Bethlehem may not generate the same type of interest as nearby Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, but it’s still one of the most visited cities in the state of Pennsylvania. In fact, Bethlehem offers plenty of entertainment and sightseeing options, which might be one reason that it has grown to become the seventh largest city in the state.

Even with all of this growing going on around it, Bethlehem has done a great job of preserving its historic value. Here is a look at some of the most historic and visited sites in Bethlehem, all of which have helped to build up this historic city in Pennsylvania.

Colonial Industrial Quarter

One of the most historic landmarks in all of Pennsylvania is the Colonial Industrial Quarter. This historic neighborhood has massive homes and plantations that add to the rich value of Bethlehem. Be sure to bring a camera, as there will be plenty of chances for you to take photos of homes, mills, waterworks, and other landmarks. Keep in mind that visiting the Colonial Industrial Quarter is also a bit of a self-guided tour, so you’ll be able to go about things as you please.

St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

No matter what your religious beliefs may be, the St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is worth visiting during your time in Bethlehem. This beautiful cathedral offers plenty of stained glass windows and amazing interior design. You’ll be amazed with the intricacies that went into the development of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, which has now been on display for decades.

Heritage Trail

When you are in Bethlehem, you have all of the time in the world to decide what it is you want to do with your day. If you want to go along with the pace of things, head over to the Heritage Trail. This self-guided path is a historic landmark and point of interest. You can choose to hike, run, walk, or bike through the trails, which have been there for three centuries. The Heritage Trail just goes to show how beautiful Bethlehem can be and how much history is engrained in this town.

Burnside Plantation

In 1990, the Burnside Plantation in Bethlehem was added to the National Regiester of Historic Places. The 6.5-acre plantation has been part of Bethlehem since James Burnside bought the land in 1748. After building on the property, it has been passed through various owners. However, it remains one of the most historic, as well as longest lasting, buildings in all of Bethlehem.

Lehigh River

All along the Lehigh River is plenty of things to see and do in Bethlehem. As you near SteelStacks, you’ll see the old buildings that were once Bethlehem Steel Corporation. What was once the second-largest steel producer in the United States, Bethlehem Steel had an immeasurable impact on this city.

Bethlehem is often overlooked by some of the bigger cities in Pennsylvania. However, that is what allows it to offer quiet and quaint experiences that you can’t get in other parts of the state. With Bethlehem, you get the perfect mix of traditional and modern living, which makes it a great place for you to be.