Last updated: 2025-04-22
Bethlehem’s indoor attractions offer a vibrant escape from Pennsylvania’s unpredictable weather, showcasing the city’s rich industrial heritage and creative spirit through world-class museums, art centers, and unique cultural spaces.
From the historic SteelStacks to intimate performance venues like Touchstone Theatre, these indoor destinations provide engaging experiences that celebrate the Lehigh Valley’s artistic and historical depth.
Discover Bethlehem’s hidden indoor treasures now!
Featured Indoor Activities in Bethlehem
- SteelStacks
- National Museum of Industrial History
- Banana Factory Arts Center
- Zoellner Arts Center
- Lost River Caverns (Hellertown)
- The Bookstore Speakeasy
- Sigal Museum (Easton)
- Bethlehem Public Library
- Touchstone Theatre
- Lehigh University Art Galleries
Banana Factory Arts Center
What to Expect
Multi-disciplinary visual arts education and exhibition space
Description
ArtsQuest's Banana Factory Arts Center offers comprehensive visual arts experiences with classrooms for hot glass, digital and traditional photography, ceramics, painting, sculpture, jewelry making, and digital design. The center provides hands-on art workshops, exhibitions, and creative learning opportunities across multiple artistic disciplines.
Where: Bethlehem | More Info: Banana Factory Arts Center
Bethlehem Public Library
What to Expect
Multi-location library system with digital and physical resource integration
Description
A comprehensive public library offering multiple locations in Bethlehem, including Main Library, South Side Branch, and Coolidge satellite location. Provides diverse resources like e-books, digital magazines, streaming services, and community-focused events including children's storytimes, workshops, and educational programs.
Where: Bethlehem | More Info: Bethlehem Public Library
Lehigh University Art Galleries
What to Expect
Centennial art collection with interdisciplinary research focus
Description
University art galleries showcasing diverse exhibitions across multiple spaces, including the Main Gallery and Lower Gallery. Houses a permanent collection of over 20,000 artworks, featuring faculty exhibitions, student-curated displays, and interdisciplinary art projects that connect visual arts with academic disciplines.
Where: Bethlehem | More Info: Lehigh University Art Galleries
Lost River Caverns (Hellertown)
What to Expect
Historic limestone cavern with underground river and extensive mineral collections
Description
Underground limestone cavern featuring guided walking tours that explore a natural cave system 116 feet below the surface. Visitors experience intricate rock formations including stalactites and stalagmites, with knowledgeable guides providing geological and historical insights about the cavern's unique environment.
Where: Hellertown | More Info: Lost River Caverns
National Museum of Industrial History
What to Expect
Smithsonian-affiliated museum with rare 1876 Industrial Collection
Description
The National Museum of Industrial History showcases over 200 artifacts exploring America's industrial evolution, highlighting innovations in iron, steel, textiles, and technology. Located in the former Bethlehem Steel Electric Repair Shop, the museum offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that reveal the stories behind transformative industrial machinery and technologies.
Where: Bethlehem | More Info: National Museum of Industrial History
Sigal Museum (Easton)
What to Expect
Comprehensive local history museum with diverse artifact collections
Description
The Sigal Museum preserves Northampton County's rich historical heritage through extensive artifact collections spanning pre-European settlement, decorative arts, textiles, and colonial furniture. Interactive exhibitions and docent-led tours offer immersive experiences in local and American history, with special children's programming highlighting regional cultural narratives.
Where: Easton | More Info: Sigal Museum
SteelStacks
What to Expect
Repurposed industrial steel mill transformed into cultural arts center
Description
SteelStacks is a dynamic cultural complex housed in a historic steel mill, offering diverse indoor entertainment experiences. The venue features multiple performance spaces, art galleries, film screenings, and live music venues. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, attend concerts, watch films, and participate in various artistic and cultural events.
Where: Bethlehem | More Info: SteelStacks
The Bookstore Speakeasy
What to Expect
Cocktail bar integrated with independent bookstore concept
Description
A cozy bar and bookstore hybrid in downtown Bethlehem offering craft cocktails alongside an extensive book collection. Patrons can enjoy intimate reading spaces, live literary events, and a curated selection of books while sipping unique beverages in a relaxed, intellectual atmosphere.
Where: Bethlehem | More Info: The Bookstore Speakeasy
Touchstone Theatre
What to Expect
Community-driven theatrical ensemble with youth playwriting focus
Description
Touchstone Theatre is a professional performance venue dedicated to original theatrical productions and community engagement. They specialize in producing innovative plays, hosting a Young Playwrights' Festival, and developing local theatrical talent through collaborative workshops and educational programs.
Where: Bethlehem | More Info: Touchstone Theatre
Zoellner Arts Center
What to Expect
University performing arts center with comprehensive multi-disciplinary programming
Description
Zoellner Arts Center offers a vibrant performing arts venue at Lehigh University, featuring diverse musical, theatrical, and artistic performances. Baker Hall hosts concerts by university ensembles including philharmonic, jazz, wind ensemble, and choral groups. The center provides a dynamic cultural hub for students and community members to experience high-quality multi-disciplinary arts programming.
Where: Bethlehem | More Info: Zoellner Arts Center
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