Lehigh: Discover Nature, Technology and History

Lehigh can be explored through a wide range of interests: getting active on a long paved trail, protected wildlife, interactive science, and technology and industrial history. When planning, you can group destinations by the focus you have in mind. The Ironton Rail Trail offers several ways to get active; museums, wildlife destinations, and the amusement park each offer a different experience.

Getting Active on the Ironton Rail Trail

The Ironton Rail Trail stretches for more than nine miles. Its surface is wide and level; the trail is paved and suitable for cycling, inline skating, walking, and jogging. It is a practical way to fit some activity into your stay. All four activities share the same trail surface, but differ in how you might like to explore it.

Nature and Wildlife

Trexler Nature Preserve is a 1,108-acre public park in Lehigh County. It protects endangered bison and elk. Lehigh Valley Zoo offers a different scale: this 29-acre wildlife sanctuary is home to approximately 340 animals representing 130 species. While the preserve is noted for protecting bison and elk, the zoo's figures give an idea of the diversity of species found there.

At Lehigh Valley Zoo, you may have the chance to feed goats, sheep, swans, lorikeets, or giraffes, depending on the season; the animal encounters on offer may change. Free parking is available near the entrance. Before your visit, check the latest details about seasonal offerings and parking.

Museums and Industrial History

Lock Ridge Furnace was built in 1868 by the Lock Ridge Iron Company and operated as an ironworks from 1868 to 1921. These dates link its construction to its later years of operation and provide a clear historical context for the site. America On Wheels offers a different way to explore history: the transportation museum features rare vehicles and interactive exhibits for all ages.

The Museum of Indian Culture was founded in 1980 as an educational and resource center to share knowledge about Native American cultures. If you are weighing different themes for your visit, the options here include cultural learning and vehicle history, alongside transportation and industrial history.

Science, Exhibits and Amusement Park

The Da Vinci Science Center offers permanent experiences and changing traveling exhibitions. Its offerings also include interactive live science shows, demonstrations, and special events in the Science Theater. The “Lehigh River Watershed: Explore Nature Nearby” gallery focuses specifically on nature in the surrounding area. The center thus combines permanent experiences with changing exhibits and live programming.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom covers 200 acres and offers more than 100 rides, games, restaurants, and attractions in total. One way to trace the park's history is through The Whip: the ride was added to the park in 1920 and is now its oldest. Alongside the wide range of offerings, this single attraction, with its documented history, serves as a point of reference.

Visiting the Mack Trucks Historical Museum

A tour of the Mack Trucks Historical Museum is led by a Museum Ambassador and lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Before your visit, check whether reservations are available. Self-guided tours are only possible on open-house days; the arrangements for these days may change. If you plan to visit the museum, check in advance both the reservation options for guided tours and the open-house days for self-guided tours.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Laurys Station, Whitehall, Upper Saucon Township, Breinigsville, Allentown, Coopersburg, Northumberland, Washington.

For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.