown and features a variety of amazing paintings, photographs, sculptures, and prints. The majority of the museum’s focus is on local artists.
It was established in 1934. The extensive collection, which includes 19,000 artworks, is housed in a magnificent neoclassical building. A more recent addition almost doubles its floor area. The galleries are light and spacious and display Japanese textiles as well as eclectic curiosities and Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces.
Loads American artists are also featured alongside European and Asian counterparts. The museum boasts a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed room, which is one of the most notable sights.
11. Model Train Exhibit
DreamstimeThe Model Train Exhibit is a fun and family-friendly spot to visit. It covers a lot of Merchants Square Mall. Its trains come alive every half hour and travel along 18,000 feet worth of track, passing intricately-detailed little towns and elaborate citiesscapes.
The exhibit features more than 40 model railways and countless pedestrians, cars, and buses. Amazingly, the railway display features over 1000 different structures, including ski areas, skating rinks, amusement parks, and drive-in movies.
Around 30,000 lights are used to illuminate skyscrapers and other structures. Thunder, rain, and lightning add to this spectacular scene. You can either wait for the show to resume or watch it, but you’ll still be able to browse the many shops that sell comics, collectibles, and antiques at the mall.
10. Lehigh Valley Zoo
Explore Lehigh Valley/FlickrThe Lehigh Valley Zoo, located thirty minutes north of Allentown is another favorite among families. There are many things to see and marvel at in the Trexler Nature Preserve.
It was established in 1906 in order to preserve bison, white-tailed and elk populations. The zoo opened only in the seventies. It has seen an increase in its size and number of exotic animals, with more than 300 species living within the spacious enclosures.
Beautiful birds, reptiles, and other animals will be on display. There are often picnic spots and playgrounds scattered around the park that allow for penguin and otter shows, as well as feeding sessions.
9. Allentown Rose Gardens
c) ShutterstockCedar Creek Park is a peaceful and picturesque spot to relax. The scenic gardens are a haven of tranquility in the heart of the city, despite being close to the West End Theater District as well the Allentown Fairgrounds.
The garden is lovingly designed with beautiful flowerbeds, pavilions, and reflective lakes in mind. It’s an ideal spot for people who love to cycle, walk and photograph the beautiful natural beauty.
It is beautiful at all times of the year. However, it’s best to go in June or July when there are thousands of roses.
8. Coca-Cola Park
Michael Stokes/FlickrThe Coca-Cola Park, which has been awarded the Best Sports Park in America is the best place for an entertaining sporting event. It is just 10 minutes drive from downtown, and the home of Lehigh Valley IronPigs minor league baseball team.
The intimate arena was opened in 2008 and has been praised by its superb sightlines, great atmosphere, and large variety of food choices. The mascot, concession stands and stores all keep the theme of the “pig”, but the iconic Coca-Cola Coca-Cola bottle fires off fireworks after home runs.
Live entertainment is available between innings to keep the crowd entertained and children enthused. It is well worth the effort to catch a thrilling game at the Triple-A Philadelphia Phillies affiliate.
7. Dutch Springs
Explore Lehigh Valley/FlickrDutch Springs, after all that excitement is over, offers the perfect spot for you to relax or take a dip in the warm water. The aquapark is located just 15 minutes from Coca-Cola Park and offers a variety of watersports, inflatables, and ropes courses that visitors can try.
It is located in an abandoned quarry and offers everything you need, including giant floating icebergs, bouncy water trampolines, and challenging obstacle courses. There are also climbing walls, ziplines, and climbing walls. This well-known recreation area is known for the spectacular scuba diving, with wrecks from old school buses and boats lying underneath the shimmering lake.
Dutch Springs is a wonderful day trip for the whole family thanks to its many attractions and tranquil lakeside picnic areas.
6. Da Vinci Science Center
WikipediaThe Da Vinci Science Center is as educational and entertaining as it gets. It features many interactive exhibits, lots of experiments and hands-on activities. It is located just south of Allentown Rose Gardens and occupies an enormous modern building on Cedar Crest College’s campus.
The state-of the-art science center was opened for the first time in 1992. It covers both engineering and physics. There are two levels of engaging and accessible exhibits that cover topics like forces, motion, energy, and electricity. All are encouraged to learn through touch and play.
You can experience earthquakes and hurricanes by crawling in a pitch-black 72-foot tunnel. There are also video games, animation stations and aquariums.
5. PPL Center
c) ShutterstockThe PPL Center is a great spot to see a game, or take in a concert. It’s located right in the middle of downtown. It is home to Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League. It also hosts a variety of sporting events, entertainment, and thrilling performances throughout the year.
The arena, which was part of an even larger project to redevelop the centre, was finished in 2014. The Phantoms season typically lasts between early October and mid-April. However, there are many other events you can attend if your interest is not in fast-paced, frenetic hockey.
The multipurpose facility hosts indoor basketball, football and midget car racing. It also houses stage productions as well as symphony orchestras. The centre has hosted many big-name acts, including Elton John and Bon Jovi, Shania Twain, Santana, and Michael Buble.
4. Allentown Farmers Market
The Allentown Farmers Market is a colorful, chaotic event that features dozens upon stalls and stands laden with produce, fresh vegetables, and other food items for shoppers to browse. It is held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Allentown Fairgrounds. The lively, yet relaxed atmosphere attracts both locals and tourists.
It was established in 1953 and has seen more than 60 friendly vendors and farmers hawk their products every week. Other than fresh fruits and vegetables, there are many other vendors that sell baked goods as well as artisanal cheeses, seafood and even meats.
There are many food stands and bistros selling delicious dishes and treats from around the world at this bustling market. Here you will also find phone accessories, vintage antiques and handmade gifts.
3. America On Wheels Museum
Klaus Nahr/FlickrThe America On Wheels Museum is located at the other end of town, just across from the science center and rose gardens. It not only has a large collection of old vehicles but also offers many interesting exhibits about the history and development of wheelsed transport in America.
The museum overlooks the Lehigh River and occupies an area that was once an industrial site. There are approximately 75 motorbikes, cars, trucks, and automobiles crammed into the three galleries for visitors to enjoy. Information plaques provide information about the fine details of each vehicle, their origins and purpose.
It is amazing to see all of the old bikes, trucks, cars and motorcycles, but the real highlight is the historic gas-powered carriage, which dates back 1889. It was the original American vehicle of this type. The carriage could be only driven at night to avoid scaring horses.
2. Allentown Fish Hatchery
Allie Caulfield/FlickrThe Allentown Fish Hatchery may seem like an odd attraction but it is one of the most visited places in the city. You can see the beauty of the surrounding nature and feed the trout in the ponds.
The Lil’ Le-Hi Trout Hatchery is located in Little Lehigh Park, just a few minutes from the municipal airport. The fresh water contains large numbers of Brook, Brown and Rainbow trout. Once you put food in, the fish will mass at the surface.
It is an ideal spot for those who want to get out of their routine and enjoy the beauty and tranquility that surrounds the hatchery.
1. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
c) ShutterstockOne of the top attractions in the region is Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, which are located midway between Emmaus and Allentown. It offers more than 60 thrilling rides, rollercoasters and a wet-water park.
The amusement park was founded in 1884 and covers a large area. There are thrill rides for adults, but also calmer ones for kids. Apart from the seemingly endless Steel Force coaster it is home to, the 1923 Thunderhawk is a standout attraction. It is one of the most famous rollercoasters anywhere in the world.
You will also find delicious restaurants and live entertainment venues right next to playgrounds, picnic areas, and Planet Snoopy. Wildwater Kingdom’s slides, splashpads, and pools will keep you cool after trying all of the rides.
A Map of Things to Do In Allentown, PA
Faqs
Allentown is known for many things, including its award-winning park system, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs baseball team, and its rich Pennsylvania Dutch history.
Allentown, Pennsylvania
———————–
Founded
Incorporated
Founded by
Named for
– Lower Macungie Township. Population: 32,626.
– Bushkill Township. Population: 8,574.
– Upper Nazareth Township. Population: 6,975.
– Lower Nazareth Township. Population: 6,468.
– Upper Saucon Township. Population: 17,139.
– Upper Milford Township.
– Nazareth.
– South Whitehall Township.
Well it seems Queen City dates back to the early 1900’s. It’s believed to have come from a competition hosted by the Allentown Chamber of Commerce. The winning entry was said to be Queen City. “Allentown is definitely royalty and we live up to its name here.”16-Apr-2010
Allentown was originally named Northamptontown by its founder, Chief Justice of Colonial Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court, William Allen. Allen, also a former Mayor of Philadelphia and successful businessman, drew up plans for the rural village in 1762.
Allentown is known for many things, including its award-winning park system, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs baseball team, and its rich Pennsylvania Dutch history.