Despite its relatively small size, the city of Allentown is one with some prominent importance in the state of Pennsylvania. With its proximity to major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and the state capital Harrisburg, Allentown is also one of the oldest towns in the state. Named after a man called William Allen, who was the former mayor of Philadelphia, Allentown has been around since 1751. It is said that General George Washington passed through the city during the revolutionary war and that the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British in a local church. Allentown is a great little city filled with some amazing things to check out, so if you’re around, here are the top things to do in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
1. See the variety blooms at Allentown Rose Gardens
The Allentown Rose Gardens, located less than 20 minutes away from Sayre Mansion, bloom into vibrant life during warm summer months. At this colorful haven, visitors can explore a scenic 1.3-mile (2.09-kilometers) loop, perfect for refreshing strolls or easy bike rides. With meticulously landscaped gardens, fountains, and a serene ambiance, the gardens offer an ideal escape for nature enthusiasts.
Its proximity to other attractions such as Pool Wildlife Sanctuary coupled with the blooming floral display and recreational opportunities, makes Allentown Rose Gardens a unique and delightful point of interest in Pennsylvania.
Allentown Rose Gardens
Address: Allentown, PA 18104, United States
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 24 hours; Sun: 12pm - 4am
Price: Free
2. Enjoy a great bowling day at Jordan Lanes
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Duel pattern getting put down for todays PJBT Tournament
Posted by The New Jordan Lanes on Saturday, April 8, 2023
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a friendly match with your tribe, Jordan Lanes in Lehigh Valley is the place to be. This family-friendly recreation center boasts 40 bowling lanes and 10 billiard tables in a non-smoking, relaxed setting. It makes for an ideal spot for affordable family fun or casual gatherings.
The venue also boasts a food and bar area with a full menu, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, Jordan Lanes caters to private parties and events to provide a versatile space for celebrations.
The Jordan Lanes
Address: 731 Jordan Pkwy, Whitehall, PA 18052
Website: The Jordan Lanes
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 1am
3. Learn about automotive history at America On Wheels Museum
America On Wheels Museum has been around for over two decades, and it is dedicated to preserving and informing the public about America’s automotive history. The museum is host to a number of interesting galleries and has exhibits on a number of floors, including a rotating exhibits section on their second floor. There is a collection of over 75 bikes, motorcycles, cars, and trucks as well as an art gallery.
America On Wheels Museum
Address: 5 N Front St, Allentown, PA 18102, United States
Website: America On Wheels Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 7 - 12 USD
4. Explore the local art scene at Allentown Art Museum
Allentown Art Museum is a popular destination, not only for residents of Allentown but also for the region’s art enthusiasts. The museum was opened in the 1930s by local artists, and over the years, the whole museum grew and received more funding that allowed it to expand even more. For a small city like Allentown, the museum is pretty big, housing over 19,000 works of art as well as 16,000 library titles and 40 different periodicals. Allentown Art Museum is a massive resource for art in the region, and it is a must-visit for any art lover visiting Allentown.
Allentown Art Museum
Address: 31 N 5th St, Allentown, PA 18101, United States
Website: Allentown Art Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 10 - 12 USD
5. Stroll along the canal at Allentown Canal Park
If you’re looking for a free and easy way to pass an afternoon in Allentown, then definitely head to the lovely Canal Park. The park is located right by the Lehigh River, and if you’re in the mood for some leisurely activities, don’t be afraid to rent a canoe or kayak and head out onto the water itself. Of course, if you’re looking to stay on dry land, then the several walking paths throughout the park allow a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life and allow for a pleasant walk through some of Allentown’s nicest green spaces.
Canal Park
Address: 101 E Walnut St, Allentown, PA 18109, United States
Website: Canal Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Have some fun at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is Allentown’s most popular and fun amusement park. The park has been around since the 1980s and it is the perfect place for an outing with the family or maybe some friends looking for a few thrills. The park has several water rides and attractions as well as some iconic roller coasters. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is home to Steel Force, which is one of the longest roller coasters in the world. Wildwater Kingdom is the waterpark section of the area, and it has water slides, wave pools, and several other water-based attractions.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Address: 3830 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA 18104, United States
Website: Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 40 USD
7. Go for a walk in Trexler Memorial Park
A popular green destination for the locals of Allentown. Trexler Memorial Park is a scenic old park with tons of shade, trees, and paths for walking and jogging. There are also bike paths and amenities like restrooms and a duck pond. If you’re into cycling, there are bike paths along the trails as well.
Trexler Memorial Park
Address: 155 Springhouse Rd, Allentown, PA 18104, United States
Website: Trexler Memorial Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Learn about America's best trucks at Mack Trucks Historical Museum
Mack trucks have been around since the turn of the 20th century. Although the company was originally founded in Brooklyn, New York, the Mack brothers moved their operations to Allentown in 1905, and now, Mack Trucks Historical Museum hosts a wide variety of Mack truck models from the ages. Check out the old engines and models and learn about the use of Mack trucks around the world. Mack Trucks Historical Museum has a host of archives available for research and simply for the truck enthusiasts out there.
Mack Trucks Historical Museum
Address: 2402 Lehigh Pkwy S, Allentown, PA 18103, United States
Website: Mack Trucks Historical Museum
Opening hours: Wed: 10am - 4pm; Fri: 10am - 4pm; Mon: 10am - 4pm (closed on Thu, Sat, Sun & Tue)
Price: Free
9. Enjoy the serenity of nature at Lehigh Parkway
Lehigh Parkway is one of the largest public parks in Allentown. The area is one of the best green spaces in the city, with plenty of trees and running paths along with bike paths and numerous spots around the area for recreation. Fishing is permitted on the river, and there is a shooting range in the park. The Museum of Indian Culture is also located here.
Lehigh Parkway
Address: Lehigh Parkway E, Allentown, PA 18103, United States
Website: Lehigh Parkway
Opening hours: 5:30am - 9:45pm (daily)
Price: Free
10. Learn all about science at the Da Vinci Science Center
The Da Vinci Science Center is Allentown’s go-to destination for everything science. It’s a great place for people traveling with the family and it is also fun for the whole family. The Da Vinci Science Center is pretty big, and it offers a wide array of hands-on exhibits catering to tons of different science-based disciplines like engineering, computer science, physics, wildlife, and nature.
Da Vinci Science Center
Address: 3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass, Allentown, PA 18103, United States
Website: Da Vinci Science Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: 15 USD
11. Get a taste of colonial America at the Liberty Bell Museum
During the American revolution, Allentown became an unknowing participant in the fight against the British. After Washington’s defeat at the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777, the city of Philidelphia was left defenseless. The Liberty Bell was taken down and moved under the cover of night by two men, and hidden in the Zion Reformed Church in Allentown. Now the church is a museum dedicated to the liberty bell and exhibits that offer information on the American Revolution.
Liberty Bell Museum
Address: 622 W. Hamilton Street Allentown, Pennsylvania 18102
Website: Liberty Bell Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 2 USD
12. Learn about the history of Lehigh Valley at Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum
Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum dates back to 1904, and it is an integral part of the Lehigh community. The museum is not only dedicated to the preservation of the history of Lehigh county but to many facets of life in the region, with over 30,000 different artifacts. The museum spans the history of the founding of the city, to the native people who lived here before as well as the history of American presidents.
Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum
Address: 432 West Walnut Street Allentown, Pennsylvania 18102
Website: Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4am (closed on Mon)
Price: 3 - 8 USD
Quaint and historic Allentown
The city of Allentown might not be as big as nearby Philadelphia or New York, but the city is a place with a lot of importance. From its earliest days to its time during the American Revolution to the present, Allentown is filled with amazing small-town character and big city fun.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to